Veteran truckie calls it quits

Truckie Peter Royter and his 1989 Scania 113M have both gracefully retired after a full life on the road, with the veteran Scania model – now with an impressive 5.3 million kilometres on its clock – awarded a prominent place at National Road Transport Hall of Fame in Alice Springs.

Royter acquired his first Scania, an LB80, in the late 1970s, and has since owned one 141 and two 142 models. Why only Scania? "Because I love Scania; ever since they entered Australia it's been the best truck," he says.

Royter purchased his 113M in 1992, but it was already in a dilapidated state. With the help of Coffs Harbour Scania dealer K & J Trucks, the truck was duly restored to mint condition.

"I knew that this was going to be my last truck before retirement and was therefore worth preserving," he says.

Incredibly, that one truck has gone on to register 5.3 million kilometres, although Royter himself has many more under his 67-year-old belt.

Four years ago, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition of his long driving career, which he began at the age of 17.

"They expressed an interest in my truck and now it's in Alice Springs," he says.

"The Hall of Fame felt that it was so spectacular that it has earned a place not in the museum but a more publicly visible place. It's a glamorous truck with a lot of accessories."

Royter says he doesn't regret having donated his marvel to the Hall of Fame.

"It was wise to donate the truck to posterity; it will be there forever," he says.

"In 20 years' time, people will see it and think, goodness me – what a truck. They simply don't make trucks like they used to."