If you’re into rare diesel powered vehicles, and would be even mildly interested in owning the “original” monster truck, then you have to stop whatever you’re doing and check out this Craigslist offer. This is not only a rare diesel, but a rare military off-road vehicle, too. What you are looking at is a 1957 MM-1 Teracruzer, and according to the owner, one of the few still in existence.
In their heyday, these MM-1 Teracruzers were used as Mace missile haulers by the U.S. Air Force during a time when we thought the Russians might lob some missiles at us. The awesome looking truck is powered by a Detroit DieselĀ 6V-71 diesel engine. This engine was part of a family of 71 Series diesel engines (some with turbos, designated with a “T”) built by Detroit beginning in 1938 that ranged in configurations and power from a 1.2-liter single-piston variant rated at 10 hp to the V24 (27.9 liters, 1,704 ci) with 24 pistons that could crank out 1,800 hp. The 6V-71 was a V6 design that had a displacement of 7.0 liters (426 ci) and was rated at 238 hp.
The 6V-71 is backed by an Allison automatic transmission with a PTO. The MM-1 Teracruzer crawls on eight individually self inflating/deflating 44×41-inch tires. There are locking differentials (when engaged) on all eight wheels. The seller claims the engine and transmission are in “very good condition,” but that the hydraulics and air hose need some TLC. He was asking $22,250 for it the last time we checked, and says a video of the rig running is available to serious buyers. Can you see yourself cruising this honey into the next truck show?