I am pretty much an unabashed Mack fan. I love the B Models, the R Models, the Superliners, and the list goes on and on. One of the trucks that you don’t see or hear about very often from the historic Mack lineup is the H-series. These trucks are not exactly beauty contest winners. Back when these trucks were built in the era when trucks had a total length limit of 45 feet and because the money is made in the back of the truck hauling freight, more companies wanted a 35ft long trailer. That required the truck only take up an additional 10ft in front of said trailer, hence the goofy looking cab over design. Now for a truck like a wrecker, this style of rig is great. Being maneuverable, relatively short, and compact meant that it could respond to situations and handle stuff that longer nose trucks may have struggled with.
Because this is a H-63 we know it is diesel powered (H-62 models had gas engines). The engine is likely a 673ci Thermodyne that is either naturally aspirated or turbo. In rare circumstances these trucks goethe larger 711ci plants that were also offered NA or turbocharged. We’d have to guess on the transmission but it is like a Tirplex or a quad box if we were throwing out darts.
This rig only has 30-some thousand miles on it and it looks like a perfect candidate for a restoration. Truck lovers all have their favorites and those that like the rare stuff would certainly appreciate one of these. With only a few thousand build new, we’re guessing that the number left has to be down to 100 or so left in operating condition. Most of them would have been shorter haul trucks so to see one set up as a wrecker is a real unicorn!
Scroll down to see the truck and then hit the eBay link:
Air starter!