Alexander Group

This is the full video from the launch evening for BLU500, now named Thunderbird One. We wanted to capture the day properly, not just the truck, but the people who showed up for it.

BLU500 first joined the Alexander Group fleet in June 1995 as Fleet Number One. Rod Alexander was the first to drive it, running routes between Gisborne, Napier and Edgecumbe for years. In 2003 it was sold on. In 2024 we bought it back.

What followed was three years of work. Parts sourced through previous owners. Components shipped in from the United States when they couldn't be found locally.

The launch event brought together drivers, families, and friends who have been part of the Alexander Group story across the decades.

BLU500 has been named Thunderbird One. It will be used for community events and road safety education going forward, but mostly it stands for the people who built this company and kept it going.

Thanks to everyone who came along on the day and to all of you who have followed the project along the way. And a huge thank you to the Ross Brothers for welcoming us into their incredible museum - Ross Bros Museum