Stellar Show ’n’ Shine lineup at Brisbane Truck Show

A total of 28 of Australia’s most epic classic and custom trucks have been locked in for the inaugural Silverback Show ’n’ Shine National Championship, to be held alongside the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show as part of Truck Week 25.

The unrivalled lineup of trucks – which are being revealed on the Brisbane Truck Show Facebook page in the lead up to the show – includes an impressive array of iconic brands, including Kenworth, Mack, Western Star, Volvo, Scania, Peterbilt, White and even a 1991 Ford LLT 9000!

To be staged on Little Stanley Street on the edge of South Bank Parklands, the first-ever showcase of Australia’s best blinged-up trucks will feature rigs drawn from the winner’s circle of the top community-based show ’n’ shine events held around the country – Koroit, Castlemaine and Alexandra in Victoria, Bathurst and Casino in NSW, Brisbane’s Convoy For Kids and Matty Hillcoat’s Truckies Day Out in Queensland, and the Mack Muster & Truck Show in WA.

As well as getting to check out these amazing works of art first-hand, Brisbane Truck Show attendees will also have the chance to vote for what they believe is the best truck on show – the People’s Choice Champion 2025, sponsored by Slattery Auctions. A panel of experts will also choose the Champion of Champions 2025 award for what they judge to be the best truck on show.

Curator Warren Aitken, a well-known custom truck fanatic, says he’s “stoked” with the final lineup for the 2025 Silverback Show ’n’ Shine National Championship.

“I’ve spent most of my life surrounded by trucks, either driving, shining or photographing them, and I know the pride drivers take in their rides,” he says.

“Being able to celebrate and acknowledge the quality of eight regional shows by inviting their champions to the National Show ’n’ Shine Championship is a great recognition for all those shows.

“The exposure for the owners and drivers of these amazing rigs will be second to none.

“They will all be stepping up their game when it comes to preparing these king rigs, meaning the general public and all those attending the Brisbane Truck Show are in for a heck of a display.

“The top 28 is an elite club, made up of the best of the best. And mark my words, the competition for the 2025 National Show ’n’ Shine Champion will be intense.”

Silverback Managing Director Nelson Woodbury adds that a truck is more than just a vehicle, “it’s a testament to the grit and unstoppable spirit of the industry that keeps Australia moving”.

“We are excited to be behind the inaugural National Championship that showcases only the best trucks from around the country. It is a true Battle of the Beasts, and the winner will be rightly crowned the Champion of Champions,” the company says.

HVIA CEO Todd Hacking agrees, noting the inaugural Silverback Show ’n’ Shine National Championship is more than just an impressive spectacle of bling, chrome and exhaust stacks.

“In a way these trucks, and their incredibly passionate owners, are ambassadors for the industry,” he says.

“They are the front line of what is great about the industry and most importantly the reason they exist.

“These amazing, award-winning trucks are a visual reminder of the hard work that is put in for our community to have access to fresh produce, shelter, schools and universities, access to first-grade medical equipment and other necessities of life, and we are excited to have them take part in this year’s Truck Show festivities.

What’s more, Todd says the National Championship is also a celebration of the amazing regional and rural truck shows and show ’n’ shines around the country, who do a fantastic job of spreading the passion and love for the transport industry.

“They’re pillars of many communities and the inspiration for our new addition to the Brisbane Truck Show,” he says.