1984 - Baker Boys Rig (Razorback)

 

The truck in the movie Razorback (1984) is one of the film’s most haunting and visually striking elements. Razorback is a surreal Australian horror-thriller directed by Russell Mulcahy, centered on a giant, feral boar terrorizing the outback. But just as disturbing as the titular beast is the grotesque monster truck driven by the Baker brothers, the film’s human villains.

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The Razorback Truck – Overview

In the Film:

• The truck is driven by the deranged Dicko and Benny Baker, who are poachers and cannery workers living in the remote Australian outback.

• It's used in several intense scenes, including stalking and menacing the protagonist in a surreal, nightmarish desert sequence.

• The truck is an extension of the brothers' madness — filthy, primal, and mechanical chaos, mirroring the wild savagery of the razorback itself.

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Real-World Details:

• Base Vehicle: The Razorback truck appears to be based on an International Harvester or similar 1970s Australian heavy-duty truck.

  • Some sources suggest it may be a Modified International ACCO, a common rugged utility truck in Australia.

  • Another source suggests it may be based on a Mercedes Benz Unimog

• Modifications:

  • Heavily weathered, dirty, and rusted exterior to reflect the bleak setting.

  • Asymmetrical bodywork, missing panels, exposed engine parts, and patchwork repairs give it a “junkyard Frankenstein” look.

  • The truck bed is filled with cages, tools, bones, and trash — representing the grotesque activities of its owners.

  • Massive spotlight and grillwork — adding to the intimidating appearance, especially in nighttime scenes.

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Symbolism and Impact:

• The truck is more than just a vehicle — it’s part horror prop, part character.

• Director Russell Mulcahy, known for his stylized music videos (and later Highlander), uses the truck in visually surreal sequences, where it seems almost alive.

• In one sequence, the truck chases the protagonist across the desert, its headlights blazing and engine howling — framed like a beast in its own right.

• The truck, like the boar, represents the breakdown of civilization in the vast, lawless outback.

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Legacy:

• While the movie itself became a cult hit for its mix of horror, eco-thriller, and surreal visuals, the truck stands out as a symbol of man-made terror.

• The vehicle has been compared to others in the “vehicular horror” subgenre, like:

  • The tanker in Mad Max 2

  • The Green Goblin truck in Maximum Overdrive

  • The rig from Duel

• The truck has no official name, but fans often refer to it as the “Baker Brothers’ truck” or “Razorback rig.”

Where is it now?
It was privately owned for a number of years but now resides at the Mad Max Museum at Silverton N.S.W Australia

Surviving wreck 2023