The September/October 2025 issue of the magazine is available in our gift shop now and will be available on newsstands soon. This 1941 Diamond T Model 201 proves that Hills Bros. Coffee had discerning taste in trucks! Check out the cover story by Robert Gabrick • Photos by Brad Bowling

JAVA HAULER

This 1941 Diamond T Model 201 proves that Hills Bros. Coffee had discerning taste in trucks!

Story by Robert Gabrick • Photos by Brad Bowling

Adorning the streamlined, dark red 1941 Diamond T Model 201 sedan delivery you see here is signage for Hills Bros. Coffee—one of the oldest sellers of coffee beans in the United States.

“There’s an irresistible invitation in those wisps of fragrance that rise from a cup of Hills Bros. Coffee. Eagerly, you reach for that cup to drink it down. And you come back for more.”
—1931 Hills Bros. Coffee advertisement

Austin and Reuben Hills started their San Francisco-based coffee business in 1878. In 1898, Edward Norton of New York was granted a U.S. patent on a vacuum-packing process for canning foods; two years later, the Hills company was first to use the innovation for its coffee. Hills boasted “The Original Vacuum Pack” on its cans and jars. In 1914, Hills became the “Red Can Brand” coffee—a marketing message that is reflected in our featured truck’s rich color.

The brothers would incorporate under the Hills Bros. name in 1906. According to the company’s official narrative, a young artist we remember only as “Briggs” created the company’s trademark, the iconic Arabian coffee taster shown on the truck and on much of Hills Bros.’ labels. An advertisement from the period put it this way: “Hills Bros. Coffee is sold by grocers everywhere. Ask for it by name and look for the Arab—the trademark—on the can.” The Arabian taster became a European-American character in 1990.

In 1926, 2 Harrison St., located in San Francisco’s Embarcadero, became the official Hills Bros. home office and roasting plant. Noted architect George Kelham designed the building. While no longer a Hills Bros. facility, it retains the large Hills Bros. Coffee sign on the roof. Hills Bros. left the location in 1997.

Be sure to pick up a copy of the July/August 2025 issue of Vintage Truck magazine! 10 pages of Diamond T goodness is ready for you to take home.

Articles in this issue include:

FEATURES

The Phantom Camper Special
Martin Carney’s 1968 Ford F-250 eluded him for 13 years!
Story by Loren Hoekema, Photos by Al Rogers
A Truck in Transition
National Parts Depot’s 1988 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Silverado is a pristine, 300-mile reminder of the brand’s R/V years!
Story and Photos by Brad Bowling
Java Hauler
This 1941 Diamond T Model 201 proves that Hills Bros. Coffee had discerning taste in trucks!
Story by Robert Gabrick, Photos by Brad Bowling

DEPARTMENTS

Letter from the Editor
Letters to the Editor
Milestone Pickup Trucks
Spoked Wheels
Books in the Bed: Reviews by Robert Gabrick
The Road Less Traveled: The Rush Delivery Car Co.
Photos from the Attic
Dodge Garage: 1970 Dodge D200 Camper Special
Aid for the Anxious Amateur: This Is What’s In Your Oil!
Classifieds
Show Guide
Granny Gear: Liar! Liar! I’m on Fire!

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