I'm the first person to own this outside of the original owner's family. The gentleman I bought it from was in poor health and could not enjoy it anymore. He was tired of seeing it sit in his garage and none of his boys were interested in owning it. It was originally bought new in Winterset, Iowa, the town where John Wayne was born. It is mostly original with just over 74,000 miles on it. I'm in the process of changing tail lights, fog lights, mirrors, etc. to return it to a more authentic period in time.
My Dad's unit assembled trucks in an apple orchard in France during WWII. A homemade film of his unit recently surfaced and I got a chance to see my Dad in action at the age of 19. What a thrill. I have a copy of the film, it's fascinating how they set up the assembly line. At one point they were assembling 53 vehicles per day! I wanted to get a truck from that era.
Thanks Rich. I'm enjoying it. It's great to own a piece of automotive history. My Dad's unit assembled trucks in an apple orchard in France during WWII. A homemade film of his unit recently surfaced and I got a chance to see my Dad in action at the age of 19. What a thrill. I have a copy of the film, it's fascinating how they set up the assembly line. At one point they were assembling 53 vehicles per day! I wanted to get a truck from that era.
That is a very interesting video Mr. Donatelli. I like your truck too, very nice.
1953 Chevrolet 3600 Fried Green T'mater (Vern) In the Stovebolt Gallery Caution: Political Statement Man who runs in front of car gets tired, man who runs behind car gets exhausted.
Thanks David (and John L for letting me know ). I've added this to your Gallery page so it can be appreciated along with your truck!
Peggy
~ John
A kid raised on Hotwheels, Matchbox and Tonka cannot be reasonably expected to own only one vehicle as an adult.
1949 Chevrolet 3804 In the Legacy Gallery | In the Gallery Forum 1973 IH 1310 Dump 1963 Kaiser M38A1 2001 International/AmTran RE3000 "Skoolie" 2014 Ford E-350 4x4 (Quigley)