Alan Hancock was born on September 3 1931, in Wareemba Sydney. He was married to Dorothy and had 4 children.
Alan began driving trucks as soon as he was legally able, starting as an owner-driver. His fleet included various trucks, notably a White 3000, which was initially painted grey and later resprayed red, and Diamond T models 630 & 634.
The Diamond T, known as the “Cadillac of Trucks” became iconic under Alan’s care. Alan’s trucks were known for their unique and eye-catching loads, particularly the hand stacked drums arranged 6 high and 3 wide. They were certainly well known and recognised throughout NSW and Victoria.
He adorned his trucks with “Sydney-Melbourne” on the bumper bar and being a carrier for Unilever, he had logos such as Lux, Rinso or Omo on the doors, making them memorable fixtures on the Hume highway.
Alan frequently travelled the route from Sydney to Melbourne with his German Shepherd dog, Prince (affectionately called Princey), who
accompanied him on top of the load. On one trip, Princey fell off the truck unbeknown to Alan. Upon realizing this in Melbourne, Alan
reloaded and frantically began his return journey, eventually finding Princey waiting on the side of the road.
Their bond was strong and enduring.
His dedication, professionalism and pride in his work left a lasting
impression on those who knew him and even on those who only knew his trucks. His trucks were so iconic in fact, a family friend Bruce Gunter has replicated Alan’s Diamond T truck in his memory. Alan’s
commitment to maintaining his vehicles in pristine condition was
unmatched; they always looked immaculate, as if they had just left the showroom floor. He was a popular figure, known for his willingness to help others and his generous, caring nature.
Tragically, Alan’s life was cut short in an accident in Avenel, Victoria, on June 1st 1970, at the age of 38. His legacy, however, continues to inspire and be remembered by many.
Many current inductees into the Trucking Hall of Fame, such as Al
Richardson, George Gould, Ronnie Andrews and John ‘Wes’ Davies, have mentioned Alan and his iconic trucks in their own nominations. Alan has an unwavering dedication to the trucking industry and an
exceptional character that will never be forgotten.
Inducted in 2024
