**Introduction**
The state of Wyoming may not be known for vehicle manufacturing, but a rare find in a junkyard revealed a Wyoming-built vehicle – the Walker Power Truck utility vehicle. Max Walker, a farmer turned entrepreneur, started Walker Power Trucks in 1962, producing around a thousand units before the company’s bankruptcy in 1970. Despite the setbacks, Max Walker continued his passion for innovation, later focusing on agricultural cab coolers and mowing machines. This article explores the history and features of the Walker Power Truck found in a junkyard near Denver, shedding light on a piece of automotive history.
**The History of Walker Power Trucks**
Max Walker’s journey from farming to vehicle manufacturing began with gasoline-powered golf carts in 1957, which evolved into the rear-steering Walker Power Trucks by 1962. The company produced utility vehicles designed for various applications such as factories, airports, and farms. After building around a thousand Power Trucks, financial difficulties led Max Walker to sell the company to an oil-and-mining outfit in Casper, Wyoming, ultimately resulting in the company’s bankruptcy in 1970. Despite these challenges, Walker’s legacy continued through new ventures in manufacturing agricultural products.
**Features of the Walker Power Truck**
The Walker Power Truck is powered by an Onan boxer-twin four-stroke gasoline engine, providing reliable performance for various tasks. With a simple centrifugal clutch and transmission featuring Drive, Neutral, and Reverse gears, the Power Truck offers straightforward operation. Equipped with an off-the-shelf Stewart-Warner speedometer, the vehicle’s odometer reads 7,723 miles, showcasing its history and potential for restoration. Despite sitting outdoors for many years, the robust design of the Power Truck suggests that it can be easily restored for operational use.
**Restoring the Walker Power Truck**
Rebuilding a vintage vehicle like the Walker Power Truck requires sourcing parts, mechanical expertise, and dedication to preserving automotive history. With the availability of similar generator engines and basic components, enthusiasts can potentially bring this rare Wyoming-built vehicle back to life. Colorado Auto & Parts, a self-service junkyard, offers opportunities to acquire entire vehicles for restoration projects, making it easier for enthusiasts to rescue and revive unique automotive finds like the Walker Power Truck.
**Legacy of Max Walker and Walker Manufacturing**
Max Walker’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation left a lasting legacy in the automotive industry. Despite facing financial challenges and bankruptcy with the Walker Manufacturing Corporation, Max Walker continued his pursuit of innovation, eventually focusing on agricultural products like cab coolers and mowing machines. His contributions to vehicle manufacturing and agricultural equipment showcase a story of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, highlighting the importance of preserving automotive history for future generations. The Walker Power Truck stands as a testament to Max Walker’s ingenuity and the legacy of Wyoming’s brief foray into vehicle manufacturing.