1925 Autocar Gravity Dumptruck

Top speed: approx. 30 MPH

Pump & Splash oil system

Babbitted rod bearings

Fully Counter Weighted Crankshaft

Base price: $3,550

Chasis weight: 5,600 LBS

 Load capacity: 9,400 LBS

 4 speed transmission Engine: 4 cyl, 294 cu. in., 25.6 hp

This Autocar truck has a gravity dumping system. A door runs the length of both sides of the bed. When these doors are opened by pulling the lever, whatever is inside will fall. The amount of material that is dropped is determined by a length of chain on each side. More chain, more material.

This truck has a true emergency brake system: the long lever in the cab operates a separate and complete mechanical brake system in addition to the foot operated mechanical brake system.

Additional options available for this model: Windshield, Pneumatic tires, Electric starter, Lights, and Generator.

Autocar can be traced back to the Pittsburg Motor Car Co. which was founded in 1897 in Pittsburg, PA. In 1899, Pittsburg Motor Car Co. moved to Ardmore, PA and was renamed the Autocar company.

In 1907, after nine years of successfully building cars and motorized tricycles, Autocar began experimenting with commercial vehicles and launched the first model in 1908. The type XVIII was a one ton truck on an 85 inch wheelbase. It was a forward control model with an 18 HP, 2 cylinder engine and a three speed transmission. This model proved to be extremely rugged and reliable, with many being used by the Allies in World War I.

The type XXI series of forward control trucks extended the wheelbase to 97 inches and the load capacity to one and one-half tons. The type XXIII was the first forward control truck to be mass produced, with its design being later copied by other manufacturers. Until 1919 these were the only Autocar trucks made.

In 1920, Autocar introduced the first 4 cylinder forward control trucks. The type XXVI-B was the heavy duty model, powered by a water cooled 4 cylinder engine. It had a gross vehicle weight of 22,000 pounds. Autocar also produced a line of 1, 2, and 3 ton electric trucks until 1926.

The forward controlled models were replaced in 1926 by 4 and 6 cylinder conventional models. These ranged in size from one and one-half to seven and one-half tons. Autocar was one of the few manufaturers to make its own engines, transmissions, and rear axles.

During World War II Autocar manufactured armored half-tracks, all wheel drive prime movers and standard production models for the military. Autocar remained strong into the early 1950's. However, in 1953 demand curtailed, leaving Autocar in financial disarray. In late 1953, Autocar was purchased by White Motor Co. and production moved to Exton, PA.

In the 1980's White Motor Co. ran into financial problems and became Volvo-White with Autocar as the extra heavy duty division. In the late 1980's General Motors heavy duty facility merged with Volvo-White. Presently, the heavy duty trucks being produced are White, GMC, and Autocar.

This truck beb was used by San Joaquin County to gravel roads. The truck itself was used as a delivery truck in Sacramento, CA.

Many thanks to the following people on this project: Bill Shafer, mechanic, Colfax; Bart Towery, Colfax; Scott's Restorations, Colfax; Bill Santos, Newcastle; Stan Downum, Colfax; Bruce Wyman Restorations, Chicago Park; Balcomb Caseworks, Colfax; Lorang Logging, Alta; Allan Myers, Meadow Vista; and Mark Viscia, Colfax.

These friends are special gifts.

This truck did sell at the auction and went to eastern Canada.