Howes Products used the backdrop of the 44th Iowa 80 Truckers Jamboree in Walcott, Iowa, to announce its ninth member to be inducted into the Howes Hall of Fame.
Representing restored trucks everywhere, “Cherry Pie,” a 1973 Kenworth W900A, along with owner and restoration enthusiast Kate Whiting, will be joining a distinguished list of inductees made up of people, places and things that make the trucking industry so vibrant.
Members of the truck restoration community are a well-connected and, of course, well-traveled group. With hundreds of shows scattered across the country, there is never a shortage of beautiful, classic trucks on display, each harkening back to a special time in the history of the trucking industry.
Exhibiting trucks that were featured in classic movies, to timeless models that served throughout the decades, these passionate, creative people draw crowds everywhere they show their vehicles. In many cases, their tireless workhorses are still active, pulling loads and logging miles as they continue to keep up with newer models.
[Related: Owner-operator Angelique 'The Tornado' Temple: Latest member of Howes' Hall of Fame]
“There’s just something so rewarding that comes from being able to bring these epic giants back to life,” said Kate Whiting, owner and operator of Cherry Pie. “I know in my case, once I laid eyes on Cherry Pie, I could see her potential, her hidden charm. Over time, lots of time, and with the help of many other special people, I was able to get her back in action.”
Originally owned by Mike Orton, who purchased the then brand-new Kenworth W900A in 1973, the truck worked hard for 30 years before it’s retirement. It spent the next eight lonely years parked on the grass before Whiting found it. Along with the help of friends in the restoration community, she worked hard to get the truck where it is today.
