Beginning in the late 19th century, hundreds of hopeful entrepreneurs sought to establish a permanent place among the nation’s truck manufacturers. While most are now defunct, some continue to enjoy recognition and a place in the memories of many. However, others have for the most part faded from memory and have become “lost.” This book—full disclosure, I wrote it—covers 15 of these lost marques that arguably deserve to have their stories preserved: Available, Biederman, Corbitt, Dart, Fageol, Garford, Relay, Gotfredson, Hendrickson, Hug, Republic, Linn, LaFrance Republic, American LaFrance, and Stewart. While not designed to provide a definitive history of each truck, the 143-page paper-bound book features hundreds of black-and-white photographs and sales and advertising images. The book represents the efforts of small-scale manufacturers, and readers will encounter a legendary cast of long-forgotten characters including company founders such as Magnus Hendrickson, C.J. Hug, Richard Corbitt, Frank and William Fageol, Benjamin Gotfredson, Arthur Garford, Charles and Fred Biederman, Holman Harry Linn, and R.G. Stewart. In addition, John North Willys and Walter P. Chrysler make appearances. The book also lays out factors that contributed to the demise of small-scale truck builders and of each marque.

Book Review by Robert Gabrick