Motor Truck - International AR 160, Harry Johns Boxing Troupe, 1954-1969

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Summary:: Alternative Name(s): Truck International AR Series 160
Harry Johns was a boxing and wrestling entrepreneur who toured the agricultural shows of Australia?s eastern states between the 1930s and 1960s. This vehicle reflects his lengthy involvement in the business. The cabin and chassis from the International AR 160 Series were purchased new by Johns around 1954; the rear body section was grafted from his previous truck.

The vehicle blends social and technological significance on a national scale. Travelling boxing troupes can be traced to the late 1800s, but it was not until road transport improved that troupes became a regular feature of country shows. Instead of relying on rail and local transport, Johns? troupe could travel direct from show to show, his truck a travelling advertisement carrying several tons of set-up equipment. It was donated to the Museum by Harry Johns Jnr and Francesca Rose in 1996 and has been conserved to represent the condition in which it was last used in 1969.
Acquisition Information:: Donation from Mrs Francesca Rose, 1996

Tagged with:	aboriginal people, agricultural shows, boxing, boxing troupes, itinerant work, rural victoria, sport
Themes this item is part of:	Harry Johns Boxing Troupe Collection, Leisure Collection, Sustainable Futures Collection, Transport Collection
Primary Classification:	SPORT
Secondary Classification:	Boxing - Travelling Troupes
Tertiary Classification:	motor trucks
Model Name/Number:	AR 160
Manufacturer:	International Harvester Company of Australia Pty Ltd, Dandenong, Victoria, Australia, circa 1954
User:	Mr Harry Johns, Australia, 1954-1969
References:	Truck manual in Trade Lit collection at Scienceworks Article in Museum Summer 1998 No 10. Broome & Jackomos, Sideshow alley. See Social History Collection Management File No 556.