Autocar Trucks 1950-1987 Photo Archive
Autocar Trucks 1950-1987 Photo Archive
ITEM E263
By Robert Gabrick
Autocar - The World’s Finest! In 1950, the Autocar Driver Cab was introduced, which, along with the Autocar Sleeper Cab and the Autocar Aluminum Driver Cab, was used on all conventional models produced until Volvo replaced it after purchasing Autocar.
In the 1950s, Autocar began what it called Custom Engineering, designing each vehicle to the customer’s specific requirements. At this time, Autocar focused on models for construction, logging, mining, quarrying and oil production, as well as lightweight over-the-road designs. Large-format photos with informative captions illustrate all of the major models produced during this period. A brief history of the Autocar company is included.
Softbound, 128 pages, 10.25'' x 8.5''
Growing up in Minneapolis, I lived one block from the street Werner Transportation used for access to and from its terminal. Autocar was one of those Werner trucks I fondly remember. This book, originally published in 2002, covers Autocar from 1950 to 1987 and represents a companion to my Autocar Trucks 1899-1950 Photo Archive published in 2004. In 1950, Autocar introduced its legendary all-steel Autocar Driver Cab, replacing one constructed of wood and steel. The welded frame consisted of heavy-gauge steel channel sections, with all sheetmetal, including the one-piece roof panel, welded to this frame. The large windshield featured curved sides but maintained a two-section design to reduce replacement costs. For the next 37 years, Autocar used this cab, with its recognizable design becoming a virtual trademark. In 1987, the last Autocar to use this famous cab was produced, with subsequent Autocars using the cab common to all Volvo products. The book’s in-depth captions that accompany the 132 black-and-white photographs became the benchmark for all subsequent Photo Archive editions. Additional coverage includes the Edgecomb Steel stainless steel cab models, as well as Half-Cabs, the AP dump truck series, the experimental gas turbine, and unique aircraft Refueler.
Book Review by Robert Gabrick
