Tonka Low Boy DeSalle Collectible
Photos courtesy Cameron Bergh
 1956 grille detail |
 Note "DeSalle" cut into the rear trailer frame |
 Note "EARLY OUT" written on the carton |
This red 1956 cab pulling a deep blue "Talbert" lowboy trailer is a bit of an unknown. It does not carry a serial number or the "DeSalle Collector Trucks" label. It appears to have been manufactured by DeSalle since the shipping carton is the same as used with the State Hi-Way Dept lowboy. In other words, it doesn't appear to be an after the fact model using excess parts made by someone other than DeSalle. It should also be noted that Don's signature appears on cab frame. That said, if anyone has first-hand knowledge and can define what "EARLY OUT" signifies, and when this truck was manufactured, please let me know so I can update the info presented. This featured near mint plus example initially sold for $785 USD on eBay in early March 2009. The new owner immediately resold it on eBay in mid April 2009 for $840 USD. |
Value: A mint tractor pulling a near mint lowboy trailer with a few chips around the chain spool, no box, sold on eBay for $541 USD in mid January 2012.
Value: A near mint tractor pulling a near mint lowboy trailer with a few chips in the chain spool area and scuff marks in the rear axle area, no box, sold on eBay for $1400 USD in mid March 2015. YES...$1400.