1985 Kenworth K100: Matt Bankert’s Award-Winner

In the heart of South-Central Pennsylvania, Matt Bankert has woven his life into the fabric of Twin Pine Farm, a sprawling 2,000-acre agricultural haven in York County. At 34, Matt is not just an integral part of this farm owned by Denny and Neta Ilyes; he lives and breathes it. His 17-year journey on the farm has seen him not only grow his family, with two children and another expected in February, but also oversee a vital segment of the farm’s operations.

Twin Pine Farm, a family legacy since the 1950s, is renowned for its cattle raising and a charming mini grocery store that offers locally sourced meat cuts and the region’s famous sweet bologna. Matt’s role, crucial to this farm-to-table operation, involves managing the production, storage, and transportation of grains, corn, soybeans, and wheat. His commitment shines through all year round, regardless of the challenging winter and summer conditions.

Central to Matt’s work is a magnificent piece of machinery: a 1985 Kenworth K100 paired with a 2023 Eby Generation hopper. This rig, a blend of history and modernity, recently garnered accolades, winning in the Limited Mileage category at Overdrive’s Pride & Polish. The Kenworth K100, while a workhorse, differs from typical over-the-road vehicles in its mileage. With just around 80,000 miles clocked in nine years, it’s a testament to its tailored use on the farm. Matt recalls acquiring it in 2013, describing how they revitalized it from a near-forgotten state in Maryland.

The truck, functional but in need of TLC, underwent significant renovations. Matt tackled the electrical system, remedying previous patchwork wiring, and even drove it in its original state during the 2014 wheat harvest. The interior, showing its age, was carefully restored. Matt upgraded the gauges, installed an electric wiper conversion kit, and is on the lookout for a tilt steering wheel to enhance its functionality while preserving its vintage charm.

Externally, Matt and his team have skillfully balanced classic aesthetics with modern flair. They sourced seven-inch stacks and a chrome breather stack from Raney’s, and meticulously cleaned up the air box behind the cab. The Kenworth’s paint, speculated to have been originally blue, now sports a striking black-and-almost-gray scheme with red accents, enhancing the company’s branding.

Additional customizations include a visor and a bumper originally intended for a W900, creatively adapted for the K100. This dedication extends to the meticulous polishing of the truck’s wheels, tanks, and diamond-plate deck. The K100, powered by a robust 3406B Caterpillar engine with a 13-speed double overdrive transmission, stands as a testament to both the farm’s heritage and Matt’s mechanical prowess.

Despite its age, the Kenworth has required surprisingly little major work since its 2014 overhaul. Matt’s diligent maintenance includes replacing gaskets and clutches, ensuring this vintage beauty remains in top condition. The odometer’s reading of approximately 550,000 miles might not fully capture the truck’s journey, but Matt’s dedication to it is unmistakable.

For Matt, this journey with the Kenworth K100 isn’t just about fulfilling farm duties; it’s a realization of a childhood dream. Growing up, he was fascinated by farm tractors, a passion that naturally evolved into a love for trucks. Today, the K100 isn’t just a tool for work; it’s a head-turner, earning admiration and sparking nostalgia wherever it goes.

In the end, Matt Bankert’s story with the Twin Pine Farm and his Kenworth K100 is more than just about farming and trucking; it’s about passion, dedication, and a deep connection to the land and the machines that cultivate it. As Matt continues his journey, both as a farmer and a truck enthusiast, his story stands as an inspiration to those who appreciate the beauty and value of combining tradition with innovation.

See more photos and thanks: Custom Rigs