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Stock# 90447
Description

This 1914 Official Programme for the Motor Truck Dealers' Association's "Motor Truck Reliability Run" highlights a significant event organized to test and showcase the durability and performance of early motor trucks.

The run took participants from Los Angeles to Riverside and back, following a 203.5-mile route across Southern California. Sponsored by the Union Oil Company of California and sanctioned by the American Automobile Association (AAA), this event aimed to demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of motor trucks to potential buyers and industry leaders.

The front cover features a dramatic illustration of a rugged truck under the title "Motor Truck Reliability Run," emphasizing the strength and resilience expected of these vehicles. The Union Oil Company’s branding appears prominently, noting that Union Gasoline or Distillate would fuel 87% of the trucks in the competition, reflecting the company's vested interest in supporting the burgeoning automotive industry.

The interior pages provide detailed information about participating manufacturers and their models, such as Moreland and Chase Motor Trucks, alongside descriptions of their technical capabilities. Advertisements highlight key features like payload capacity and fuel efficiency, positioning these trucks as essential tools for businesses. For instance, Moreland Motor Truck Co. advertises their "Distillate Motor Trucks," which were unique for operating on distillate fuel, a cost-effective alternative to gasoline.

Also included is a route map, which carefully marks the 203.5-mile journey from Los Angeles through Pasadena, Glendora, Riverside, and other towns. The map served as a practical guide for participants, noting control points and critical distances, emphasizing the meticulous planning required for such an event.

The program lists rules and regulations, outlining requirements for fair competition and safety. Observers were tasked with monitoring truck performance, recording speed and endurance, and assessing repairs to determine the winners. Awards were designated based on reliability, efficiency, and operation, underscoring the event's focus on practical benchmarks for truck performance in real-world conditions.

Overall, this program captures an early 20th-century automotive marketing strategy, blending technical specifications with competitive spirit, as manufacturers sought to prove the commercial viability of motor trucks in a rigorous, controlled setting.