1940 Dodge RX70 Airflow Texaco Tanker Truck
The Dodge Airflow truck was a special request model truck that Dodge introduced in late 1934 and available through 1940. It used styling cues from Chrysler Airflow cars and the Divco 1937 Model-B delivery vans. Most of the 265 units produced were fitted with streamlined tank truck bodies, and were used by major oil companies, like Texaco, Socony-Vacuum Oil Company and Esso.
Airflow trucks were based on standard Dodge models, so from an engineering point of view they were rather conventional, despite their striking look. Five model names were assigned successively to the Airflow production; namely K-52, LM-70, LM-71, RX-70 and RX-71.
One of the rarest trucks in the world, the Texaco Tanker is thought to be the only working truck of its kind in the world and one of only three that are restored.
Bill Richardson’s pride and joy, it is today considered the collections signature vehicle. It arrived in New Zealand in 1992 as a shell of its former self. It took four years of dedicated and passionate restoration work to reclaim its original glory and today guests will find it displayed within Bill’s Shed at Bill Richardson Transport World. So special to the collection, its gorgeous 1930’s design inspired Bill Richardson Transport World’s Art Deco façade.
This once in a lifetime occasion is happening due to the release of Transport World’s first children’s book ‘The Story Of Tex, The 1940 Dodge Airflow Tanker’ which celebrates Bill Richardson, the Texaco Tanker, its restoration and Invercargill. Designed for children of all ages.
Joc O’Donnell, Transport World Executive Director says “Dad loved this truck and always took a lot of time to engage with children, I actually couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate ‘The Life Of Tex’ than to take the Texaco Tanker out for a drive. It’s such a beautiful truck, the whole team can’t wait to see it on the road”.
