World’s coolest car-based pick-ups
Undoubtedly the most exotic period pick-ups were the five Maserati fire trucks built for use at Monza and Imola circuits. The Quattroporte conversion was done by Bologna-based fireextinguisher specialist CEA Estinori in ’73, and included a high-pressure water canon. After high-speed circuit service (during which one was destroyed), the four survivors were saved by enthusiasts and scattered around Europe.
There have been several Porsche-based pick-ups, none cooler than that created by Dick Troutman, the legendary Californian race-car builder, who in 1972 converted a pair of 914s. One was based on a standard car, with Opel Manta tail-lights and a targa top; the other was a more radical, wide-arched 914/6 that was later transformed into a race support vehicle. In addition, a Dane went to great lengths to avoid hefty local taxes on sports cars by turning his 928 GTS into a pick-up, which became a muchphotographed attraction around Copenhagen.
Not even the Prancing Horse is safe from the cutting torch, because back in 2014 the London Supercar Workshop transformed a Ferrari 412 to create a 3ft-long open back with teak wood panelling. Other recent conversions have included a Gt350-style Mustang imported by pony-car specialist Bill Shepherd.
But few towing vehicles can hold a candle to Jerry Hathaway’s Citroën SM Bonneville equipe. The Los Angeles-based specialist and recordholder once motored up to the salt flats with an immaculately prepared SM pick-up conversion hauling a four-wheeled, hydropneumatically suspended trailer carrying his 200mph SM speed-record challenger, all fitted with Moon Disc wheeltrims. This impressive set is now on display at the Mullin Automotive Museum, California in a special Citroën exhibit.