1948 GMC Cabover
The Chevy COE (cab over engine), with its bulldog nose, was one of GM’s most distinctive designs. The idea behind placing the cab over the engine gave the driver a more commanding view. The design also allowed for a shorter wheelbase that created a tighter turn radius, enabling the truck access to narrow alleys and tighter corners, all while carrying the same payload as a longer truck. This made the COE popular in crowded cities. There were some disadvantages to the design, as servicing the engine became more complicated, compromised ride quality, the climb in and out of the cab, and summer heat radiated from the engine into the cab.
There are some rigs that you see once and never forget. It was enthralled looking at them. For a brief moment in time the world stopped turning. Why? Look at it! Built by Eddie’s Chop Shop in California this is one of the most unique race car haulers and crew transporters. It rules by any and all measures. From push starting a streamliner to lugging a race team around in comfort and style.
So what is it exactly? That’s an interesting question with an even more interesting answer. The chassis is a 2007 Kenworth T300 model. It started life as a beverage hauling truck. There’s a Caterpillar C7 engine and an Allison transmission. Those items are all 100% stock in order to maintain reliability according to Eddie who listed the machine on eBay.
The stubby nose of the truck is a 1948 GMC cab over. That cab was mated with 1953 Chevy Suburban body and then there’s about a million years of metalwork into everything else to make it look like an awesome Frankenstein’s monster. Between the body modifications to the cab and then EVERYTHING else that is hand made, this truck is a bargain at the $125,000 asking price. You’d never build one for that money with all of the man-hours it creating it.
Inside, the cab is filled with BMW 7-Series seats, a bad ass stereo, video screens, and all the comforts one would want when hauling a racer great distances. So awesome. So…so awesome.
