A piece of trucking history has found a new home at the Mack Trucks Historical Museum, thanks to the remarkable efforts of Grayce Emmick, an eighth-generation farmer and passionate restoration enthusiast.
Bringing a Classic Back to Life
The 1984 Mack R Model, originally custom-built for Johnny Prescott and Son Oil in Concord, New Hampshire, holds a special place in Mack’s legacy. For Grayce, restoring it was more than just a challenge; it was a personal mission.
“I’ve always preferred older trucks over new, and to me, there is nothing cooler than an old dog that looks new,” said Emmick. “Growing up around Mack trucks made it easy to fall in love with the brand. The first Mack I sat behind the wheel of is a 1985 R Model that has been on our farm since 1992.”
The year-long restoration project showcased a delicate balance of preserving history while incorporating subtle modern updates. The truck still boasts its original steering wheel cap, engraved with “Custom Built for Johnny Prescott Oil Co.,” and vintage Mack bulldog mirror ornaments featuring their distinctive long ears and tails. It’s a stunning example of how tradition can meet innovation.
An Icon in the World of Trucking
Doug Maney, curator of the Mack Trucks Historical Museum, hailed the significance of this restoration effort.
“The Mack R Model series is iconic in trucking history, creating the benchmark for American transportation from 1965 and maintaining it through the mid-2000s,” Maney explained. “The fact that our trucks are not just dependable tools is reinforced by the R model, generating a source of pride for their owners. Grayce’s influence and hands-on effort, preserving original details while thoughtfully modernizing others, helps us tell the story of Mack’s heritage and the evolution of trucking in America.”
Powered by Passion and Community
The restoration was made possible by the enthusiastic support of Mack fans and the trucking community. Jim Rymes of J & H Rymes and Daughters in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, donated the truck used as the base of the project. Gregg Hoffman with Underdog Transport in Bangor, Pennsylvania, volunteered to haul the truck to Grayce’s farm in Kentucky for the restoration.
“Mack fans are loyal, dedicated, and supportive,” said Maney. “The Mack brand roots itself into people just as it has American and world history.”
It didn’t stop there. Grayce’s partner, Gavin Spoor, also contributed to the project by donating a fifth wheel from his own truck, a vehicle that played a pivotal role in their relationship during a memorable 10-hour drive from Texas.
“Mack Trucks has been an integral part of my story, and being able to donate to their legacy is nothing short of empowering to me,” Grayce reflected.
Preserving History for Future Generations
The restored Mack R Model isn’t just a truck; it’s a testament to the fusion of craftsmanship and passion, bridging generational gaps in the trucking industry.
“We’re honored to welcome this historic R Model into our collection,” said Maney. “What makes this donation particularly special is how it bridges generations, combining the craftsmanship of Mack’s past with the passion of a young enthusiast who understands the importance of preserving our trucking heritage. It will serve as an inspiring example to museum visitors of Mack’s enduring quality and the continuing legacy of our favorite brand.”
A Restoration Journey Captured on Video
The restoration process unfolded publicly through a YouTube series, allowing viewers to follow Grayce’s meticulous work step by step. Through triumphs and challenges, the series emphasized the importance of learning by doing, a value Grayce holds close to her heart.
“Through the restoration series and seeing the end result in the museum, I hope visitors and viewers can appreciate the learning process,” she explained. “Nobody wants to learn the hard way, but sometimes that’s necessary to understand your limits, what you need to improve on, and how you can do better.”
A Farm with a Rich History
Grayce’s restoration work is deeply rooted in her personal history. As part of the eighth generation to run Emmick Farms, established in 1813 along the Ohio River in Lewisport, Kentucky, she carries on a legacy that spans more than two centuries. The farm, known for its corn, soybeans, and winter wheat, is steeped in history. Its riverbank was once home to Abraham Lincoln’s ferry business, where Abraham Lincoln won his first court case, forever shaping his political career.
Mack Trucks Historical Museum
The restored 1984 Mack R Model now proudly resides in the Mack Trucks Historical Museum, located within the Mack Experience Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This nonprofit museum celebrates its 40-year history of preserving and showcasing Mack’s invaluable contributions to American industry.
The 15,000-square-foot facility houses an impressive collection of 30 operational vintage vehicles, alongside archives that hold over 40 million pages of documents detailing Mack’s role in pivotal moments, from World War I to iconic infrastructure projects such as the Hoover Dam and the New York City subway system.
Visitors to the museum can now view Grayce’s remarkable restoration effort in person, joining the museum’s lineup of historical artifacts that tell the story of Mack’s dedication to excellence and innovation.
For more information about the Mack Trucks Historical Museum and its latest addition, visit Mack Trucks Historical Museum.
Source: The Trucker
Image: Grayce Emmick (Source: Mack)
