Vintage 1929 Chevrolet Wrecker Reveals Automotive History at DFW Car and Toy Museum

The DFW Car and Toy Museum has added a remarkable piece of automotive heritage to its collection: a fully restored 1929 Chevrolet Series LQ International Wrecker. This 1½-ton vehicle represents more than just a vintage truck; it embodies the technological innovation and rugged determination of early 20th-century transportation.

Powered by a 194ci inline-six engine and equipped with a three-speed manual transmission, the wrecker demonstrates the engineering prowess of its era. Its fully operational Manley boom, complete with a Beebe Bros. five-ton winch, showcases the functional design that made such vehicles critical to early commercial and industrial operations.

The truck's unique details, including a period-correct Coca-Cola cooler and an actual chicken enclosure, provide fascinating insights into the practical and cultural context of transportation in the late 1920s. A sign indicating towing rates of 'three cents per mile or three chickens' highlights the economic realities of the time.

Museum founder Ron Sturgeon emphasizes the historical significance of the vehicle, noting that it represents more than mechanical engineering—it tells a story of American innovation and resilience. The wrecker's interior, featuring a black vinyl bench seat and wood-rimmed steering wheel, offers visitors an immersive journey into automotive history.

For automotive enthusiasts, historians, and casual visitors alike, this restoration provides a tangible connection to a transformative period in transportation technology. The 1929 Chevrolet Series LQ International Wrecker stands as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of an earlier automotive age.