Joe Thomas, head of the state safety inspection station on South 38th Street, greets former race car driver Harry Hartz, at the wheel of his famous Chevrolet demonstration truck, in October of 1939. The truck has travelled over 73,000 miles, crisscrossing the country, including a trek up Pikes Peak to the 14,110-foot level, without adjustments or trouble of any kind. The truck's travels are under the watchful eye of the American Automobile Association (AAA) who certifies the truck's performance. Thomas, a former race car driver himself, taught Hartz racing in 1919. Hartz won the Indianapolis Speedway Classic twice before being seriously injured in a crash. Guy Sheehan, manager of the South Tacoma Motor Co., a Chevrolet dealer, had also come out to see the long running truck. He is believed to be the man on the left. (T. Times 11/1/1939, pg. 13) (filed with Argentum)

Vehicle Safety Inspection Station (Tacoma); Chevrolet trucks; Thomas, Joe; Hartz, Harry;

Chevrolet Safety Truck going through test at State Vehicle Safety Inspection Station. Joe Thomas, right, head of the safety inspection station, documents the truck's approval rating for former race car driver Harry Hartz, left. The Chevrolet demonstration truck has travelled over 73,000 miles, criss crossing America. Thomas, a former automobile racer himself, introduced Hartz to the world of racing in 1919. Hartz twice won the Indianapolis Speedway Classic before being seriously injured in a crash. (T. Times 11/1 1939, pg. 13) (filed with Argentum)

Vehicle Safety Inspection Station (Tacoma); Chevrolet trucks; Thomas, Joe; Hartz, Harry;

Truck built by Highway Truck Equipment for AA Star Transfer Co. photographed on May 29, 1940 in front of the Washington State Vehicle Safety Inspection Station, 3415 So. 38th St. Highway Truck Co. was located at 3224 South Tacoma Way and specialized in manufacturing hoists and bodies for dump trucks, trailers of all types, truck alterations and brake installations. (filed with Argentum)

Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Highway Truck Co. (Tacoma); Vehicle Safety Inspection Station (Tacoma);