Not every day you see a 60-year-old 6×6 truck start up without a hitch. In this hands-on resurrection, an ultra-rare Diamond Reo recovery beast is brought back to life. From a turbocharged heart to a monstrous winch, this rig still has muscle.
Originally, this truck was not military, as one might assume from its rugged looks. It was first used by a utility company to stand power poles.
And it had to be reliable. The thick chocks stored in the back were placed under the wheels during winching. When pulling serious weight, the back end would sit down on the tires, stabilizing the entire vehicle.
Machine Overview: Industrial Overkill on Wheels
- Model: Diamond Reo 6×6 Recovery Truck
- Drivetrain: Full-time 6-wheel drive (likely Rockwell axles)
- Engine: Perkins 6354 Turbo Diesel
- Transmission: Triple gear stick setup, Road Ranger style
- Electrical System: 12V with oversized heavy-duty battery
- Winch: Garwood heavy-duty winch, dual reduction gear system
- Cooling System: Shrouded radiator for efficient airflow
- Extras: Power steering, checker plate service platform, auxiliary compartments for recovery gear
One of the standout features is the Garwood winch system, geared down for massive pulling power, fed by a wire rope thick enough to tow a house (literally).
Design & Styling Details
Everything about this truck screams over-engineered practicality:
- Cab: Almost rust-free, which is shocking for its age
- Interior: Still intact, with minimal wear on dashboard and seating
- Gearsticks: Triple stick setup offers complex control, but it’s functional
- Winch Housing: Custom drum extensions allow for additional cable
- Walkable Surfaces: Massive checker plate slabs allow safe access during recovery work
Even the radiator cap is accessed under a flip-up emblem, complete with a pressure release system. Solid design all around.
History & Fun Facts
- Only one other known unit like this has been spotted in Australia
- Despite appearances, it was never part of the military
- The engine, a Perkins 6354 turbo, is unusual for this type of chassis
- Has served multiple private companies, including at least two specializing in structure relocation
The truck has changed hands but stayed in rough work. It was never a showpiece—yet it might become one soon.
Still in Use?
This particular Diamond Reo isn’t actively working anymore, but it absolutely could be. The engine runs perfectly, the power steering works, brakes hold pressure, and there’s barely any structural rust. With some TLC, it could return to service—or roll onto a showground.
“The engine runs like a Swiss watch.”
— Bruce, video host
Operator Impressions
The entire resurrection process was impressively smooth:
- Fuel? Check.
- Coolant? Check.
- Oil? Check.
- Jumper leads hooked up? Boom—it started effortlessly.
“Very rare to find a truck this old where the brakes, clutch, and steering still work.”
It’s a rare moment when a truck this old doesn’t need a tow just to move under its own power.
A Legend Worth Restoring
What you’re looking at isn’t just an old truck. It’s a piece of industrial history that still works. The Diamond Reo 6×6 proves that durability wasn’t just a marketing term back in the day—it was engineered into every bolt. This beast may have been forgotten for years, but it’s far from done.
Watch the complete video of this Diamond Reo coming back to life! 👇
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A locked Cummins, a frozen cab, and a tree growing through the frame make this 4070 revival one brutal challenge.