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PARKER’S SCREAMIN’ JIMMY Words and Photos by Truck Historian/Author Stan Holtzman
This “A” Model GMC, circa 1948, is seen here at the old Recold Truck Stop that was located on Slauson Avenue near Telegraph Road in Commerce, California in 1965. Home-based in San Diego, the two-tone brown rigs of Parker Truck Company were a familiar sight along Interstate 5. Most likely, this rig had a “Screamin’ Jimmy” 671 under the hood, and was backed by a 5-speed main and 3-speed auxiliary transmission. The Parker fleet consisted mostly of GMCs, Autocars and Whites, and hauled freight as well as refrigerated commodities as seen by the older putt-putt reefer motor that is mounted on the nose of this 35’ trailer. I cannot say when or why Parker faded into trucking history, but maybe some of you old-timers can help me out on this one. For a color picture of this “Jimmy”, turn to page 90 of my third book, Classic American Semi Trucks (published by Motorbooks International). This book can be ordered at any bookstore for $24.95 or by sending me a money order for this amount c/o 10-4 Magazine, P.O. Box 7377, Huntington Beach, CA 92615. I will send you the book. Editor’s Note: Stan has published several fantastic books about the history of trucking. Call us at 1-888-440-4104 if you would like more information. Christmas will be here sooner than you think. Stan’s books make great gifts for the trucker in your life! |
