1948 Diamond T 201 Pickup
The Diamond T Motor Car Company was founded in Chicago in 1905 by C. A. Tilt. Reportedly, the company name was created when Tilt’s shoe-making father fashioned a logo featuring a big “T” (for Tilt) framed by a diamond, which signified high quality. From its beginnings manufacturing touring cars, the company later became known for its trucks.
After a brief flirtation with passenger cars, Diamond T specialised in commercial vehicles from 1911 onwards. Renowned for making the ‘Cadillac of Trucks’, the Chicago-based company introduced its iconic Model 201 One-Ton in 1938. A so-called ‘light duty’ machine but engineered to the same standards as its ‘heavy duty’ siblings, the newcomer was based around a massive cruciform-braced ladder-frame chassis equipped with an extra rigid I-beam front axle, fully floating back axle, Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes, cast iron wheels and substantial leaf-sprung suspension (those at the rear containing thirteen leaves). Initially powered by a 205ci (3.4 litre) seven main bearing L-head six-cylinder Hercules engine, the Model 201 gained an enlarged 236ci (3.9 litre) Hercules ‘Super Service’ unit post-WW2. Three-speed manual Warner transmission was standard with a four-speed gearbox and high speed 62mph final drive ratio being optional. Imposing styling was a Diamond T hallmark, its products sporting imposing radiator grilles, sculpted wings and rakish cabs.
The cab interior is extremely well from dash instruments to upholstery and also has a factory-build locking toolbox under passenger door, dual crank-out windshields, flare canister, cab lights and deluxe chrome trim.
Now this is a truck! The 1949 Diamond T Model 201 pickup came from a truck family long referred to as the Cadillac of commercial vehicles.
Chicago’s Diamond T enjoyed a high reputation for style and quality. But most of its products were heavy haulers, and one-tonners like the 1948 Diamond T Model 201 pickup are very scarce.
