1984 MAN 15.280 #582

The ARA ran many tow trucks over the years, including this MAN 15.280, with the fleet number #582. #582 is a 1984 MAN 15.280 served from new as a City Depot tow truck and has proudly been donated to the society by Ian Gordon, Fleet Manager at NZBus in Wellington.

This tow truck was driven many a time by our Historian, Paul Gourley during his long service at City Depot in the workshop. On odd occasions our President, Lyle Drysdale also got behind the wheel, often when those who remain unnamed were slacking off! 582 years later was transferred to Shore Depot on Diana Drive, North Shore where it saw little use over the years. During our 2021 whistle-stop tour at Shore Depot in 1662, the conversation was struck between a few of us that perhaps we could look into saving 582 from its likely fate, of a one-way visit to the scrap yard metal.

In due course we will see this vehicle back on the road and maybe one day towing a vehicle once again!