Dual-Engine 1941 Ford Trucks Designed for Transporting B-24 Bomber Components Priced at $1.25 Million

      Tom Warren III via Facebook Marketplace

      Facebook Marketplace is quite the platform. You can discover a wide array of items for sale, ranging from rare ’90s tuner cars to a unique leaping Lexus prototype and even a valuable GM Futurliner bus. While there are plenty of old, rusty vehicles listed, don’t be surprised if you come across a real treasure. In this instance, two exceptional finds are available: dual-engine 1941 Ford trucks designed to transport B-24 bomber parts across the nation. The asking price is quite steep at $1.25 million, but if the listing is correct, these are reportedly the last two in existence.

      The seller asserts this is the first time these Thorco-built Fords have been publicly put on the market. He claims to be the third owner of both trucks—one has been restored, while the other has not. The Army green truck is in remarkable condition with impeccable detailing, including the undercarriage and interior features. On the other hand, the second truck shows signs of wear and rust but still appears to be a genuine model.

      The seller reveals that employees from Ford, Thorco, E&L Transport, and Checker Cab Company collaborated to construct these trucks.

      It is said that nearly 100 of these dual-engine trucks were manufactured by various companies in the early 1940s. Some of the variants were Spanglers, others were Merry-Nevilles, and 46 are reported to have been Thorcos. These trucks were equipped with twin Ford 239-cubic-inch V8 engines, each generating about 100 horsepower, and each truck had its own transmission. The decision to install two engines was made because contemporary diesel engines were costly, and these Flathead Ford gasoline engines had proven to be very reliable. A pair of engines was necessary to transport B-24 Liberator parts to places like Wichita, Fort Worth, and across the Rocky Mountains to San Diego. It is said that the entire fleet completed over 3,800 trips to assist in assembling around 1,600 bombers.

      According to the seller, who claims to have spent over 30 years gathering information about these trucks from their original builders, the Thorcos represent "the pinnacle of design for dual-engine bomber haulers." Of the 46 that were built, these are believed to be the final two remaining. For that reason, he insists they must be sold together, which I can understand.

      Everything is intact, just as you would expect.

      I’m not an expert on WWII truck prices, and despite what they may think, most Facebook commenters aren’t either. However, I have to say it’s impressive to see a truck with such historical value in such excellent condition; I particularly admire the gold “Thorco Dual Motors” badge on the front. Everything appears to be in factory-fresh condition—there are no marks on the fifth-wheel plate or anywhere else. Even if the second, unrestored truck isn't needed, it’s still worthwhile to preserve the history.

      It will take a unique buyer to invest this much in two vintage trucks, but based on my years of blogging about vehicles online, there’s likely someone out there willing to spend a significant amount on such rigs.

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