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.
1951 Federal
Engine Type:
HRBB Cummins 6-Cylinder
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Transmission, Timken 2-Speed Rear Axle
Truck Information:
Detroit-based Federal Motor Truck Company was in business from 1910 to 1959. This 1951, like all Federal trucks, was a no-nonsense, straightforward and basic truck. Like many other truck makers at the time, Federals were assembled trucks, made mostly with parts purchased from familiar suppliers like Waukesha, Timken, Brown-Lipe and Continental. Unlike most of the other assembled trucks, Federal built their own truck bodies, not as stylish as their competitors, but always well-built and dependable. In World War I and starting again in the 1930s, Federal was a major supplier of military trucks. Like all truck makers, sales dwindled during the Depression but Federal managed to survive. Following World War II, Federal enjoyed some success in the U.S. and around the world. The export markets declined by the '50s. The original founders of Federal Motor Truck Company remained in control until 1952 when sales declined sharply and the company was merged, first with clutch maker Fawick, and again two years later with axle maker Napco Industries. Production in Detroit was discontinued and moved to Minneapolis in 1954 and the last Federal truck was manufactured in 1959. Top Speed: 50 MPH
HRBB Cummins 6-Cylinder
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Transmission, Timken 2-Speed Rear Axle
Truck Information:
Detroit-based Federal Motor Truck Company was in business from 1910 to 1959. This 1951, like all Federal trucks, was a no-nonsense, straightforward and basic truck. Like many other truck makers at the time, Federals were assembled trucks, made mostly with parts purchased from familiar suppliers like Waukesha, Timken, Brown-Lipe and Continental. Unlike most of the other assembled trucks, Federal built their own truck bodies, not as stylish as their competitors, but always well-built and dependable. In World War I and starting again in the 1930s, Federal was a major supplier of military trucks. Like all truck makers, sales dwindled during the Depression but Federal managed to survive. Following World War II, Federal enjoyed some success in the U.S. and around the world. The export markets declined by the '50s. The original founders of Federal Motor Truck Company remained in control until 1952 when sales declined sharply and the company was merged, first with clutch maker Fawick, and again two years later with axle maker Napco Industries. Production in Detroit was discontinued and moved to Minneapolis in 1954 and the last Federal truck was manufactured in 1959. Top Speed: 50 MPH
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