The Original Bulldog Goes To Las Vegas

[rhasler]

News release from Mack Trucks, should be of some interest:

GREENSBORO, NC (March 17, 2011) – The truck that established Mack Trucks, Inc.’s reputation for durability and reliability is headed to Las Vegas. The original “Bulldog” – a 1916 Mack AC model – will be showcased at the Mack booth (South Hall, #9011) during the CONEXPO-CON/AGG show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, March 22-26.

“There’s no bulldog on the hood of this early truck, but it’s the truck that gave Mack its Bulldog-tough identity,” said Mike Reardon, Mack vice president, marketing.

When World War I broke out, the tough AC Model with its chain drive rear axle was called upon to help accomplish nearly impossible civilian and military tasks. During the war, Mack delivered approximately 3,000 AC Models of the 3 1/2, 5 1/2, and 7 1/2 ton capacity to the United States government and its allies.

The AC truck earned the nickname “Bulldog” from British soldiers while it was busy dodging bullets and trudging through the mud in France. The truck’s unique blunt-nosed design and its tenacious ability to get through anything with the supplies needed at the front reminded British troops of their own bulldogs. When they faced difficult terrain or a situation that called for the most reliable trucks, it is said that British soldiers would call out, “Aye, send in the Mack Bulldogs!”

The AC model, manufactured continuously through 1938, played a large role in the WWI Allied effort, and made an even larger contribution to the trucking industry during its last 20 years of production. The AC became the standard of the construction industry, as well as other applications that required a high performance, rugged vehicle. Construction of skyscrapers, subways and dams as well as logging, mining and heavy general hauling in most cases were done with AC Model Mack trucks.

The Mack AC to be in Las Vegas is the first one ever built. It was initially displayed at the Boston Auto Show in January 1916. This truck's permanent home is the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum in Walcott, Iowa.

“The AC gave Mack international fame,” said Reardon. “Today, decades later, people around the world continue to feel strongly connected to this iconic brand.”

Current models – including the MACK® Granite® series and Titan by Mack on display at CONEXPO – are obviously very different than the AC model.

“Today’s Mack trucks feature the latest powertrain, safety and efficiency technologies and cab comforts,” said Reardon. “But our commitment to reliability, durability and getting the job done has remained unchanged.”

[Superdog]

Sure hope Mack sends a truck to haul the AC to Vegas,Iowa 80 bought a damn Volvo to haul their trucks with a couple years ago.It would be a long and embarassing ride for that proud AC.

[BAD DOG]

My boss went to Conexpo this week.

[rhasler]

My boss went to Conexpo this week.

Tell him to take picture, plenty of pictures. We need pictures.