Heavy Haulers: Two standout auto transporters

One of the quiet joys of collecting scale models is discovering pieces that feel both distinctive and practical. That was very much the case with two recent Altaya additions to my 1:43 collection: a 1957 Chevrolet 9100 CLF auto transporter and a 1966 Ford C-600 Shelby Cobra hauler. Both came to me courtesy of my friend Michael in Belgium, who has an impressive knack for locating hard-to-find commercial vehicle models and bundling them into carefully packed shipments—always filled to capacity, but never over the 2 kg shipping limit.

Those shipments were on hold for a while. Between tariffs and Michael’s home country temporarily suspending shipments to the U.S., the pipeline went quiet. Fortunately, things are moving again. Costs are higher, but the return of these transatlantic deliveries makes it well worth it, especially when the results look like this.

Two Trucks, Two Personalities

The 1957 Chevrolet 9100 CLF transporter wears its industrial roots proudly. Finished in red and white with Industrial Transport markings and period-correct lettering referencing Lansing, Michigan, the truck has a purposeful, workmanlike stance. The cab-forward design, paired with the long car-hauling body, immediately evokes mid-century American logistics. Details like the chrome mirrors, roof-mounted horns, painted trim, and crisp tampo printing elevate its appearance.

By contrast, the 1966 Ford C-600 Shelby Cobra hauler feels more specialized and performance-oriented. Painted in signature deep blue with bold Cobra Powered by Ford branding, it suggests racing circuits and high-performance cargo rather than factory-to-dealer transport. The cab proportions, grille treatment, and badging are all spot-on, and the open-frame hauler body is rendered with precision. The silver structural supports and wheel details add depth without overwhelming the design.

Together, the two trucks complement one another beautifully—one rooted in industrial utility, the other tied closely to motorsport heritage.

Smart Collecting, Efficient Display

There is also a practical reason I’m drawn to auto transporters. With a large collection, space is always at a premium and these trucks offer a clever solution. Each transporter can carry up to four 1:43 cars, allowing you to display multiple vehicles as part of a single cohesive scene. Instead of four separate footprints on a shelf, you get one integrated display that feels intentional and historically accurate.

These two new additions pair especially well with my 1954 GMC COE transporter, which I purchased a couple of years ago and which @chris has already written about. Together, they form a small but cohesive lineup that tells a broader story about how cars moved across the country during different eras.

Your Turn

That brings me to the fun part. Auto transporters are only as interesting as the cars they carry.

I’d love to hear ideas on what vehicles would be well suited for these two haulers, whether period-correct passenger cars, race cars, prototypes, or something more unexpected. Feel free to submit your suggestions and spark the next phase of my display planning.

After all, half the enjoyment of collecting is deciding not just what to buy, but how to bring it all together.