1948 Diamond T Model 201 Pick-Up

The 'T' in the Diamond nameplate represented Chicago's Charles A. Tilt. The company's logo was from his father's shoe company. Tilt manufactured a few custom-built passenger cars, starting in 1905, with truck production beginning in 1911, at a customer's request.

The Model 201 was a one-ton pickup. It was introduced in 1938 and used a Hercules engine and a Warner Gear transmission. After World War II, the rural pickup truck market proved difficult for Diamond. Beginning in 1951, Diamond T limited production to heavy-duty commercial vehicles. In 1958, the company was sold to White Motor Company.

This particular example is a Model 201. It is one of 1,379 examples produced in 1948. It has been given a frame-off restoration by its current owner. It features a custom horn button for the dual horns, dual fog lamps, dual chromed mirrors, and dual windshield wipers. The interior sports dual armrests and sun visors as well as a deluxe heater, dome light, and rubber floor mats. The chromed dashboard is a 1941 example that features an electric clock, jeweled cigar lighter, and gas, oil, voltage, and temperature gauges.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2017