A rare piece of automotive history has found its home at the DFW Car and Toy Museum: a fully restored 1929 Chevrolet Series LQ International Wrecker that provides an immersive look into early 20th-century transportation technology.
The 1½-ton wrecker, refurbished in 2019, represents more than just a vintage vehicle. Powered by a 194ci inline-six engine and featuring a three-speed manual transmission, the truck embodies the engineering resilience of its era. Its fully operational Manley boom, complete with a Beebe Bros. five-ton winch, demonstrates the robust capabilities of early towing vehicles.
Unique details like a Coca-Cola-branded cooler, a chicken enclosure, and a sign indicating towing rates of three cents per mile or three chickens provide a charming snapshot of rural transportation economics in the late 1920s. The truck's interior, with its black vinyl bench seat, wood-rimmed steering wheel, and barrel-style speedometer, transports visitors to a bygone automotive era.
Mechanical features such as drum brakes on all four corners and solid axles with leaf springs illustrate the innovative engineering solutions of the time. For automotive enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this wrecker offers a tangible connection to the technological and cultural landscape of early 20th-century America.
Located in North Fort Worth, the DFW Car and Toy Museum provides visitors an opportunity to explore this exceptional piece of automotive heritage within a comprehensive collection of classic cars and toys.
