Holmes wreckers

The tow truck was invented in 1916 by Ernest Holmes, Sr., of Chattanooga, Tennessee, a garage worker inspired after needing blocks, ropes, and six men to pull a car out of a creek. Upon improving his design he began manufacturing them commercially.

By 1919 Ernest Holmes Sr. (1883-1945)— whose brother Curtis owned a service station, had secured a patent and was selling branded wreckers, which were mounted on the backs of used cars.

Found on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Time-Travelers-come-travel-back-in-time/284477301577152

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Classic-Holmes-Towing-Equipment/370250746336348

a couple of big beast wreckers

Found on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Classic-Holmes-Towing-Equipment/370250746336348

the rough and ready wrecker operator in the 70's... with home-made tire blocks made from a couple junkyard rims

Found on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Classic-Holmes-Towing-Equipment/370250746336348

Mamma's little baby on a forward control Jeep

Both found on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Classic-Holmes-Towing-Equipment/370250746336348

Barnes Towing

In about 1937, Luton J. White, the owner of Barnes Auto Co., together with Alan White, conceived an idea to build a streamlined wrecker – something strikingly modern. In appearance the vehicle was a complete departure from anything normal for the day, as can be seen in the accompanying pictures. Both front and rear ends are rounded so that maneuvering in tight spaces is easy.

They chose a 1938 Dodge 6 two-ton truck chassis, shortened and reinforced and converted to full forward control. The engine developed 78 horsepower and with a special low gear in the four-speed gear box, it would climb the steepest grades and go where no others could go.

This truck remained in service until the mid 50’s when it was replaced by a crew cab English Dodge.

info from http://www.forgottenfiberglass.com/and-now-for-something-completely-different/streamliner-from-down-underby-glenn-brummer/ images from https://www.facebook.com/anibal134