A Trio of Early ’50s Trucks Tells a Bigger Story
A recent glance across our workshops reveals an intriguing sight. Lined up in various stages of restoration and refinement are three early-1950s trucks, each built within a year or two of the other, and each with its own distinct story.
Interestingly, this trio represents just a third of the truck and pickup projects currently underway at Finch. From classic Bedfords to custom Maple Leafs and rare Sentinels, trucks are a growing part of the Finch landscape. They arrive from all over the country—proof that our experience extends far beyond classic cars and motorcycles.
1951 Bedford ‘K’ Dropside Lorry (UK/WA/SA)
Recently imported into Western Australia following a full restoration in the UK, this Bedford ‘K’ Type has come to Finch for some minor crash repairs. Built in post-war Britain, the 'K' Type was designed as a reliable commercial workhorse—honest, robust, and full of character.
Its arrival at Finch continues a journey that spans continents and decades, now bringing it into the care of our Adelaide workshops.
1951/1952 Chevrolet Maple Leaf (NSW)
Approaching project completion is this striking Chevrolet Maple Leaf—a Canadian-built truck reimagined with modern underpinnings. This resto-mod project blends heritage styling with contemporary performance for its NSW owner, offering the best of both worlds: vintage form, modern function.
Underneath, it runs a 2015 Hino driveline and suspension, powered by a Chev 350 V8. It’s a seamless blend of old and new—tailored for usability, without compromising character.
1950 Sentinel Diesel 8-Ton Lorry (WA/Vic)
This Sentinel is something truly special. Built in Shrewsbury, England in 1950, it's believed to be the only example of its kind in Australia. Of the 1,200 Sentinel diesel trucks and buses produced between 1948 and 1955, just 26 are known to survive—and only 13 are currently roadworthy, all located in the UK. Until now.
Rescued from a country paddock in Victoria by its passionate West Australian owner, Tim, the Sentinel has recently arrived at Finch for full restoration. His goal: to see this colonial lorry returned to the road, and welcomed into the global community of surviving Sentinels.
These three projects are more than just machines—they are testaments to Australia’s diverse automotive heritage, and to the trust that owners across the country place in Finch. We are proud to bring our craft to trucks, pickups, and commercial vehicles as much as we are to cars and bikes.
Trucking Gallery
