ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A piece of trucking history has found a new home at the Mack Trucks Historical Museum, thanks to the dedication of eighth-generation farmer and restoration enthusiast Grayce Emmick.
The restored 1984 Mack R Model, originally custom-built for Johnny Prescott and Son Oil of Concord, N.H., represents both Mack’s legacy and a personal journey for its restorer.
“I’ve always preferred older trucks over new, and to me there is nothing cooler than an old dog that looks new,” Emmick said. “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.”
Year-Long Project
The year-long restoration project balanced preserving historical elements while adding modern touches. The truck maintains its original steering wheel cap, engraved with Custom Built for Johnny Prescott Oil Co., and features vintage Mack bulldog mirror ornaments with distinct long ears and tail designs.
“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,” said Doug Maney, curator of the Mack Trucks Historical Museum. “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.”
Loyal Fans
The restoration began with several Mack supporters.
“Mack fans are loyal, dedicated, and supportive,” Maney said. “When this project was first mentioned, I had several offers from truck owners that wanted to help. Jim Rymes of J & H Rymes and Daughters in Lakewood Ranch, FL, generously donated his truck for the base of this project. In order to get the R to Kentucky, another dedicated Mack fan, Gregg Hoffman with Underdog Transport in Bangor, PA, donated the hauling from Florida to Grayce’s family farm for her personalization. The Mack brand roots itself into people just as it has American and world history.”
The project became a family and community effort, with contributions from Grayce’s partner, Gavin Spoor, and other supporters. A personal touch includes a fifth wheel from Spoor’s truck – the very vehicle that brought the couple together during a 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,” she said.
A Welcome Addition
“We’re honored to welcome this historic R Model into our collection,” Maney said. “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.”
YouTube Series
The restoration process has been documented through a series on YouTube, offering viewers insight into the challenges and triumphs of bringing a classic truck back to life. Emmick’s connection to both farming and transportation runs deep. As the eighth generation of Emmick Farms, established in 1813 in the Ohio River-bottoms of Lewisport, Kentucky, she continues a legacy that spans more than two centuries. The historic farm, which focuses on row crops, including corn, soybeans and winter wheat, has a unique place in American history – its riverbank once served as the site of Abraham Lincoln’s ferry business, and nearby, Lincoln won his first court case, launching his path into politics.
“Through the restoration series and seeing the end result in the museum, I hope visitors and viewers can appreciate the learning process,” Emmick said. “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.”
Mack Trucks Historical Museum
The Mack Trucks Historical Museum is a nonprofit that celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024 and provides the perfect home for this meticulously restored R Model. The 15,000-square-foot facility, housed within the Mack Experience Center in Allentown, Pa., welcomes approximately 10,000 visitors annually. The museum showcases 30 operational vintage vehicles that have been carefully restored and preserved by dedicated staff and volunteers. Its extensive archives include more than 40 million pages of records documenting Mack’s pivotal role in American industrial development, from World War I to landmark infrastructure projects like the Hoover Dam and New York City subway system.
The restored 1984 Mack R Model is now available for public viewing at the museum.
For more information about the Mack Trucks Historical Museum, visit Mack Trucks Historical Museum.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
Back in the 70’s, I worked for a Mack dealer in Nebraska. I would go to Mack factories and pick up 3 new trucks and bring them to Nebraska. I went to Heyward, CA , sometines Allentown. These were Mack trucks. Not like today’s Volvo with a Mack name on them. The R model western 700 series were great trucks. The valueliner was a great truck too. Mack was the FIRST road truck to have a 1000 foot pounds of torque. Fuel mileage was good too. I sure do miss the Mack trucks of yesterday and not the Volvo with a Mack name.