Find Us!
563.468.5500

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.

1942 GMC AY 809


Engine Type:
GMC 6CU 426 Cubic Inch 126 Horsepower

Transmission Type:
Spicer 5-Speed Model 553A

Truck Information:
This 1942 GMC AY-809 was built as a tanker truck for the Denver Fire Department. It has suicide doors with hinges on the rear and nice big steps which made it easier to get into the cab while wearing fire gear. This truck also has B-17 bomber-style seats and a cab sleeper. By the time we bought it, the firetruck had been removed and replaced by a flatbed. It would have made a great delivery truck with the cabover, suicide doors, and short length. One disadvantage of cabovers is the difficulty working on them. The radiator and engine are just behind the grill and so a mechanic must get inside the truck to work on the top of the engine. This cabover does not tip forward like later cabovers. For any major repairs, the front bumper and grill must be removed, and the engine taken out through the front. Otherwise, the cab must be completely taken off. The benefit of cabovers is that they are short, making them easier to turn and maneuver. Before interstate highways, there were two-lane roads. Cities had four-lane streets, but there were strict length laws across the country except in the western states where everything was wide open. Length laws were finally relaxed in the ‘80s and cabovers mostly disappeared. Sitting directly over the front axle, the ride certainly was rougher. Top Speed: 50 MPH



< Return To Truck List
Go Top