Mecum Gone Farmin’ announces Gene Olson truck collection

This afternoon, Mecum Gone Farmin’ made an exciting announcement for fans and collectors alike. An assemblage of 11 vintage, collectable trucks from a lifelong collection built by Gene Olson and his late wife June, will be joining the powerhouse lineup at the upcoming Gone Farmin’ Spring Classic Auction, set to take place March 24th – 25th at Bend XPO in East Moline, Illinois. This auction will also feature approximately 500 tractors as well as a selection of highly coveted relics and Road Art.

Gene Olson is no stranger to the motor carrier trade, well known and celebrated for his dedication and commitment to the preservation of the trucking industry and its notable history. A lifelong admiration for large transport trucks has fueled his interest in ensuring that the historical legacy of the trucking world would continue to carry on for the long haul. His position of chairman emeritus of the Antique Truck Historical Society coupled with the rich story behind each of the trucks he owns, has served to shape his resultant personal truck collection.

Olson’s desirable collection includes models from Peterbilt, International, Kenworth and Mack, spanning from the 1950s through the 1980s. The 1954 Peterbilt 350 COE Bubblenose (Lot K6), is powered by a 275 horsepower supercharged Cummins engine and features a 4-speed transmission and 3-speed auxiliary. The 1970 Peterbilt 352 (Lot K7), is a workhorse that Gene and his wife used to pick up most of the trucks in the collection. It is equipped with a 8V71 engine and Peterbilt air ride suspension.

From International, is a 1954 International 405 (Lot K8), known as a ‘High Binder’ amongst trucking enthusiasts, and it’s equipped with a 350 Cummins engine, a 5-speed transmission and a 4-speed auxiliary. Described in a 1953 International sales bulletin as the ‘Midwesterner,’ the RDFC-405 was built to haul more than 70,000 pound loads with a tandem axle power unit. This truck may look familiar to some, as it’s been displayed at many truck shows throughout the Midwest.

Other collection highlights include a 1958 Kenworth Bullnose COE (Lot K9), a 1952 Mack LF (Lot K10) and a 1984 Kenworth W900 (Lot K11), to only name a few.

The Mecum Gone Farmin’ Spring Classic is open to both buyers and spectators. Daily ticket price is $15 per person, the bidder registration fee is $50 and children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Doors will open daily at 7 am.

An auction preview will be held March 23rd from 1-4 pm. For more information about this auction, you can visit Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.