1969 Walker Power Truck: A Fascinating Find in the Junkyard
In the vast and sparsely populated state of Wyoming, vehicle manufacturing is not typically associated with the region. However, hidden among the relics of a junkyard just south of the Denver city limits, I stumbled upon a remarkable discovery – a genuine Wyoming-built vehicle: a Walker Power Truck utility vehicle.
The story behind this unique find begins with Max Walker, a farmer from southwest Kansas. Possessing exceptional fabrication skills and a wealth of creativity, Walker transitioned from constructing his own tracked farm vehicles to establishing a business focused on producing gasoline-powered golf carts in 1957. Over time, these carts evolved into the first rear-steering Walker Power Trucks in 1962, which subsequently underwent further refinements to become incredibly versatile utility vehicles suitable for a range of environments such as factories, airports, and farms.
According to an interview with the son of the company’s founder, Max Walker successfully produced approximately a thousand Power Trucks until 1968. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of funds, he was compelled to sell his company to an oil-and-mining enterprise based in Casper, Wyoming. The new owner, Walker Manufacturing Corporation, continued building Power Trucks until its eventual bankruptcy in 1970. While it is difficult to determine the precise model year of the Power Truck I encountered in the junkyard, my estimate places it around 1969, although it could have been manufactured between 1968 and 1970.
Following the bankruptcy in Wyoming, Max Walker faced financial hardship. However, he managed to bounce back and established a business producing agricultural cab coolers in Greeley, Colorado – a location that holds significance for car enthusiasts with its abundance of car graveyards. Starting in 1980, he ventured into building innovative mowing machines. Although Max Walker passed away in 2011, Walker Manufacturing continues to manufacture mowers to this day. It is incredible how the history of this vehicle leads us through the twists and turns of Max Walker’s career, demonstrating the rich tapestry of stories that can be found within the confines of a junkyard.
Under the hood of the Walker Power Truck resides an Onan boxer-twin four-stroke gasoline engine. While early Power Trucks were equipped with 16-horsepower Onans, the specifications for the Casper-built examples prove elusive. Furthermore, given the ubiquity of Onan engines during that era, it is likely that the engine in this particular vehicle is not the original.
Power is transmitted through a simple yet effective setup consisting of a centrifugal clutch and a straightforward transmission. With Drive, Neutral, Reverse, and a choke, this Power Truck embodies the essence of simplicity and functionality – offering precisely what one needs for its intended purpose.
An off-the-shelf Stewart-Warner speedometer adorns the dashboard, providing essential information to the driver. However, it is worth noting that speeds above 20 mph on this vehicle must have been quite an exhilarating experience. Interestingly, the odometer indicates a mileage of 7,723 miles, suggesting that this Power Truck had experienced a fair amount of use before finding its final resting place in the junkyard.
Despite spending many years exposed to the elements, reviving this uncomplicated machine with its commonly found generator engine should prove relatively straightforward. Unlike most major corporate chains, Colorado Auto & Parts offers entire vehicles for sale, providing an opportunity for enthusiasts to rescue this rare gem from obscurity.
While the rear-steering configuration of this particular Walker Power Truck differs from today’s front-steering models, it still conveys the essence of what makes these vehicles unique. The video accompanying this article showcases a similar rear-steering Power Truck, allowing viewers to grasp the concept and appreciate the fascinating design.
In conclusion, stumbling upon a Wyoming-built vehicle in a junkyard is a testament to the hidden treasures that lie within such places. The Walker Power Truck, with its intriguing history and practical design, serves as a reminder that even in the most unexpected of locations, the stories of human ingenuity and resilience can be found. Perhaps this find will inspire others to seek out the hidden gems within junkyards, unearthing forgotten pieces of automotive history along the way.