Diamond T Tanker

Posted on April 14, 2022 by classiccarweekly

1929 Diamond T Model T4D 1.5-Ton Tanker

Offered by Mecum | Indianapolis, Indiana | May 13, 2022

Diamond T built some beautiful trucks in the 1930s and ’40s. But the company was actually founded by C.A. Tilt in 1905, back when things were more… functional. This is the earliest Diamond T we’ve featured.

At the end of the 1920s, trucks were big, heavy, slow, and purposeful. Styling hadn’t entered the arena yet. This tanker truck is powered by a Hercules 4.1-liter inline-four paired with a four-speed transmission. In thinking about why this truck survived scrap drives during WWII, I’d guess it was used as a water truck on a farm or something where it was relied upon.

This truck was part of the Hays Antique Truck Museum, which Mecum liquidated earlier this year. So why is it back at auction (and with the same pics)? Either it didn’t sell, it got pulled from the catalog at the last second, or the winning bidder flaked. In any event, glad it’s back so we could feature it this time around. Click here for more info.

Update: Sold, Mecum East Moline 2022, $22,000.

1950s Leyland Tanker

Posted on September 9, 2020 by classiccarweekly

1958 Leyland Super Comet Tanker

Offered by Bonhams | Bicester, U.K. | September 20, 2020

The Comet was a model of heavy truck produced by Leyland Trucks over a series of generations between 1947 and 2015. That’s quite the nameplate heritage. They were produced in every conceivable truck variant: flatbeds, box trucks, tankers, and more.

The third generation Comet was available between 1958 and 1963. During this run, the Super Comet was introduced, which was of an even heavier-duty variety. This particular truck is finished in a bright yellow National Benzole livery. This very truck was used to produce a toy version, which is kind of cool.

The 6.2-liter diesel inline-six makes 110 horsepower. The truck has been offered by Bonhams before, and it’s now back with an estimate of $13,000-$20,000. That’s a lot of vehicle for the money. Click here for more info and here for more from this sale.

Update: Sold $24,412.

’62 Big Brake Fuelie Tanker Vette

Posted on December 20, 2012 by classiccarweekly

1962 Chevrolet Corvette Big Brake Fuelie Tanker

Offered by Mecum Auctions | Kissimmee, Florida | January 25, 2013

1962 Chevrolet Corvette Big Brake Fuelie Tanker

1962 was the final year for the C1 Corvette, even though it really doesn’t resemble the 1953 launch model. The design had changed, but the underlying bits were all the same (solid axle and 102″ wheelbase). For 1962 there were four all-new engine combinations. This one has the top-of-the-line fuel-injected 5.4-liter V8 (327) making 360 horsepower. It was the only “Fuelie” Corvette engine available in 1962.

But that’s just where this special car starts – as you could probably tell from all of the superlatives attached to the name above. This car also received special order large wheels and heavy duty brakes and suspension. Furthermore, it has the very rare 24-gallon fuel tank. Only 65 cars were ordered with the fuel tank option in total, much less everything else it has on it. Tuxedo black with a red interior, this car might not be one-of-a-kind, but its darned close.

It’s a multiple award winner. Only 1,918 of 14,531 1962 Corvettes had fuel-injection. Only 561 had the 15×5.5-inch wheels. Just 246 are big brake cars. It’s a rare car and an excellent example at that. It isn’t going to be cheap. Check out more about it here and more from Mecum in Florida here.

Update: Sold $242,000.