1948 Diamond T Model 201 Pickup

Lot details
Registration No: EU-Reg
Chassis No: 2014314
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Widely regarded as the 'Cadillac of Pickup Trucks'

- Extensively restored to show standard and probably the best example in Europe

- Hercules 'Super Service' 3900cc six-cylinder engine, 4-speed Warner T9 manual transmission and optional 62mph rear end

- Estimate: £20,000 - £30,000 (Without Reserve)

After a brief flirtation with passenger cars, Diamond T specialised in commercial vehicles from 1911 onwards. Renowned for making the 'Cadillac of Trucks', the Chicago-based company introduced its iconic Model 201 One-Ton in 1938. A so-called 'light duty' machine but engineered to the same standards as its 'heavy duty' siblings, the newcomer was based around a massive cruciform-braced ladder-frame chassis equipped with an extra rigid I-beam front axle, fully floating back axle, Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes, cast iron wheels and substantial leaf-sprung suspension (those at the rear containing thirteen leaves). Initially powered by a 205ci (3.4 litre) seven main bearing L-head six-cylinder Hercules engine, the Model 201 gained an enlarged 236ci (3.9 litre) Hercules 'Super Service' unit post-WW2. Three-speed manual Warner transmission was standard with a four-speed gearbox and high speed 62mph final drive ratio being optional. Imposing styling was a Diamond T hallmark, its products sporting imposing radiator grilles, sculpted wings and rakish cabs. Promoted as being 'all-truck' rather than having any passenger car DNA (a subtle dig at its rivals), the Model 201 could be had in Pickup, Panel Delivery or Stake Truck guises. Famously long-lived, some 7,000 had been sold by the time it was superseded by the comparatively unloved Model 222 for 1950.

Finished in Diamond T Red over Black with White pinstriping and Brown simulated leather upholstery, this particular example - chassis 2014314 - is considered by the vendor to be 'probably the best and most correct Model 201 existing, certainly in Europe if not the world'. Reportedly restored using 'everything either new old stock or original including the correct wheels (most are adapted from the ones fitted to the larger six-wheeler trucks)', the Pickup was previously owned by David Pearson of Montrose, Colorado. Entering the current ownership during 2013 for $49,000, the Diamond T has since been registered in Cherry Valley, Illinois and France. Specified with such desirable options as the four-speed Warner T-9 manual transmission and 'high speed' 62mph final drive ratio, the Model 201 also boasts a renewed period correct wiring harness, single exhaust plus chrome extension, original three spoke steering wheel, factory overhead storage compartment, wind-out two-piece windscreen, stainless / nostalgic steel grille, fresh headliner, Diamond T mascot, passenger side utility locker, original-style driver's side mirror, 70mph speedometer and fog lamps. Definitively the nicest Diamond T Model 201 Pickup we have encountered, chassis 2014314 is offered for sale with French Certificat d'Immatriculation (Carte Grise). Interested parties might like to know that Peter Anderson of www.importedvehicleregistration.co.uk has quoted £300 (inclusive of all DVLA fees) to UK register the truck.