Nicknamed, “Distinctive” – this 1940 Diamond T Custom Pickup is a one-of-a-kind build that is rolling artwork. Something that is distinctive is easy to recognize because it is different from other things. The Diamond T Motor Truck Company was based out of Chicago, IL. The trucks were produced from 1911 to 1967 with peak production in the late 1940's. As the original chassis tag indicates this is a model 614 H which was a 4-ton, 6x6 truck that was used by the U.S. Army during World War II. It was just a cab and chassis when it was discovered by Timothy and Clint Standley of Salisbury, North Carolina. With many years of experience in the automotive restoration field the father and son team both had a vision to build a one-of-a-kind American classic truck. The comprehensive build took many years to complete and their vision finally became reality. From the information gathered the truck was completed in 2020 and was shown at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in 2021. MS CLASSIC CARS purchased it directly from the Standley's in March of 2023. MS CLASSIC CARS decided to take it to even higher level investing over $25,443.77 with parts and labor. March of 2025 is the first time it's been listed for sale.
The exterior of this truck is eye catching with its one-of-a-kind design and gorgeous color. The original cab was stripped to an empty bare metal shell and chopped 2”. The custom metal nose and grille, metal 4-piece hood and metal side covers were fabricated from scratch. The nose incorporates a lower center driving light and lower vents. The side covers were designed with stylish vents. The entire one-piece rear bed was also fabricated from scratch. The bed was designed with stylish fenders which include molded taillights. The bed was also designed to incorporate the rear bumper. The entire body is very straight with excellent panel fitment throughout. The hood and doors close very nicely. It was painted in the beautiful shade of Green which dresses it perfectly. The show quality paint was recently detailed to a brilliant shine. The new 2-piece tinted front windshield with new seals opens forward as it was originally designed. It also has new tinted side glass and rear glass which is crystal clear. Some of the exterior custom features include dual chrome mirrors, nose ornament, painted headlight buckets with Sylvania Halogen headlights, vintage door handles, 1937 Ford taillights, third brake light, SO-CAL lenses, wood bed floor with painted slats, two rear bed storage compartments with power cutoff knob, rear bed fuel filler and chrome rear bumper with exhaust outlets. The truck has a killer stance on Artillery style black steel wheels with green stripe and chrome hub caps. The 15” front wheels are mounted to Falken Sincera 195/65/15 tires and the 17” rear wheels are mounted to Excelsior Stahl Sport radial 7.00/7.50/17 tires. It's equipped with a Class III hitch which is concealed behind the removable license plate bracket. Everything on the exterior is in working order such as the headlights, turn signals, tail lights, brake lights and horn.
The interior of this truck is equally eye-catching as the exterior with its one-of-a-kind design and gorgeous colors. It's surprisingly spacious for this style hot rod. The custom metal headliner designed with an overhead storage compartment. It also has custom kick panels, metal door panels and a metal center console. The interior was painted in Green with black accents throughout to match the exterior theme. It was outfitted with a new LUV black leather seat which is very comfortable. Some of the interior custom features include a unique art deco style dome light, rear view mirror, 1950 Kaiser gauge cluster, dash vents, Ididit steering column, Lime Works 16” black steering wheel, turn signals, leather door hinge straps, door handles, window rollers, Bluetooth stereo unit and speakers, seat belts, black carpeting and pedals. The accessory heating system was restored and in working order. It's also equipped with switches that control the high beams, fuel pump, fan and dome light. Everything in the interior is in working order such as the dome light, gauges, heating system and stereo.
The engine compartment is nicely detailed throughout with many new parts. The firewall, floor and tunnel were fabricated. The two side folding hood is supported with fabricated brackets and prop rods. The backside of the hood and firewall was painted Green to match the exterior and interior theme. The truck is powered by a tri-powered 350 V8 engine that runs excellent. The engine was bored .30 over and completely rebuilt including a Comp cam. It was painted gray and decorated with custom Hercules valve covers to pay tribute to the Diamond T heritage. It's equipped with an Edlebrock tri power intake with 3 Stromberg Big97 9510 carburetors. It's also equipped with custom pulleys, brackets, Hunt Distributor that appears like a magneto and MSD Street Fire black wires. The engine is cooled by a custom radiator and fabricated art deco style shroud that was also painted gray. The engine breathes through Corvette exhaust manifolds and a dual exhaust system that exits through the custom chrome rear bumper. The engine is coupled to a rebuilt Turbo 350 automatic transmission and Ford 8.8 rear end. It's equipped with a transmission cooler which is mounted on the passenger side of the chassis.
The undercarriage is also nicely detailed throughout with many new parts. The original chassis was modified and boxed for additional strength. The chassis and floors were painted black. MS CLASSIC CARS added a complete new Heidts front end which includes the cross member, rack and pinion steering, upper and lower control arms, coil over shocks and disc brakes. The rear has a custom rear clip and cross members with Jeep Cherokee parallel leaf springs and disc brakes. It's also equipped with a Corvette brake master cylinder.
This vehicle is titled as a 1940 Diamond T Street Rod. It has a clean North Carolina title and North Carolina State assigned VIN number. This vehicle can be titled in all 50 United States.
