The 1950 Chevrolet Custom Cab Over Pickup featured here is one good looking truck. Known by several different names, the cab over models were called Cab Over Engine and Cab Forward in the U.S. General Motors produced both Chevy and GMC COE pickups during this period.
The medium duty Chevrolet COE pickup falls into a Class 1, 2 or 3 designation depending on it’s weight. As an example, GVWR of under 6,000 lbs is considered a Class 1. In contrast, a Class 8 truck specifically applies to large tractor trucks with GVWRs over 33,001 pounds. These are sizes you’ll see hauling large trailers typically on Interstate highways.
Advantage and Disadvantages of COE Trucks
COE trucks are considered to have better visibility and maneuvering. The truck could turn in a tighter circle. One large disadvantage with these trucks has to do with frontal collisions. With the engine pushed back by design, the crumple space between the trucks front and the driver’s cab is small and the chance for more serious injury is increased. Another disadvantage is that the ride above the engine can be a bit uncomfortable.
The Cab Over Engine Truck
Historically, the first cab over engine truck was produced by a company named Sternberg in Wisconsin in 1907. The first modern cab over truck was produced in 1932 for the White Motor Company. In addition to this, several truck manufacturers over the years built cab over vehicles. Among the names were Freightliner, Mack, Kenworth, Western Star, International, General Motors.
This flat-nosed or cab over design was at one time financially advantageous. Especially during the 1950’s and 1960’s where there were strict highway regulations pertaining to length. By shortening the overall length of the truck cab the trailer size could be increased (potentially carrying larger loads) while keeping within the length limit set by each state. The regulations, which ran from 1956 to 1976, typically specified a maximum length of 65 feet. This length included the total length of the truck and trailer combined. After 1976 the length allowed an increased to 75 feet.
When longer trucks and trailers were legal on the roadways, the main advantage of the COE’s no longer existed. This led to the large cargo carriers stopping orders for the COE’s and switching over to the conventional style engine in front cab. This change in design increased and the market for COE’s in North America eventually dried up. Although the decline did not hconccabmidnised a" cPostet fhe yearstica eventualis led to thg" age veraet CO, Producti;s in North Amereet.<