Straight from the era of disco balls and diesel fumes, this ‘79 Freightliner FLT 104” cabover is a living time capsule — but don’t let the classic paint job fool you. Underneath? It’s a full-blown retro mod rig, packing serious heat.
Bob, the proud owner, affectionately dubs it a “cowboy Freightliner.” Why? Because it does what cowboys do best — roam free, pull heavy, and look damn cool doing it.
Originally born in green and white, this beast was repainted in company colors when leased to a fleet. Now? It’s a sharp, chromed-out head-turner with more stories than a roadside diner.
Specs That Slap: 563 HP of Pure Diesel Grit
Let’s get greasy and dive under the hood. This ain’t your grandpa’s hauler.
Engine: M14 Select Plus, dyno-tuned by Pittsburgh Power
Transmission: 18-speed (because real truckers shift like bosses)
Driveline: Big and bold, with a modern rear cutoff
Dyno Results: 563 horsepower / 1,500 lb-ft of torque. Yes, you read that right.
For reference, a stock N14 Select Plus doesn’t get close to these numbers. Bob’s setup turns this classic cabover into a modern road warrior — all muscle, no fluff.
On the Road Again: Flatbeds, Dry Vans & 15-Day Runs
When Bob hits the highway, he doesn’t mess around. Recently out for a 15-day trip, he hauls with both a flatbed and a dry van — though he leans toward the flatbed for the thrill. “It’s more for the race,” he says. Respect.
He goes “northeast about anywhere I want to,” mixing business with adventure. When not trucking, Bob’s busy with his parts biz and custom exhaust installs — even working with RoadWorks Products. Oh, and did we mention he’s a retired Alabama State Trooper?
From patrol car to diesel power — now that’s a career shift.
Rare Steel & Legendary Stories: Only Six Left?
This Freightliner isn’t just powerful — it’s rare.
Origin: Started life at “Keep on Trucking Inc.” in Los Angeles
Historical gem: Only 6 of these cabovers are believed to still exist
Personal touch: The “White Freightliner” badge was added by a former owner’s kid — and Bob kept it, period-correct or not
Bob’s been surrounded by trucks since childhood. His CB handle? “The Road Boss.” His truck show alias? “Bauma Bob.” And his favorite part of the rig? The interior — diamond-stitched, original, and still tight as a drum.
Final Gear: A Rolling Tribute to Trucking Grit
The 1979 Freightliner FLT 104 is more than steel and gears. It’s history, horsepower, and heart — all packed into one shiny cabover.
👉 Watch the full video to hear Bob’s story straight from the source.
🚛 Got a favorite vintage truck or made a career pivot like Bob? Drop a comment — we want to hear it!