Tow vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, and finding the ideal hauler for heavy machinery or a motorized “toy” can be challenging. That’s where this 1958 Chevrolet Viking 40 rides to the rescue. It is an incredible custom build in its own right that would be ideal for transporting the new owner’s pride and joy to shows in style. Its big-block provides power to burn, while its nicely appointed interior guarantees a comfortable journey. The Viking is listed here on Facebook in Taopi, Minnesota. It could be yours by handing the seller $17,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder NW Iowa for spotting this amazing custom.
Like any custom build, there is an enormous amount to unpack with this Viking. The seller commenced this project by refurbishing and undersealing this classic’s cab to prevent future rust problems. They preserved its inherent character with an exterior clear coat before bolting the cab to a freshly refurbished and sealed 2000 Chevy motorhome frame. This allowed scope for a 24-foot beaver-tail bed designed to carry some pretty heavy loads. Innovative thinking abounds, with the inbuilt front-mounted hydraulic jacks not only there to assist with wheel changes. They are designed to tilt the vehicle and lower the tail for more effortless loading and unloading. The Viking retains its original trim and chrome, with the condition consistent with the rest of the exterior. The glass looks spotless, and all lighting has been converted to LED.
There are no indications which engine powered this Viking 40 when it was new, but that is largely irrelevant now that a 454ci V8 occupies the engine bay. Its specifications are unclear, but it is safe to say that it produces more power and torque than Chevrolet could have imagined in 1958. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a five-speed NV4500 manual transmission, while rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel Hydro-Boost disc brakes round out the package. Load carriers often involve a compromise between suspension that is tough enough to haul heavy loads but is soft enough to provide a comfortable ride when the bed is empty. This Viking covers those bases with rear Air Ride suspension with an on-board compressor. The listing indicates the vehicle has covered 500 miles since the build ended, but not how the vehicle runs and drives. However, with a considerable cash investment and over 1,000 hours spent on the build, the news should be positive.
This Viking’s interior is new from top to bottom, although it was incomplete when this photo was taken. Every painted surface has been refurbished, new carpet was installed, and occupants can now sink back into the luxury of heated leather seats that were fitted after this shot was taken. It features a new retro-style electronic gauge cluster, a modern steering column, and a wheel with controls for the audio system. Air conditioning should keep the occupants cool, and there’s no doubt that any journey aboard this classic should be an enjoyable experience.
One of the joys of writing for Barn Finds is that we see and feature an eclectic mix of vehicles. This 1958 Chevrolet Viking 40 is up there with the best of them and appears to be a carefully-considered custom build. It won’t appeal to everyone but would be ideal for someone with a custom or race car to transport. I respect the commitment that has gone into its design and construction, and while the owner is selling into a specialized market, I won’t be surprised if it finds a buyer fairly quickly.
This is a really cool hauler that someone has put some engineering into. I expect to see it at Lone Star Roundup next year, or Back To The 50s….
“Engineering”? Is that why the front wheels hafta be 10″ in the air, to load it?
Maybe that’s a simulated wheelie from that big block in there!
Notice how low the cars on the truck and in the background are. That’s why the jacks were added.
Hot dang, 2 gals( maybe 3?) in the conversation, our best turnout yet. Apparently, that is the way vehicles are loaded, as described in the info. I’ve seen a lot of rollbacks, but never one where the bed doesn’t move. Seems like a pretty silly way of doing something but hey, ain’t that America!
I had to scroll back up and see if I read the price correctly. $17,500 is a steal for this.
The steering wheel, column and console are from a final generation Grand Prix. I wonder if the wipers are indeed controlled by the rh column stalk, as well as other factory controls.
I would love shiny paint instead of the current one, but I can’t fault the innovation here….
Good write-up Clarkey.
Very cool rig, with luxurious interior and a 5sp. Nice long deck on this too. No mention on the type of winch 🪝
Nice rig. I would move the rear axle forward to enhance the loading and unloading. It would look good with a full one color paint job.
Get it while it’s there. Super cool build.
We got sompin like it just not as long (’67 cheb, D60 rear, duals, cummins 12v, allison, winch, etc). Comes in hanfy. For lots a spec license is needed but the few a yr here, no, just the repair plate (good for 50 states). Customers ‘get the hook’ (their choice of company or our reg ‘go to’ flat bed like this’un).
Glad the fella put in the NV.
Could you repeat that in English, please?
I don’t think so
You must be new here.
good lord I tried to read that 3 times and still not sure what he said.
I always skip his comments …
Say what now?
Beautiful rig, I had a couple regular long bed Apache pickup trucks many years ago and it reminds of the old days and what I really liked about this is the long bed which could haul most of the long boat yacht vehicles from the late 50s early 60s and late 60s through the 70s , this is a one of one custom build and once it’s gone, good luck finding something else in this category
The original engine in this truck could have been the 348, or sometimes the Buick nailhead 322 was offered. I remember the local school district had a few late 1950s Chevrolet busses in the fleet with the Buick engines and an automatic transmission, probably the Dynaflow.
This guy did an amazing job. I’m usually a fan of the patina look when it is authentic but I think this truck deserves a nice paint job to finish it off. I bet those built in jacks are especially handy when loading a lowered car.
While i really appreciate his work , i do question the 2 front jacks , a car going up the platform could push this off the blocks and send the rig sliding , cause steel pegs are not good brakes …
I wonder if it would haul my Packard at 4400 lb. curb weight?