This month marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Colin Drake — the pioneering founder of The Drake Group. Though Col passed away in 1991, his innovative spirit and commitment to engineering excellence remain at the heart of our business today, continuing to inspire the wider heavy haulage industry across Australia.

Driving Innovation in Australian Trailer Engineering

Colin Drake was more than a skilled mechanical and electrical engineer — he was a true entrepreneur with a dream to change the future of heavy transport.

In 1958, Colin established Drake Trailers in Rocklea, Queensland, with a single mission: to design and manufacture Australia’s most dependable low loader trailers. Through his relentless dedication to quality, Col and his team quickly built a reputation for delivering trailers trusted by industries nationwide.

Colin’s designs weren’t just practical; they were game-changing. A defining moment came in 1969 with the release of the 100-tonne Swingwing widening low loader, which set an entirely new benchmark for the industry. His vision didn’t stop there. Through the 1970s and 1980s, he continued to break ground, introducing mine site trailers and later steerable platform trailers with hydraulic widening and mechanical steering.

A Legacy Carried Through Generations

Over more than three decades of leadership, Colin Drake reshaped the heavy haulage sector in Australia. His influence extended far beyond the workshop, setting new standards for reliability, safety, and innovation.

After his passing, the company stayed proudly family-led. His son, John Drake, took on the role of Managing Director, while his grandchildren, Sam Drake and Maggie Nilson, have since stepped into leadership positions, ensuring the family tradition continues.

Nearly 70 years after its founding, The Drake Group still reflects Col’s values of integrity, innovation, and engineering excellence.

Honouring a True Industry Pioneer

Every trailer that leaves our Rocklea workshop carries a piece of Colin’s vision. His legacy isn’t just about building trailers — it’s about shaping an entire industry and setting standards that endure today.

On what would have been his centenary, we proudly remember Colin Drake as a pioneer whose ideas and determination built more than machines — they built trust, innovation, and a lasting Australian success story.

“We are proud to uphold his legacy in setting new standards and building trust with every new trailer.”


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