1982 - Battletruck

 

The truck in the movie Battletruck (1982), also released in some regions as Warlords of the 21st Century, is the titular Battletruck — a massive, armored war machine central to the film’s post-apocalyptic setting. The film was part of the early 1980s boom in Mad Max-inspired sci-fi, and was shot in New Zealand, directed by Harley Cokeliss.

 In the Film:

• Set in a future where oil wars have devastated the planet, the Battletruck is the personal vehicle of Colonel Straker, a ruthless warlord.

• Straker uses the truck to dominate survivors and control fuel resources in the wasteland.

• The truck is a symbol of authoritarian brutality and technological oppression in a lawless world.

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Real-World Vehicle Details:

• Base Vehicle: A heavily modified Mack M123 10-ton 6x6 military truck, a U.S. Army heavy cargo hauler originally built in the 1950s.

  • These trucks were designed to tow tanks and carry heavy loads over rough terrain.

• Engine: Likely equipped with a LeRoi T-H844 gasoline V8 engine or later diesel replacements (if retrofitted).

• Modifications for the Film:

  • Armor plating and angular panels to give it a futuristic, menacing look.

  • A tall, intimidating silhouette with turrets, gun ports, and headlamp slits.

  • Painted matte black or gray to emphasize the grim tone.

  • Extra-wide tires and oversized fenders to handle rough terrain and look aggressive on screen.

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Behind the Scenes:

• Filmed entirely in New Zealand, often using rugged terrain and dirt roads to highlight the truck’s off-road capabilities.

• The Battletruck was fully operational — it was built to drive and perform in real-world action scenes, including chases and stunts.

• The truck's massive size and weight made filming difficult, especially on narrow or uneven roads.

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Cultural Significance:

• Often considered a cult classic of the “dieselpunk” or “vehicular dystopia” genre.

• While not as well-known as Mad Max, Battletruck helped set the stage for later films involving monstrous road machines and oil war themes.

• The Battletruck is sometimes compared to the Landmaster from Damnation Alley and the War Rig from Mad Max: Fury Road for its imposing design.

Where is it now?
The truck was wrecked in the final sequence and sold as scrap after filming