1966 Bemars Top-Pack Finding pictures of Bemars trucks built during the 1960's has been difficult, despite the rather good reputation enjoyed by the firm. Later models, most built after the company was absorbed by Maxon Industries are somewhat easier to find, many of them still working routes on the west coast, but images of the early models seem to be few and far between. It was therefore a pleasant surprise indeed to learn that one of these beasts was not only located, but in good working order as well! This big top-packer was special ordered by SCD and mounted on a White Compact cabover truck chassis. It was originally equipped with a six-cylinder REO gasoline engine (REO was at that tima a subsidiary of White) and Allison automatic transmission. It has since been re-powered with a GM 427 V-8. As originally built, this truck had beside-the-cab lift arms, which passed close by the cab during lifting operations and were somewhat dangerous. This also required remote-folding rearview mirrors be installed, which could be retracted during the lift cycle. Here's how the truck looked in its original form: The truck was re-fitted with the safer over-the-cab arms as we see on it today. The truck is not in every day service at this time, and a fleet of modern AMREP Octos handle the bulk of the work. However, it is running and in good working condition, as the folks at SCD happily demonstrated. This truck could be be working a route tomorrow. Quite commendable for a 41-year-old veteran packer! Continued... © 2008 Eric Voytko All Rights Reserved Logos shown are the trademarks of respective manufacturers Photos from factory brochures/trade advertisements except as noted