The Chevy COE, or cab over engine, was produced from 1939 to 1959 as a medium-duty truck. The COE design gave the driver a more commanding view of the road, while locating the cab above the engine created a more truncated wheelbase, allowing for greater maneuverability and a tighter turn radius. These traits made the COE invaluable as it was better able to navigate narrow alleys, tight corners, and compact loading docks, while able to carry the same payload as a traditional cab-behind-engine truck. This made the cab-over-engine design popular in crowded cities.
There were downsides with the Chevy COE design, as access to the engine was far more complicated, ride quality with the shorter wheelbase suffered, heat radiated upward from the engine bay, and climbing in and out of the cab was more difficult. As regulations for heavy and medium-duty trucks changed, the COE became obsolete. 1959 was the final year for the medium-duty COE.
The Chevy COE has become a favorite of some custom builders as the platform for unique pickups and custom car haulers, and in some cases becoming custom show trucks. This example is surely one of the latter, as a no-expense-spared build. Resplendent in red over black with airbrushed stripes, SS emblems, and extensive custom metal work, this COE is powered by a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine that feeds power to an Allison six-speed transmission. The custom gray interior features front bucket seats, console, Dakota Digital dash, Vintage Air, bespoke audio, and a Lokar shifter. This COE has a full air ride suspension, rides on American Force polished billet wheels, and is equipped with a tow package to bring your classic along for the ride.
This interesting custom Chevy COE pickup will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Las Vegas, Nevada event taking place November 9th through the 11th.
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Comments
I love the old cab over trucks, but not the wheels or paint on this one. It could be better looking.
Nice……
Not a COE, It is a LCF or low cab forward design. Much different designs.
Correct this is not a cab over.
Additionally, 59 was not the last year for the LCF.
Which end is the front?
TO THE PERSON WHO WROTE THIS ARTICLE: CLEARLY A LCF TRUCK, PICS. PROVIDED PROVE THAT. DID CHEVROLET EVER MAKE A TRUE CAB OVER TRUCK? IF THEY DID, THEN WHY INSULT OUR INTEL. WITH WRITING AND SHOWING US PICS. OF A LCF AND CALLING IT A COE. BUT IF GM NEVER MADE A TRUE COE AND REFER TO THE ICF AS 1, THEN WHY DO U STILL HAVE A JOB WRITTING 4 GM AUTHORITY?
Yes, Chevrolet/GMC had a true cabover tractor.