1995 Freightliner FLD120.
Fleet Number One joined Alexander Group in June 1995. Sold on in 2005, it was tracked down and brought home in 2024, then restored part by part to its original fleet colours as Thunderbird One.
More than a truck
In June 1995, a Freightliner FLD120 joined the Alexander Group fleet. Registered BLU500 and powered by a Cat Diesel engine, it was the company's first Freightliner and became Fleet Number One.
Rod Alexander drove it first. It was the first truck and trailer added to the fleet since the Grain trucks were sold in 1984.
Before the reveal
Watch BLU500 come home and be brought back to life. BLU's still got it.
Explore the milestones
The truck joined daily operations on routes between Gisborne, Napier and Edgecumbe, carrying ethanol, wine, juice, sugar and demineralised water. Rod Alexander, Eddie Leef, Preston Leef, Ian McKinney and Barry George drove it. Steady and reliable.
BLU500 was a familiar sight on key North Island freight routes. Over a decade on the road, it accumulated long runs, early starts, changing seasons and many kilometres.
After eight years of service, Number One was sold as newer trucks with updated technology joined the fleet.
The company's 50th anniversary went unmarked because of COVID restrictions. Reflecting on its history, the idea of bringing the original truck home took shape.
BLU500 was located and purchased, then returned to the workshop. The goal was to restore it to original fleet colours and branding with a modern feel. It was converted from a rigid to a tractor unit to match the current fleet.
Sourcing parts for a 30-year-old truck was difficult and involved former owners and US suppliers. Upgrades included a new transmission and clutch, a rebuilt and balanced driveline, renewed brakes, replaced suspension components, and a shortened chassis certified by an engineer.
The cab was reworked by Malcolm Cab Solutions in Rotorua, and the original wheels were refurbished.
Rod Alexander oversaw the project, his son Matt worked on it in his spare time, and Brodie Leef, whose late father Preston drove the truck, contributed. Parts and Services Ltd, Marsh Engineering Services Ltd and Malcolm Cab Solutions also played key roles.
The truck was restored to its 1995 appearance and specification and named Thunderbird One. It will be used for community events, road safety education and industry initiatives.
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