1948
Diamond T
Transporter
$35,000
Color:
Red
Interior:
Red & Beige
Mileage:
77,777
Stock #
112
Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
Body Style:
Truck
Doors:
2
Body Color Original:
No
Stripes
No
Dealer Info
tel: 7425 406 824Man Cave Cars & Classics
Dover Lane
Dover Farm
Angmering, West Sussex, UK , BN18 9PX
1948 Diamond T Transporter
Specs
- Mileage
- 77,777
- Exterior
- Red
- Interior
- Red & Beige
- Stock
- 112
Highlights
- 1948 Diamond T · GMC Chassis · Truck ·
- An extraordinary 1948 Diamond T transporter, professionally created by the renowned Derek Drinkwater. Featured in the TV series The Repair Lot, and famously used at Goodwood with Brian May performing on the back, this truck has a celebrity profile as striking as its appearance.
- Originally imported from Oregon, it began life as a Diamond T pickup before being transformed into this fully custom, show-winning hauler.
- ⭐ Key Features
- Chevy Goodwrench 5.7L V8 – strong, reliable, excellent sound
- GMC chassis – upgraded running gear for modern usability
- Air-ride suspension – smooth ride, adjustable height
- Power steering – very comfortable to drive
- 47,000 miles indicated
- Recent service & tyres
- No tax or MOT required (historic status)
- ⭐ History of Diamond T
- Diamond T is one of the most beloved names in American truck history. Founded in Chicago in 1905 by C.A. Tilt, the company built vehicles known for their unusual combination of:
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Strong mechanical capability
- Stylish, almost luxury-car design
- This earned Diamond T the nickname:
- “The Cadillac of Trucks”
- What They Were Used For
- Diamond T trucks were widely used from the 1910s through the 1950s in roles such as:
- Heavy-duty commercial hauling
- Construction and industrial transport
- Fire trucks and emergency vehicles
- Oilfield and agricultural work
- Military service (Diamond T designed several of WWII's most important heavy trucks)
- Unlike most work vehicles of the era, Diamond Ts were built with a strong emphasis on design and refinement — curved fenders, Art-Deco grilles, chrome trim, and premium interiors — making them stand out visually even in period photographs.
- Desirability and Collectability Today
- Diamond T trucks are highly collectible across the world, especially the late-1930s to 1950s models. Reasons include:
- Rare survivors – most were used hard and retired long ago
- Iconic Art-Deco styling
- Robust engineering
- Strong enthusiast and vintage-truck following
- Perfect platforms for custom haulers, hot rods, and show builds
- High-quality custom builds—especially haulers like this one—are especially sought after. They combine vintage beauty with modern reliability, creating practical vehicles for transporting classic cars, motorcycles, or display pieces.
- This example's celebrity history, known builder pedigree, and TV + Goodwood appearances place it in the top tier of desirable Diamond T customs.
- ⭐ Additional Provenance
- Built by Derek Drinkwater, noted for exceptional craftsmanship
- Imported from Oregon, USA
- Won awards at shows on the journey home
- Featured in The Repair Lot television series
- Starred at Goodwood with Brian May performing on the deck