Texaco Doodlebug: The Streamlined Tanker That Redefined Design

Weird ONES - In the early 1930s, as the world was swept up by new advancements in design and technology, Texaco introduced a tanker truck that seemed straight out of a futuristic vision. For many, the first thought upon seeing this unique vehicle was that it resembled a “pill” or a “breadloaf.” Officially known as the Texaco Doodlebug, this tanker wasn’t just another truck; it was a symbol of innovation and design that boldly departed from anything the automotive world had seen before.

The Texaco Doodlebug, a Diamond T-based tanker truck commissioned by the American oil company Texaco, showcased a streamlined, futuristic design typical of American tanker trucks in the 1930s. (Picture from: IconicRides in Facebook)

The Doodlebug’s look was undeniably striking. Its shape, reminiscent of a pill or bread loaf, featured a smooth, half-cylinder body with rounded edges at the front and a tapered back. This seamless design eliminated the typical fenders, hood, and running boards, making the cabin blend smoothly into the body. Additionally, the vehicle stood only six feet tall—a surprisingly low profile for a tanker truck, which made it appear almost as if it were gliding along the road. Its windshield, made from compound curved glass, was cutting-edge for the time, adding to the futuristic feel.

The Texaco Diamond T Doodlebug fuel tanker from the 1930s, designed by Norman Bel Geddes and Walter Dorwin Teague, was produced in a limited run of only six units. (Picture from: WeirdWheels)

The Doodlebug was made possible through a collaboration between multiple companies. Texaco partnered with the Heil Trailer Company, responsible for constructing the tank body, and the Diamond T Motor Car Company, which provided the chassis. The Doodlebug was publicly revealed in January 1933, and its engineering was as innovative as its design. Equipped with a Hercules L-head six-cylinder engine mounted at the rear, it offered an unusual but balanced configuration. Air-pressured controls managed the clutch and gearbox, and an advanced communication system allowed the driver to hear engine sounds via a microphone-speaker setup. This way, the driver knew exactly when to shift gears—a sophisticated feature for its time.

The Texaco Doodlebug fuel tanker, resembling a 'pill' or 'breadloaf,' was a symbol of innovation and design that boldly departed from anything the automotive world had seen before. (Picture from: DisenoArts)

This innovative truck was part of Texaco’s broader strategy to modernize its brand. The company enlisted industrial designers Norman Bel Geddes and Walter Dorwin Teague to help craft a fresh, contemporary image for Texaco. This modernization effort introduced several iconic elements still associated with the brand, such as the red Texaco star-T logo, redesigned service station aesthetics, and updated employee uniforms. The Doodlebug, with its sleek, futuristic look, became the face of this transformation, turning heads on the road and solidifying Texaco’s brand as both stylish and forward-thinking.

The Texaco Diamond T Doodlebug powered by a Hercules L-head six-cylinder engine mounted at the rear. (Picture from: DisenoArts)

Despite its attention-grabbing design, the Doodlebug’s production was limited, with only a handful built—some sources suggest as few as six. The exact number has been lost to history, as are the trucks themselves; none are known to have survived. It’s believed that the Doodlebugs were eventually scrapped or deliberately decommissioned, possibly due to advancements in tanker design or Texaco’s evolving needs. Another mystery surrounding the Doodlebug is its original color. While most images and models show it in the signature Texaco red, some historical accounts suggest it was initially painted black, though no concrete evidence has confirmed this.

The Texaco Diamond T Doodlebug’s production was limited, with only a handful built—some sources suggest as few as six. (Picture from: DisenoArts)

One of the Doodlebug’s most notable public appearances was at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, where it attracted countless onlookers. People were fascinated by the Doodlebug’s distinct shape and advanced design. The truck was a remarkable 26 feet long, 92 inches wide, and, due to its low height, barely taller than a passenger sedan. This design gave it a stable weight distribution, ensuring smooth handling—a rare quality for tankers of that era.

The Texaco Diamond T Doodlebug was a remarkable 26 feet long, 92 inches wide, and, due to its low height, barely taller than a passenger sedan. (Picture from: DisenoArts)

The engineering behind the Doodlebug also included several unique features. Its rear-mounted Hercules engine required a special access door, allowing mechanics to easily work on the engine. For additional convenience, the entire rear section could be removed if the engine needed to be taken out. The cab design, with its 180-degree field of vision provided by a curved glass windshield, was revolutionary for the time and would later inspire other vehicle designs.

The Texaco Diamond T Doodlebug is thought that Norman Bel Geddes and his team worked with Howard W. Kizer and C.A.Pierce, Chief Engineer for Diamond T, to come up with the radical, streamlined design. (Picture from: TexacoTankerProject)

The influence of the Texaco Doodlebug even crossed international borders. In 1934, a tanker with similar styling appeared in Sydney, Australia, commissioned by the British Australian Petroleum Company. While it resembled the Doodlebug from the front, the unique rear styling created by Bel Geddes was not replicated in this Australian version. Still, the inspiration was clear, and it underscored the Doodlebug’s impact on automotive design worldwide. | GTlLzwunWic |

Although the Texaco Doodlebug is no longer around, its legacy endures in historical records and photographs. This tanker truck captivated imaginations in its time and remains a testament to what is possible when function and forward-thinking design merge. The Texaco Doodlebug stands as a reminder of an era that embraced daring ideas, proving that a simple utility vehicle could also be a groundbreaking symbol of innovation. Thanks to the dedication of automotive historians, the spirit of the Doodlebug continues to live on, inspiring admiration for a truck that was ahead of its time. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GENE 1968 IN X | WIKIPEDIA | TEXACOTANKERPROJECT | ICONICRIDES'S STORY IN FACEBOOK | HEMMINGS | WEIRDWHEELS | DISENOARTS ]

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