Eastbound and Down, Loaded Up and (C8000 Coors) Truckin’
Four decades ago, this ’78 Ford C8000 arrived to deliver cases of Coors all over Wyoming. Now, it’s ready to deliver the goods to a new home.
Ford builds trucks for every job imaginable. One of them, the C-Series, is the third-longest produced commercial rig in North America of all time. For 33 years between 1957 and 1990, the cab-over remained unchanged on the outside, handling everything from fires to deliveries.
In 1978, one such C-Series arrived at a Wyoming Coors distributor to bring cases of joy around the state. Today, this C8000 will be a case of joy to whomever places the winning bid on Bring a Trailer.
Tapping the Rockies in Wyoming
Up through 1990, Metz Beverage Co. in Sheridan gave their C8000 plenty to deliver to the bars and grocery stores in the area. Prior to retirement on its 22nd birthday, it was repainted to its current appearance. Its current owner acquired it two years ago, and it’s been ready to go back on the job ever since.
Ol’ Yeller Lives
Moving those silver bullets and golden banquets around is the C8000’s Caterpillar 3208 four-stroke V8 diesel, which made anywhere from 210 to 435 horses, depending on the application. The 3208 was made for Ford between 1975 and the early 1990s, with this one linked to the rear axle through an automatic.
Minimalism Before It Was Cool
On top of the 3208, the C8000’s cab is as bare-bones as you can get. Just two black vinyl seats with lap belts, rubber floor mats, and a big steering wheel to move the beer. It’s doubtful the rig could hit 100 mph per its speedo. However, the engine’s logged 87,000 miles over its long life.
Business in the Front, Party in the Back
Behind the cab is the most important part of the C8000: the cargo area. Tons of partitioning to keep the various Coors organized, and a functioning refrigerator unit to keep it as cold as the Rockies themselves. No doubt was this truck a welcome sight during every Super Bowl, March Madness, and World Series.
A Piece of History
It’s nice to see a well-preserved example of a C8000 that didn’t put out fires in its day. The question remains, though: what does one do with a retired Coors truck?
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Join the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forums now!
