Fan Favourite Truck To Be Raffled For Medical Research

Truck enthusiasts have a rare opportunity to get their hands on the wheel of a highly sought-after 1946 Ford Jailbar, with ‘Bonnie’ the latest vehicle to be raffled to raise funds for medical research.

‘Bonnie’ is the seventh truck to be restored and raffled by Australia’s largest transport and logistics insurance experts, NTI, with ticket sales totalling an incredible $2 million for Motor Neurone Disease research over six years.

Punters may recognise the black dual-cab 4×4 as one of the first vintage trucks modified by NTI. ‘Bonnie’ has been the organisation’s promo truck and has gained a large following after appearing at events across the country over the past two-and-a-half years.

NTI’s Chief Customer Officer Janelle Greene says it’s truly a one-of-a-kind vehicle, and no surprise it’s a fan favourite.

“We are constantly asked by fans if they can purchase ‘Bonnie’, and after last year’s incredible fundraising efforts, we thought it was the right time to say a special thank you to our supporters by finding ‘Bonnie’ a new home,” she says.

The restoration team enhanced its off-road capabilities, turning it in to a 4WD with a 6.5-tonne electric winch

‘Bonnie’ was one of NTI’s toughest and most technically challenging restoration projects to date.

The building process took 2,500 hours, lengthening and widening the cab to include two rear doors, along with adding a custom-made bonnet, tub tray, side steps and rear guards. The interior is kitted out with a full leather trim, air-conditioning and touch-screen media.

With a 5.2-litre turbo diesel engine, the team were tasked with also enhancing its off-road capabilities, turning it in to a 4WD with a 6.5-tonne electric winch, LED spotlights and rear air suspension.

The restoration makes it the perfect vehicle for both on and off the road, featuring all the latest technology while honouring the vintage style of the 1946 Ford Jailbar.

NTI Special Projects Lead Don Geer says the excitement around the truck made the hard work worth it.

The cab was widened to include two rear doors and the interior was kitted out with a full leather trim

“It’s like a swarm of bees around honey,” he says. “Every time I duck into Bunnings I come back and spend an hour in the carpark just talking to people.

“’Bonnie’ has that wow factor. Everyone is taken aback by the superb technology and engineering, and they always want to know how they can get their hands on it.

“They all hurt a little bit when we let them go, but this one especially, just because it’s such a good vehicle, it’s bullet proof.

“It’s still very young, not even at 23,000km yet so it’s the right time for somebody else to get it and enjoy it as much as I do.”

The truck will be displayed at National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo (Sydney, April 12-14), Australian Trucking Association Conference (Canberra, April 17-19), Sydney Truckfest (Sydney, May 3-5), and Cooly Rocks On (Gold Coast, June 5-9), with the final appearance and raffle being drawn at the NTI Supercars Round in Townsville (July 5-7).

Tickets are available here.