In what is a rare occurrence, a Deniliquin entrant has claimed the 2023 Ute of the Year prize.
Ian McAtamney was a little surprised to hear his name called when Deni Ute Muster fans gathered for the Show N Shine presentations on Saturday morning.
But the judges were adamant that his 1983 Toyota HJ 47 Arkana was worthy of the top prize.
Salvaged from a property, the restoration of the Arkana was a COVID-19 project for Mr McAtamney.
“It was purchased off a farm in a poor state,” he said.
“Prior to that it had been with the Department of Environment in Victoria.
“It has been registered in Queensland and judging from the underlying colour it could have been a Telstra vehicle at some stage.
“This vehicle would have started as a tray back ute and is a typical Arkana modification to become a four door ute.
“Arkana was a company in Perth that began building small bus bodies onto 45 series for the tourist industry.
“As they got bigger they won many government and mining contracts, such as this dual cab of which they modified hundreds.
“They were mostly yellow as that was a part of the safety requirements.
“As well as dual cabs and troopies they also built ambulance bodies for 75 series, and paddy wagons for the police.
“Most of their products had the trademark corrugation in the metal down the side.”
Mr McAtamney said the Arkana’s downfall came in about 1997, when they took on about nine government contracts.
An investigation later revealed they were only able to carry out a maximum of three competently.
Mr McAtamney came across his Arkana in October 2000, and admits he had “no idea what I was getting into”.
He was initially drawn to it because his father John McAtamney had driven an earlier model Toyota when working for the Forestry Corporation in Orange, before making the move to Deniliquin.
“And because it was a dual cab, because you don’t see many of them around,” Mr McAtamney said.
“There was a lot of the usual rust, and the lower rear cabin and rear floor was rebuilt.
“Most other panels required some work and the roof was extensively restored.
“The 2H motor was replaced with a 12HT from a 60 series Toyota and the four speed gearbox was converted to a five speed.
“The front seats are now Ford XR6.
“The front lights have been changed to Stedi LED and power steering has been fitted, along with new Dobson springs and shocks.
“The paint is Raptor Tint.”
Mr McAtamney is not new to vehicle restoration - having restored his father’s 1944 Willys jeep previously - but he said the Arkana required much more work than he initially anticipated.
He said it was very much as case of learning as you go.
“I have learnt lots of interesting things along the way - who would have thought the best way to clean up rusty metal panels and parts was to soak them in molasses?
“Lots of help came from watching YouTube - ‘Channel 40’, a Toyota 40 series enthusiast in Bathurst, and Fitzee Fabrication. I think he is Canadian who does amazing panel work with simple tools and techniques.
“I also had great help from locals and Deni businesses like Robert White, Ian Fisher, Robby Rich plus many others.”
Mr McAtamney said with himself and wife Anne being long time supporters of the Ute Muster, it was a huge honour to now officially be part of the event’s history as the Ute of the Year trophy winner.
“This has been a real thrill for Anne and myself, and it was a great surprise,” Mr McAtamney said.
“Thanks to Coates and the organisers of the Show N Shine, and the Deni Ute Muster committee.
“As early supporters and volunteers of the Ute Muster which has been a great event for Deni, Anne and I feel we have come full circle.”