"HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY" to my Albion chassis No. 361A

[lynx42]

I took the restored chassis back to where it came from. A W Smith and Sons Leongatha. To show old Bert and his brother Clarrie who was the last person to drive her.

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I the commenced the building of the body using the body builders blueprints I received from the Albion company in 1971.

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Rick

[lynx42]

In 1983 the Albion was used in the first big Australian TV production, a 10 hour story called “The ANZACS” here it is on set in a ‘French village’.

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And also with a 1916 Talbot ambulance for company on site.

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A vintage lane in England? No our driveway a few years ago.

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So where is she today, On loan to the Bandiana Military Museum where it has been for a number of years. She was on display at the Australian War Memorial for 3 ½ years before going to Bandiana.

We often get her out for a run and will see her for a belated birthday drink in a couple of weeks.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY 361A”

PS.. 361A was used to promote the then new Unimog on their acceptance into the Australian Army all those years ago.

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Here also is a page from 1916.

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Regards Rick and Jill.

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Rick

That is a real bench mark in the military vehicle community. The vehicle and you are lucky to have so much of the truck's history documented and photographed. Do you have all this on a display board to put out when the truck is on display, make good read for the general public to put the truck in context.

Cheers Phil

[Wayne Hingley]

Thank you for sharing this story with such detail Rick. Very impressive recovery and restoration of this unique vehicle. Happy 100!

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by lynx42

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY 361A”

I'll second that!

Thanks Rick and Jill for saving and restoring this great old truck

Hanno

[hrpearce]

Quite a milestone in the Albion's life, thanks for sharing.

[Peter Duggan]

Rick,

Excellent story, you have great taste in the vehicles that you have saved and restored.

Peter

[Private_collector]

Hey, I know that truck!
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Looks even more impressive in person.

[Mike K]

Rick

Do you have the acetylene headlights fitted to the Albion ?

FJ Holdens, yes they were a cheap first car back then , usually could be got for around $50 or less . I remember going to help somebody pickup a FJ sedan, it was ten bucks .

[Tony Wheeler]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Hey, I know that truck! Looks even more impressive in person.

It's even more impressive on the move Tony! I recall my first encounter while driving through Corowa - upon exiting the roundabout my progress was blocked by a large green contraption travelling at an unhurried 10 mph. I sat close behind all the way to the caravan park, totally mesmerized by giant spinning sprockets and flapping drive chains!

Later of course as I became fully acquainted it struck me what a truly historic vehicle this is, and what a visionary project on Rick's part way back in the '70s, when everyone else was into jeeps! Congratulations Rick and HAPPY BIRTHDAY 361A

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