One of the most unique GM body styles is the famous COE (Cab Over Engine) design. By placing the cab over the engine of a large truck the wheel base could be shorter. This allowed the same maximum payload to be carried in a shorter truck.
These became quite popular in crowded downtown deliveries. The COE truck could turn in a shorter radius, on tight corners, iin narrow alleys, and still carry the same payload.
Disadvantages:
- rougher ride for drivers
- engine maintenance more difficult
- cab interior was hotter in summer with engine under the cab
- The driver and a passenger did not slide on the seat to get into the cab. They used two steps and a special hand grip to climb up and gain access to the cab interior
Click images to enlarge
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| 1946 Chevrolet COE | Owned by: Jim Cadorette 1946 with 2000 6.5 turbo diesel with 4 speed Over Drive | |||
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| 1951 COE | 1940 COE | 1940 GMC COE | 1947-1955 Fender Pad | |
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| Owner: Koos Diedel from the Netherlands...1950 Red, 3 years to make it more "Freeway" friendly. Buick V-8, Air ride & so much more..."1951 Black - Bone Stock" | 1939-1946 COE grab handles (to pull yourself up into the cab) | 1939-1946 The left 2-leg mirror arm attached to the door. | 1941-1946 Close Up - COE Grill | |
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| 1947 - 1950 GMC COE 9 foot 1 ton 1947- 1953 pick up bed on a modern chassis. | 1947 - 1953 COE | 1941-1946 COE Steps, To get into the Cab... | ||
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1941 COE
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1949 COE
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1939 COE
| Starting a COE restoration from the ground up. | |
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1940 Chevrolet COE
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Looks Expensive
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The Restoration Begins 1950 COE
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1941 Chevy COE
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Combine a COE and the same year Suburban
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Look what you can do in your backyard
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Stubby Gus
Bet you never saw one of these! A 2 ton truck you can park alongside all the automobiles in a shopping center parking lot.
This one of a kind 1952 COE truck is owned by Tim Tawney of Emmett, Idaho. He found it for sale three years ago and it was love at first sight. Its frame had been shorted to an unbelievable 91”. This is about the size of an early Volkswagen Beetle. Though 60 years old, it still has its correct wheels and 235 low pressure six cylinder engine. The paint, believed to be about 30 years old has the aged patina look that only time can create.
One of the trucks most unique features is the tow rig secured to the small frame extension behind the cab. It was manufactured by the Weaver Tow Company in 1918. This is a “2 speed hand crank” unit so the driver must manually operate the lever to lift the auto before it is pulled. Those were the days!
Tim is only the fourth owner. Fortunately, the 12’ door on his home garage allows for a place it can be kept in very bad weather. Where does he use this COE? Of course, Tim drives it to work every day at a local auto parts store. It must attract more attention than the sign on the building.
The Tawney Family has a name for most of their vehicles and this COE is referred to as “Stubby Gus”. You can contact Tim by email at: Tims70@hotmail.com or Facebook at: Stubbygus@facebook.com.
For a nice recent article on a family restoration of a 1948 COE check our Feature of the Month for April 2022.