This amazing assortment of rare vintage work trucks is on its way to auction.
Mecum
For those who appreciate vintage trucks, this is the ultimate find. The Timber Crest Farms collection set to be auctioned in March isn’t the largest we’ve encountered—comprising 14 total lots—but it features some of the most stunning classic vehicles you’ll ever come across. Even as someone who isn't particularly into trucks, I found myself utterly impressed by these machines.
Timber Crest Farms is located in Healdsburg, California, nestled in wine country. The owner, Ronald Waltenspiel, has dedicated much of his adult life to restoring these trucks. Nearly all of them are Sterlings, with just one Peterbilt, making this the largest collection of restored Sterling trucks globally. The brand originated in 1906 in Milwaukee, producing around 12,000 trucks during its 50-year existence before being acquired and its name phased out. This makes these 13 vehicles remarkably special, not only for their existence but also for their exceptional condition.
1939 Sterling JC137 Truck
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It’s unfortunate that Sterling did not last longer. From my perspective, they created some of the most aesthetically pleasing trucks ever. Take a look at this 1939 JC137—it resembles a dually hot rod. There's no need for a truck to sport such a stunning grille, flowing into its split windshield and flawlessly styled sealed beam headlights. And the exposed dual chain drives? Absolutely fantastic!
Like most 1930s Sterlings, the JC137 is equipped with a diesel inline-six engine and a manual transmission. Its interior is quite basic, featuring wooden floorboards, yet it exudes a sense of class.
1935 Sterling HC115 Truck
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No contemporary tractor can rival the style of this 1935 HC115. With its vertical grille and prominent fog lights, it resembles a Jeep from before the existence of Jeeps, and its slender, boxy shape imparts a level of elegance typically unseen in larger trucks. Similar to the JC137, it also boasts dual chain drives. Additionally, it features a fifth-wheel plate, allowing for the connection of an era-appropriate semi-trailer, making it ideal for transporting vintage farm equipment or similar items. (I doubt its ’30s straight-six diesel would perform well hauling modern, heavier loads.) Its green exterior paired with yellow wheels is visually appealing, and its interior is slightly more refined than that of the JC137, complete with a passenger footrest.
1917 Sterling 2.5 Ton
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The 1917 2.5 Ton is the oldest model in the collection. While it still has the structure of a truck, with an engine at the front, a cab behind it, and four wheels, it’s noticeably more basic than the ’30s models. Inside, you’ll find a black leather bench seat, a hefty wooden steering wheel, and intricate lettering on the clutch and brake pedals. Operating it requires mastering the levers, and there’s a mechanism on the steering wheel to adjust the spark and ignition timing of the four-cylinder engine. Such features are absent in modern trucks.
1930 Sterling DD13-65 ML Truck
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This 1930 DD13-65 dump truck is the standout of the group. The upright grille, bug-eye headlights, and charming cabbie-hat-style padded roof are just the starting points. The craftsmanship is visually impressive. Everything, from the brackets holding the freestanding lamps to the protruding frame rails at the front, resembles mechanical art. I’m particularly fond of the color palette: a red body with a cream-colored exposed frame and large black wheels with tall tires. Plus, being a dump truck, it's incredibly practical—though driving a vehicle this nice to a quarry may not be advisable.
These spectacular trucks will be featured at the Mecum auction in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18. While there are no estimates available for their selling prices, given their condition and rarity, they certainly won't be inexpensive. Whoever acquires them will own some stunning pieces of early automotive history.
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This amazing assortment of rare vintage work trucks is on its way to auction.
Next to what could be the most beautiful dump truck ever constructed are over a dozen other classic vehicles that date back to 1917.