Exhibits
The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum collection was started by Iowa 80 Truckstop founder, Bill Moon. Bill Moon had a passion for trucks and was always looking for a new truck or trucking artifacts to add to his collection. There are now over 100 antique trucks on display in the museum. We also have 304 original petroliana signs and 24 vintage gas pumps.
Featured
Truck of the Month
- Studebaker was founded in 1852 as a wagon builder. 50 years later, the company was well-equipped to enter the new motor-truck market. The firm was already 78 years old when this truck was made!
- Studebaker was in very bad financial shape in 1930, when this truck was manufactured. It attempted to merge with White Motors during this time, but the merger failed, leaving both companies in a precarious position.
- This truck was originally owned by Marcus Motors, Inc. Marcus was one of the largest Studebaker dealerships west of the Mississippi, and this wrecker was a rolling billboard for the company.
- 50 years after rolling off the production line, this wrecker was found neglected on a farm property. It was faithfully restored by Lloyd Watts and Earl Bailey, who were able to make the restoration as accurate as possible with help from the Marcus family.
- This truck has been owned by three different museums over the years. After its restoration, it was donated to the Studebaker Museum in South Bend, Indiana. At some point the wrecker made its way to the Vanhorn Truck Museum in Mason City, Iowa. When the Vanhorn Museum closed, the Studebaker was generously donated to Iowa 80, just in time for the museum’s grand opening in 2008!
- Marcus Motors made several aesthetic modifications to this truck. The grille and headlights were borrowed from a passenger car. Sirens and lights were added to the truck as well.
Other Exhibits on Display
- Cummins ISX Engine
- NH-250 Cummins Cutaway
- Knox 5th Wheel and Radiator
- Bill Moon Tribute
- Hall Scott Engine
- Antique Gas Pumps
- Antique Metal Signs
- Vintage Transportation Related Toys
