Diamond T 981
Built: 1944 · Series: Other models
More machines from model year 1944
Not the right version? The data comes from vehicle registers holding many near-identical versions side by side. Photograph the data plate — we read make and type from it. Open the scanner e-mail address required
Diamond T – other models: the collective page of US trucks outside the named ranges, from pre-war civilian types to the 980/981 tank transporter, six-cylinders of 3.9 to 15.9 litres
This page gathers the Diamond T trucks the register could not assign to a named range – the Chicago maker C. A. Tilt founded in 1905, which built its reputation first with civilian delivery and goods trucks before becoming a major US Army supplier in the Second World War. The best-known chapter is the tank transporter: the 980 and 981 types pulled heavy tanks to the front as tractor units with the M9 low-loader trailer, while heavy recovery vehicles such as the 969A served as wreckers. After the war Diamond T stayed in the heavy-truck business but came under growing competitive pressure and in 1967 merged with Reo into the new Diamond Reo brand, under which production continued into the 1970s. Some of the vehicles listed here come from Dutch registration data, in which individual Diamond T chassis are recorded with the details of Dutch bodybuilders.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The register lists here 42 versions from six-cylinders of 3,884 to 15,880 cm³, unladen weights from 3,370 to 19,320 kg, gross weights from 4,834 to 31,941 kg, lengths from 6,610 to 8,350 mm and widths from 2,280 to 2,600 mm.
Diamond T is known today above all in the military-vehicle and classic-vehicle scene; the tank-transporter combination of tractor and low-loader trailer counts as one of the most recognisable American vehicles of the Second World War and is still shown at military-vehicle rallies.
On used examples, on the military vehicles the originality of body and equipment and the condition of frame and axles count, on all types engine and gearbox condition and rust; parts run almost exclusively through specialist classic and military-vehicle dealers, since the brand has not been produced for decades.
Sources: Kennwerte der Modelle Diamond T (weitere Modelle), RDW (Niederlande)
Technical data
Engine
| Cylinders | 6correct |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 14,063 cm³correct |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 7,170 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 2,550 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 5,250 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 12,235 kgcorrect |
| Gross vehicle weight | 20,430 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Wheels | 6correct |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Diamond T DIAMOND T 981 weigh?
The unladen weight is 12,235 kg.
What is the gross vehicle weight of the Diamond T DIAMOND T 981?
20,430 kg.
What engine does the Diamond T DIAMOND T 981 have?
6 cylinders, 14,063 cm³ displacement.
What are the dimensions of the Diamond T DIAMOND T 981?
7,170 mm × 2,550 mm.
When was the Diamond T DIAMOND T 981 built?
Production years: 1944.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 10 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
The technical data on this page comes from official vehicle registration records (RDW/Traficom), not from the manufacturer.
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Other models in this series
Sources: [1]
Truck in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.