Description
The Ultimate Classic Car Transporter - Unique, Practical and a real head turner
1948 Diamond T · GMC Chassis · Truck · 47, 000 miles
An extraordinary 1948 Diamond T transporter, professionally created by the renowned Derek Drinkwater. Featured in the TV series The Repair Lot, and famously used at Goodwood with Brian May performing on the back, this truck has a celebrity profile as striking as its appearance.
Originally imported from Oregon, it began life as a Diamond T pickup before being transformed into this fully custom, show-winning hauler.
Key Features
** Bed Length is 5m with a width of 2m -
* Slide out Loading ramps stored under the rear of the bed
* With additional smaller ramps for loado9mng low height cars / race cars etc.
Chevy Goodwrench 5. 7L V8 – strong, reliable, excellent sound - See Video
GMC chassis – upgraded running gear for modern usability
Air-ride suspension – smooth ride, adjustable height
Power steering – very comfortable to drive
47, 000 miles indicated
Recent service & tyres
No tax or MOT required (historic status)
* Rear View Camera mounted on the rear view mirror
* Upgraded dash dials
* Runs smoothly with no issues
* Clean rust free example
* Must be seen
** We can deliver - Just give us a call for a quote
History of Diamond T
Diamond T is one of the most beloved names in American truck history. Founded in Chicago in 1905 by C. A. Tilt, the company built vehicles known for their unusual combination of:
High-quality craftsmanship
Strong mechanical capability
Stylish, almost luxury-car design
This earned Diamond T the nickname:
“The Cadillac of Trucks”
What They Were Used For
Diamond T trucks were widely used from the 1910s through the 1950s in roles such as:
Heavy-duty commercial hauling
Construction and industrial transport
Fire trucks and emergency vehicles
Oilfield and agricultural work
Military service (Diamond T designed several of WWII’s most important heavy trucks)
Unlike most work vehicles of the era, Diamond Ts were built with a strong emphasis on design and refinement — curved fenders, Art-Deco grilles, chrome trim, and premium interiors — making them stand out visually even in period photographs.
Desirability and Collectability Today
Diamond T trucks are highly collectible across the world, especially the late-1930s to 1950s models. Reasons include:
Rare survivors – most were used hard and retired long ago
Iconic Art-Deco styling
Robust engineering
Strong enthusiast and vintage-truck following
Perfect platforms for custom haulers, hot rods, and show builds
High-quality custom builds—especially haulers like this one—are especially sought after. They combine vintage beauty with modern reliability, creating practical vehicles for transporting classic cars, motorcycles, or display pieces.
This example’s celebrity history, known builder pedigree, and TV + Goodwood appearances place it in the top tier of desirable Diamond T customs.
Additional Provenance
Built by Derek Drinkwater, noted for exceptional craftsmanship
Imported from Oregon, USA
Won awards at shows on the journey home
Featured in The Repair Lot television series
Starred at Goodwood with Brian May performing on the deck
