Ivan & June Smith

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunion 2010.

Ivan and June Smith both worked at Shilton's Ford Garage in Kyneton, Victoria, starting in 1946.  They married in 1949. In 1949 Ivan moved to the International Dealership, and in 1965 they purchased the Chrysler dealership in Kyneton which included one school bus and an RACV tow truck.

In 1973 with a vision of bus travel, Ivan and June set up Kyneton Bus Lines and Crane Hire. In 1975 they expanded into charter bus work and the start of tours to all parts of Australia. The majority of their travellers were repeat travellers, such was the quality of their tours.  Ivan organised the practical side and June handled all bookings, accommodation etc.

The crane business built from an old Blitz to four modern cranes which worked all over Victoria and much of NSW.

Ivan and June retired in 2006 and since have worked on the collection of trucks, tractors, and cars which includes one of every model Valiant, with some being extra special. They have the first Valiant something totally unique.

They retained the Denning coach, which was bought new in 1983, and the 6X6 Studebaker crane which is currently going through restoration.  Trucks in the collection include an R190 Inter, 110 Inter, Dodge 5N, Ford F500 and 1938 Ford 3 ton tray truck.

Apart from their life being tied to the transport Iindustry, this collection is a record (all items are in working order) of motorised travel.  Some of the vehicles date as early as 1900.

Ivan trained and worked through the era of having to repair trucks with ingenuity and often a lack of parts.  His mechanical knowledge is still much in demand and freely given to anyone seeking assistance.