Charles Arthur Tilt founded the Diamond Motor Car Company in 1905 in Chicago after inspiration from his father who was a shoemaker. Charles built his first motor car the first year and production of 3-passenger cars started 2 years later. It wasn’t until 1911 that he would make the switch to focusing on commercial trucks rather then passenger cars. This shift in production would lead to Diamond T being famous for their engineering and designs of what many would call the “Cadillac of trucks”. Production of commercial trucks stopped in 1942 to aid in WWII military production. During this time, the company made a name for itself with its 3-axle military trucks and tractors further proving Diamond T had quite the handle on heavy duty vehicles. Postwar production revived in 1947 with commercial trucks offered in 5 different models all powered by the Hercules QX-series 6-cylinder engines. The Diamond T legacy came to an end by 1967 as it was now a subsidiary of White Motor Company who merged it with Reo Motor Company to become Diamond Reo Trucks INC who continued to manufacture trucks until 2013.

We are excited to offer this 1948 Diamond T 703 Tow Truck finished in 2-tone Green and Tan bench seat interior with orange accents to match the period correct look of Sinclair service stations. Complete with Sinclair logos and a porcelain sign on the roof with another Sinclair towing sign hanging on the rear of the cab. Powering this tow truck is a counter-balanced 3.9-liter 236ci 6-cylinder engine producing 90 horsepower mated to a 3-speed manual transmission. On the exterior there is a lockable toolbox underneath the passenger door, chrome-plated grille, turn signals on the fenders, dual spotlights, a working electric winch/wrecker boom, battery box, along with storage boxes with J-hooks and towing accessories. Inside there is a heater, ceiling-mounted electric fan, AM/FM cassette player, and original dash gauges showing 79,925 on the odometer.

This Diamond T Tow Truck has been in the collection of Jim Taylor in New York since 2004 and before that was stored in Indiana by previous owners. This 2-wheel drive tow truck was converted to a 12-volt electrical system with an alternator. The transmission was replaced with a rebuilt 4-speed manual in May of 2013 along with rebuilding the clutch the same year. Since acquiring this Sinclair tow truck, we have replaced the fuel sender, fuel pump, both fuel filters, rear wheel brake cylinders, and brake hoses. New plywood has been installed on the interior floor, along with some new coolant hoses being replaced and a fresh engine oil change.

This is a beautiful heavy-duty truck that not only showcases the iconic appearance of Sinclair gas stations where few are still around, but it remains fully operational due to the craftsmanship of Diamond T Motor Cars after all these years. A diamond shape around the letter “T” couldn’t be a more fitting emblem for these trucks as they are of the highest quality. Thank you for your interest in this one-of-a-kind tow truck! Please contact us directly for sales or stop by our museum to see it in person!

Price: Auction

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Seller's other items: stlouiscarmuseum

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, United States