A Classy American Gem: Mike and Judy Oliver’s Peterbilt 388

Words by Anthony John-Pier. Photography by C5 Photography. Originally published in Australian Custom Trucks, Issue 2, Summer 2013.

Mike and Judy Oliver’s Peterbilt 388 was a striking sight in Cloncurry. It left the Denton, Texas, factory as a plain green truck with a red chassis. By the time ACT visited, it wore a vivid green, purple and silver paint scheme, a forest of lights and polished stainless steel.

A Peterbilt connection stretching back decades

Mike’s association with the badge began in 1961, when he drove an imported three-quarter cab Peterbilt for Pioneer Asphalt in Townsville. The 388, with a 72-inch sleeper and 6.8-metre wheelbase, was a different proposition. It cost the couple well over half a million dollars, according to the original feature.

Judy and their son Allan designed the paint scheme. Rod Tickle of East Coast Airbrushing on the Gold Coast spent more than two weeks on the artwork. American Truckworks in Adelaide brought the truck into Australia and converted the cab to right-hand drive. The build took about five months.

Close view of the custom Peterbilt badge and purple airbrushed paint on the Olivers’ truck — The green, purple and silver custom paint on the Oliver Peterbilt. Photo: C5 Photography.

Built for work in the outback

The Olivers operated a small fleet of trucks and equipment from Cloncurry. Their Pete was a working road-train prime mover. Allan told ACT it had hauled triple trailers and was expected to return to quad work. The distinctive rig attracted attention when it first came home.

Its specification included a 600hp Cummins ISX, an 18-speed 20 Series Autoshift, Dana Spicer axles and Neway rear suspension. Inside were a double bed, television, DVD player, microwave and swivelling captain’s chairs. The family added Haire air suspension.

Front of Mike and Judy Oliver’s Peterbilt 388 with polished grille and custom bullbar — Custom front bar and polished grille on the Oliver Peterbilt. Photo: C5 Photography.

Mike said the truck had met their expectations, though the Cummins and some stainless work needed attention. The rough roads revealed weak points, but the family valued both its working ability and its finish.

Archive note: This story describes the truck and the Olivers’ operation as reported in Summer 2013. Specifications, ownership and business details may have changed.

Rear Vision — where is it now?

Do you know where the Olivers’ Peterbilt is today, or have a memory of seeing it on the road? Send ACT an update so we can add its next chapter.