"The Cadillac of Trucks" Diamond T 201 Express

February 4th, 2023 was the 9th Annual Concours in the Hills in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Foreign cars ruled Fountain Park, Kim and I roamed around them until we reached the other side of the fountain where the shiny American cars were crammed together with the Military Helicopters on display.

Kim found her Cadillacs and a '60 Buick and I found the rare Diamond T truck, actually 2 Diamond T 201 Express trucks, pristine examples of both bodies available on the Model 201.

The rarity of this truck makes it quite desirable, researching this model shows only about 7,000 were built between the years 1938-1949. These 1-ton trucks sporting passenger car-inspired grille, dual fold-out windshield panels and car-like interior details were used to attract the more refined trucker. Full wheel covers and a running board-mounted spare were also standard equipment. The Model 201 was available in pickup, panel, delivery or stake truck, and were powered by the Hercules Model QXLD3 L-head six-cylinder and a Warner geared transmission.

A little interesting history on the Diamond T, the company was founded by C.A. Tilt, a shoemakers son, who started making custom touring cars in 1905. The Diamond T cars were not fairing well in the market until 1911 when a customer requested a delivery truck to be built and the legend began.

The Chicago based company manufactured 3 smaller heavy-duty pickups, the models 80, 201 and 222. The company was known for their over-built, light-duty, rugged and stylish trucks, becoming known as "The Cadillac of Trucks." C.A. Tilt was quoted "A truck doesn't have to be homely." In 1936 Diamond T joined International, Federal, Reo and Mack as a heavy duty truck in a light duty market. 1936 was Diamond T's most successful year with the 3/4-ton Model 80. In 1938 the 1-ton Model 201 came into play and became the most popular truck for the company and was produced until 1948, when replaced by the 222. Diamond T also had produced trucks for the military during WWII, particularly well received by the British Military. By 1958 Diamond T was bought out by White Motor Company which they merged it with Reo brand to form the Diamond Reo trucks until the late 60's.

The most recent top sale price was $176,000 for a 1948 Diamond T 201 Pickup on October 8, 2021 by RM Sotheby's in Hershey, PA.

From the Fountain Hills Concours, the 1-ton Standard Model 201 pickup was an all-steel body with flared rear fenders and the bed was open and smooth metal with no wheelhousings for more load space.

From the Fountain Hills Concours, the Deluxe Model 201 Express Pickup has an oak floor bed and the fenders fair into the body panels into the bed with wheelhousings.