One of the early pioneers in the manufacture of trucks in the United States, Sterling is synonymous with rugged, well-engineered trucks with a reputation for reliable service in off-road, heavy-duty applications such as mining, construction, and logging. Distinctive engineering hallmarks included wood-lined frames and the continued use of chain drive long after its abandonment by other manufacturers. Established in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, then West Allis (a Milwaukee suburb) production of Sternberg trucks began in 1907. The company became Sterling—a less German-sounding name—in 1915, during World War I. Acquired by the White Motor Co. in 1951, Sterling-White production ended in 1953. One of my nine Iconografix Photo Archive titles, the paperbound book differs significantly from initial Photo Archive editions, offering the reader lengthy and very informative photo captions typically more than 200 words for the 133 black-and-white archival photographs. Enjoy examples of Sternberg models and a variety of Sterlings spanning the truck’s entire history. Photographs feature conventional and cab-over models at work in oil fields, logging, construction, and over-the road hauling as well as wreckers, crane carriers, buses, box trucks, and World War II military vehicles. Photograph and text coverage also includes truck assembly, engines, and those marvelous chain-drive assemblies.

Book Review by Robert Gabrick