Custom Wood Bed/Holmes Model 250 Boom/Chevy 1-Ton Pickup/Restored 216ci Inline 6

1932 Chevrolet Model 250 Tow Truck

As the saying goes "accidents will happen" and true to this the 1930 were no different than today. Problem was a device was needed to clean these accidents up. Thanks to mechanic Ernest Holmes, Chattanooga is inextricably linked to the world of towing. Holmes invented the tow truck in 1916 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Today, those trucks are indispensable emergency vehicles throughout the world.

A restored rare example of a 1930's tow truck, with some new twists during the rebuild. Starting its life as a 1-ton pickup, then being transformed into this "wrecker" as they were called, many painstaking hours were put into this build.

Exterior
Our consignor fabricated the wooden bed, and sides, then a Holmes original restored boom Model 250, manufactured only built between 1931 to 1934, was put into the bed. This is a heavy duty unit, although it only has 1 cable, and contains a winch tower next to the cab, a hand crank, and tow clamps. Also stabilizing jacks (distance bars) to steady the truck if a pull has to take place on an uneven surface, or a side pull for extra blocking. Custom fabricated fenders on the rear single wheel attach to the bed. The front steel of this truck is all 1932, bathed in Royal Blue, a single door cab, cowled hood, and chromed radiator surround, flanked by open cased headlights. Black fenders with running boards frame the front wheels and create a step to enter this truck. Steel wheels in 20-inch black painted form are wrapped with 6.00-20 tires. A 5-bolt hub in front, and a 10-bolt on the back all framed in back by a diamond plate squared off fender next to the wood bed.

Interior
Interior shows a black vinyl bench seat, with some rips and tears, no door panels, and an original configuration dash which needs restoration, but has been sprayed in black gloss at one time. It also has the original gauges within the metal dash front, as well as one aftermarket hanging temp gauge. A floor shifter and handbrake are within the field of black rubber weatherproof flooring.

Drivetrain
A 1937 216ci inline 6-cylinder with a 1-barrel carburetor on top, and a 4-speed manual transmission on back. It appears the carburetor is like new, and the engine has been restored now showing in gray paint and supple wiring and hoses. All under the cowled hood with a new radiator.

Undercarriage
Normal wear and tear, some surface rust and structurally sound. Mechanical drum brakes and leaf spring suspension for all 4 corners.

Drive-Ability
Overall the truck is in fair condition, as consigner states there are currently no working running lights, wipers are not hooked up, speedometer is not working, and gas gauge is not operational. I could not get them to work either, but it runs great, drives like a truck and the winch works. Braking is best described as mechanical drum, so plan on your stops ahead! Steering is an effort, but the large wheel helps a lot.

This is definitely a piece of automotive history, and something not seen every day. A full book of the build is available, as well as write-ups on how the vehicle came to be. I guarantee you'll be the only one on the block with one like this, and if something happens and a tow is needed, press it into service and charge an arm and a leg because who gets a VINTAGE TOW??!

VIN DECODE
6NA032311
6-Oakland, CA Assy Plant
NA-Confederate 1 1/2 Ton 131" Wheelbase
03-March Build
2311-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.