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Trucks on Display

 

Below is a sampling of the many trucks on display in our Trucking Hall of Fame® Exhibit Hall. Check out our app for more information, photos, and an audio recording for each truck.  Click here to download.

1918 Independent


Engine Type:
4-Cylinder Continental

Transmission Type:
3-Speed

Truck Information:
Though there were a lot of trucks built in the early years, not many were made in Iowa. Independent was one of those little brands that didn't last long (1917-1921), but it was a local company, based out of Davenport, IA. It is an assembled truck as many were at the time. They bought parts from various sources and put them together into trucks they called Independent. There is a glass windshield on the front, but no wipers. In 1918 you were lucky to have a roof, door, and window. You didn't have a defroster either; you used your sleeve no doubt to wipe the interior of the window off. Because the truck didn't go very fast, chances are the driver put his hand out the window and wiped it occasionally. They hadn't thought of all those creature comforts that we now consider necessities. The front window opens partially - that's your air conditioning. Cabs of the time didn't have vents, so lots of windshields back then opened from the top to provide ventilation. Top Speed: 15 MPH



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