I ran across this 1937 Series 80 Diamond T restored truck at a local Cars and Coffee and knew our readers would dig it as much as I did. The Diamond T trucks were known as workhorses but with style and glamour.
The owner had the truck for the past fifteen years and had spent thirteen years on the restoration. Any of you know how that happens, too? He finished up the restoration in late 2013. He changed out the engine for a nice Ford engine with a bit more power for today's roads. These trucks originally came with a 6-cylinder Hercules engine. The owner also swapped out the front end to be more manageable and removed a few rear leafs for a smoother ride. Being an Arizona truck, the owner prudently added a discrete air conditioning unit to keep him cool.
The 1937 model was the last year for the Model 80 series and the previous year (1936), marked the zenith for sales with 8,750 trucks being sold that year. The windshield cranked out for air circulation and the gauges were clustered in the center of the dash with an "airplane" style configuration of gauges. That bed stretches out just over 9-feet for payloads and the truck originally weighed in at 8,000 pounds.
The Diamond T marquee started as a car company by C.A. Tilt but quickly converted to a stylish light duty truck, competing directly with Mack trucks for the public's attention. The Diamond T's were always recognizable for the swoopy "Art Deco" style and the front grill. The name came from their logo which featured a T (for Mr. Tilt) enclosed by a diamond shape (signifying quality).
The Diamond T brand always was forward thinking and in 1937 it featured an electric clock and a cigarette lighter. Now days, those are referred to as power plug outlets and you have to pay extra for the cigarette lighter!
I also had seen a Diamond T stake bed truck at the 2014 Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, AZ and that one sold for $24,750. I'm guessing this restoration cost a bit more than that! Hope you like the pictures! See ya' on the road.