JUNE 2005 WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO...
Back When Detroit-Built Cars Ruled
Story and Photo by Truck Historian/Author Stan Holtzman

(Click on image for larger photo)

In this 1969 picture we see two of three rigs that ran coast to coast for California Industrial Products of Santa Fe Springs, California. Not in this picture was the company’s R Model Mack that had a Mercury walk-in sleeper. Colors for the fleet consisted of dark red and white. The C.I.P. rigs made weekly trips to the Detroit area hauling items for the then-booming automotive industry. Although C.I.P. is still in business, they phased out their trucking division in favor of having outside carriers do their trucking. The C.I.P. trucks were a common sight along the interstates during the 1950s through 1970s and the fleet, though it numbered only a few trucks at any given time, was always kept clean. Those lucky enough to drive for this outfit were the envy of the industry. Seen here is a 1960s Peterbilt butterfly hood conventional and in the background is a 1960s KW cabover. For more neat “old truck stuff” be sure to visit my website at www.linerigs.com.