FEBRUARY 2009 OLD TIME TRUCKS
A TIMELESS CLASSIC
By John & Shirley Sponholtz
Even though the Peterbilt Model 359 ceased production back in 1987 when the Model 379 was introduced, it is still a very popular truck. The Model 359 was introduced in 1967 and was produced for 20 years. The first 359s were built to be wreckers and featured a small-window cab. The original owner of the 1971 Peterbilt 359 pictured here was Ernie Vole Sr., owner of Ernie’s Wrecker Service. The truck had a Holmes 850 wrecker body, a 318 cubic inch Detroit Diesel engine, a 16-speed transmission and a Hendrickson suspension. Later, the wrecker body was removed and the truck was converted to a tractor and used to pull a Lo-Boy trailer. Years later, it was stretched and customized to its current configuration. Some of its current features include Birch wood floors, door panels and dashboard, as well as a drop visor, custom deck and fenders, and “lots of chrome and LED lights.” Today, the truck is owned by Ernie’s son Mike Pantle of Walcott, Iowa.