They might not be pretty and they might drive like "pigs" but the original F Series and Bronco four wheel drives have a legion of fans.
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The national F Series and Bronco Roundup was held in Ballarat and Learmonth over the weekend, attracting 83 vehicles from six states and scores of type devotees.
The trucks hit their peak popularity during the 1970s and 1980s when options for tow vehicles were limited, but they were first produced in 1948 as the F-1 and several from that first year made the trip to the roundup, as well as a handful from the 1960s. Most though were 40 to 50 years old.
The heavyweight convoy spent several hours in Victoria Park on Saturday where members of the public were eager to check out the pack, with a highlight being the F-100 which appeared in the cult Australian movie Wolf Creek.
"There's just something about them," said organiser Cathy Cleveland. "I've had mine for 16 years. I've driven big cars for most of my life and I don't know what it is ... but I love it to death.
"They can be a real pig to drive but I don't care. I'd rather keep mine in a straight line on the road than drive something with cruise control."
Ms Cleveland said the venue for the nationals changed each year, but they were keen to return to Ballarat in the future after a fabulous weekend.
Last year in Canberra there were about 50 F Series and Broncos, and organisers were ecstatic to record 83 at the 2019 event.
"There was a suggestion to hold it at Ballarat and Learmonth because of the proximity for camping, entertainment, parking and lots of great drives including coming in to display our cars at Victoria Park," Ms Cleveland said.
"We've got people from North Queensland, a lot from South Australia, Canberra, New South Wales, Victoria and three trucks which have come over from Tasmania."
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