Diamond T Models
Diamond T Truck Models
A complete reference guide to every Diamond T and Diamond Reo truck — from the original 1911 commercial trucks through the classic heavy-duty lineup, WWII military production, and the Diamond Reo era. Founded 1905. Nearly 250,000 trucks built. Production dates, specifications, and history for every Diamond T we buy.
Diamond T was founded in Chicago in 1905 by C. A. Tilt — the name derived from his father’s shoe-making logo featuring a diamond framing the letter T, symbolizing quality. After building automobiles from 1905 to 1911, a customer’s request for a truck changed the company’s direction permanently. Diamond T became one of the most respected American truck brands of the 20th century — known for quality construction, distinctive styling, and the iconic sled dog hood emblem. Nearly 250,000 Diamond T trucks were built over 56 years before the brand merged with Reo in 1967 to form Diamond Reo.
We buy every Diamond T and Diamond Reo truck — all eras, all configurations, running or not, any condition. These are collector vehicles and we purchase them in any state of preservation or disrepair, all 50 states.
Classic Diamond T — Commercial Trucks
Classic / CollectorDiamond T’s commercial truck lineup from the 1910s through the 1960s — some of the most beautifully styled American trucks ever built. All purchased.
Early Diamond T Commercial Trucks
Diamond T entered the truck market in 1911 when a customer’s request convinced founder C. A. Tilt to abandon automobiles for commercial vehicles permanently. Early Diamond T trucks were built to a quality standard uncommon for the era — Tilt’s philosophy was to build the best truck possible regardless of cost. Through the 1910s and 1920s Diamond T produced light and medium duty commercial trucks in a range of configurations for delivery, freight, and construction applications. The 1936 model year was Diamond T’s best with 8,750 new truck registrations. Any surviving early Diamond T is of exceptional historical and collector significance.
Diamond T Model 80 Pickup
The Diamond T Model 80 was one of only two pickup trucks Diamond T ever produced — a light duty pickup built from 1936 to 1938. Powered by the Hercules QX-series six-cylinder engine. The Model 80 is one of the rarest Diamond T configurations in existence — extremely few survive. Diamond T’s core identity was always medium and heavy commercial trucks, making the brief foray into the pickup market with the Model 80 a historical curiosity rather than a commercial pillar. Any surviving Model 80 is of significant collector value. We purchase all examples in any condition.
Diamond T Model 201 / 202 Pickup
The Diamond T Model 201 and 202 pickups were produced from 1938 through 1949 — the longest-running and most commonly found Diamond T pickup trucks. Powered by the Hercules QX-series six-cylinder engines and featuring the streamlined Art Deco styling that made Diamond T one of the most visually distinctive truck brands of the era. The Model 201 and 202 were known for exceptional build quality and stylish design that set them apart from contemporary Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge pickups. Surviving examples in original or restored condition are highly sought by collectors. We purchase all Diamond T pickups in any condition regardless of completeness.
Diamond T Heavy Commercial Trucks
Diamond T’s core business throughout the postwar era was medium and heavy commercial trucks — conventional cab-over and long-hood models used in highway, logging, construction, and general freight applications. Diamond T heavy trucks were known for their exceptional styling, quality construction, and the iconic sled dog in harness hood emblem. Available with Cummins, Caterpillar, Continental, and other diesel and gasoline engines. After White Motor Company acquired Diamond T in 1958, the trucks continued under the Diamond T name until the 1967 merger with Reo. Postwar Diamond T heavy trucks are actively collected and we purchase all examples in any condition.
WWII Military Trucks — 980/981 & G-509
Military / HistoricDiamond T’s World War II military production — some of the most important American military trucks of the war. Rare survivors are extremely valuable. All purchased.
Diamond T 980/981 Tank Transporter
The Diamond T 980 and 981 are among the most historically significant American military trucks ever built — a heavy prime mover produced for the British Purchasing Commission as a tank transporter tractor for duty in World War II. Coupled with a Rogers trailer, the Diamond T 980/981 served the British Army with distinction in the North Africa Campaign, where its power and rugged construction rescued damaged tanks from the battlefield under the most demanding conditions. The 980/981’s combination of reliability and capability in extreme desert heat made it legendary among Allied forces. Surviving examples are exceptionally rare and of the highest historical significance. We purchase all 980/981 examples in any condition.
Diamond T G-509 Series — 4-Ton 6×6
Diamond T produced the entire range of G-509 series 4-ton 6×6 military trucks for the U.S. Army during World War II — including cargo, dump, semi-tractor, and wrecker variants. Over 30,000 G-509 trucks were built. The G-509 was designed to transport a 4-ton load over all terrain in all weather — a critical logistics vehicle for U.S. Army operations in every theater of the war. Diamond T also produced some lighter military trucks and G7102 half-tracks during the war. The scale of Diamond T’s military contribution — alongside the iconic 980/981 tank transporter — established the brand’s reputation for heavy-duty reliability for a generation. Surviving G-509 trucks are rare and historically significant.
