Grayce Emmick restored a 1984 Mack R Model and donated it to the Mack Trucks Historical Museum in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The truck was originally custom built for Johnny Prescott and Son Oil, Concord, New Hampshire.
Emmick is an eighth-generation farmer and restoration enthusiast.
“I've always preferred older trucks over new, and to me there is nothing cooler than an old dog that looks new,” Emmick said in a statement. “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.”
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, in a statement. “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.”
How was the Mack R Model restored?
The restoration began with several Mack supporters.
“When this project was first mentioned, I had several offers from truck owners that wanted to help,” said Maney. “Jim Rymes of J & H Rymes and Daughters in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, 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, Pennsylvania, donated the hauling from Florida to Grayce’s family farm for her personalization.”
As the eighth generation of Emmick Farms, established in 1813 in the Ohio River-bottoms of Lewisport, Kentucky, Grayce 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.”
The restored 1984 Mack R Model is now available for public viewing at the Mack Trucks Historical Museum in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
