Collier truck built in Bellevue
The Collier truck pictured here was manufactured in Bellevue from October 1917 until September 1922. The company went into bankruptcy. J.C. Krebs, a pioneer in the automotive industry, had joined the firm earlier that year. He purchased the financially plagued company and continued production until June 1925, when the lack of ready cash caused him to file bankruptcy.
The 1920 two ton Model 10 Collier truck was purchased from the Hays Truck Museum in Woodland, Calif. by Monte Colucci of Paulden, Ariz., in April 2008.
Monte contacted me shortly after his purchase and after several phone calls and exchanges of information about the Collier truck he sent me photos of the "made in Bellevue" vehicle accompanied by a re-assuring note that read:
"The truck seems to be very complete and I do have the side panels for the hood. One of them is going to need repair but a fairly easy job to do. The hood in the cab seems to be completely original. The windows are different as there is a latch that is turned and the frame comes out and slides into a pocket in the door and the same goes for the smaller side windows. As rare as this truck is, I have no idea as to why the Hays Truck Museum made the decision to sell it but I can sure tell you that I am glad to be its new owner."
Monte also provided the truck description which we add for all the automotive buffs:
* 1920 Collier
* Two ton chassis, Model 20
* Collier Motor Truck Co., Bellevue, Ohio
* Four by two conventional, closed cab
* Serial number 2019
* Wheel base of 152 inches
* Engine, Continental four cylinder, water cooled, 281 cubic inches, 4-1/8 by 5-1/4 bore and stroke, American Bosch magneto
* Clutch, Fuller
* Transmission, Fuller four speed selective sliding gear
* Rear axle, Selden worm drive
* Front axle, I-beam
* Springs, semi-elliptic leaf, front and rear
* Brakes, rear wheel mechanical, internal expanding
* Steering, left side Ross steering gear
* Wheels, wood spoke
* Tires, solid rubber, front 36 by four, rear 36 by eight
* Base price, $3,200
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Bellevue Historian Bill Oddo writes a weekly column for The Bellevue Gazette.
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