Diamond Reo — 1967 to 1997
ClassicThe merger of Diamond T and Reo under White Motor Corporation in 1967 — producing trucks under the Diamond Reo name through several ownership changes until 1997. All purchased.
Diamond Reo — White Era
Diamond Reo Trucks Division was formed in 1967 when White Motor Corporation merged its Diamond T and Reo divisions — two historic truck brands with roots going back to 1905. White produced trucks under the Diamond Reo name from 1967 through 1971, when it sold the brand to Francis Cappaert of Birmingham, Alabama. The Diamond Reo trucks of the White era retained the quality and design heritage of both predecessor brands. Models included the Royale COE (cab-over-engine) and Apollo conventional configurations powered by Cummins, Caterpillar, and Detroit Diesel engines.
Diamond Reo — Cappaert Era
After purchasing Diamond Reo from White in 1971, Francis Cappaert introduced new models including the Rogue and Raider alongside the continued Royale COE and Apollo conventional — all powered by Caterpillar, Cummins, or Detroit Diesel engines. Despite new model introductions and an excellent reputation for quality, Diamond Reo Trucks Inc. was forced into bankruptcy on December 6, 1974. The combination of economic recession, fuel crisis, and the capital demands of competing against larger manufacturers proved overwhelming. The bankruptcy marked the end of Diamond Reo as an active truck manufacturer in its original form.
Diamond Reo Giant & T-Line
After the 1974 bankruptcy, Diamond Reo changed hands twice before Osterlund Inc. introduced the Diamond Reo Giant — a 6×4 conventional using the steel Autocar cab with Cummins or Detroit Diesel engines. The Giant C-116 series was continued with Cummins NTC engines. Annual production was approximately 150 Class 8 trucks through the 1980s and 1990s — a tiny artisan volume maintaining the Diamond Reo name. The 1985 T-Line was introduced under Diamond Vehicle Solutions with two hood lengths on frames and Navistar cabs, offering Caterpillar and Cummins diesels. Production finally ended in approximately 1997. The Diamond Reo Giant is the most commonly encountered Diamond Reo in the used market today. We purchase all examples in any condition.
About Diamond T
The Diamond T Motor Car Company was founded in Chicago in 1905 by C. A. Tilt. The company name came from a logo created by Tilt’s shoe-making father — a diamond (symbolizing quality) framing the letter T (for Tilt). Diamond T built automobiles from 1905 until 1911, when a single customer’s truck order convinced Tilt that commercial vehicles were the future. He immediately abandoned cars for trucks permanently — a decision that proved correct.
Diamond T’s philosophy was simple and unwavering: build the finest possible truck regardless of cost. This commitment to quality resulted in trucks that were more expensive than competitors but renowned for their durability, distinctive styling, and the iconic sled dog in harness hood emblem. Nearly 250,000 Diamond T trucks were built over 56 years — a remarkable legacy for a company that never compromised its quality standards. White Motor Company acquired Diamond T in 1958, and after nine years as a White division, Diamond T was merged with Reo in 1967 to form Diamond Reo Trucks.
Diamond T & Reo — Two Proud Legacies
When White Motor Corporation merged Diamond T and Reo in 1967, it combined two of American trucking’s most storied brands. Reo Motor Car Company was founded in 1905 by Ransom E. Olds — the same entrepreneur who founded Oldsmobile. The REO name came from his initials. Reo introduced the legendary 3/4-ton Speed Wagon in 1915 — one of the most important early commercial vehicles in American history and arguably the first true pickup truck. Diamond T brought styling excellence and heavy-duty quality; Reo brought the Speed Wagon’s legacy and a loyal customer base. The merger created Diamond Reo Trucks, which despite its eventual bankruptcy maintained a devoted following through the 1970s and 1980s.
The Diamond T Sled Dog Emblem
Diamond T trucks are instantly recognizable to vintage truck enthusiasts by the sled dog in harness hood emblem — a muscular husky pulling hard in harness, symbolizing strength, endurance, and pulling power. The sled dog emblem appeared on Diamond T trucks throughout their production history and is one of the most distinctive and beloved hood ornaments in American truck history. Surviving Diamond T trucks with original or authentic replica sled dog emblems command a premium among collectors.
Diamond T / Diamond Reo Timeline
We Buy Diamond T & Diamond Reo Trucks Nationwide
We purchase Diamond T and Diamond Reo trucks in all 50 states. Click your state to learn more.
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