They're big and "beautiful" and they've been swarming over southern roads.
They are the beasts of the Inter-island Classic Truck Run.
Among the 120-strong throng, ranging in vintage from the 1930s to the 1990s, is a 1952 Leyland Comet, restored just in time by Timaruvian Jack Douglas, who yesterday drove the truck - "a bit noisy and slower than some of the others" - from Invercargill to Dunedin.
Mr Douglas, a mechanic, particularly enjoyed the run through the Catlins in fine weather.
He reckoned his truck was one of five of its type in the country.
He had managed to track three down and was still hunting for information on the other two.
Participants yesterday stopped at Milburn Lime so vintage machinery enthusiasts and spectators could look more closely at the vehicles.
Company owner Roger Mahan put on an afternoon tea and a display of classic trucks and machinery.
The Truck Run began in Picton last Monday, and finishes in Timaru tonight.
Event co-organiser Simon Vincent, of Timaru, said Arthurs Pass was a highlight for North Island drivers.
Last night the 200 participants dined at Forbury Park, Dunedin.
This morning classic-truck enthusiasts can watch the vehicles leave Palmers Quarry between about 8.30am and 9am.
