1966 Ruthman V80 Cherry Picker!

This is one of only a handful of remaining Ruthman Cherry Pickers still in existence.  These early Single Cabs were converted to "Bucket Trucks" by the Ruthman company to be used in commercial applications and were frequently used by utility companies for servicing power lines, tree trimming services, or examples like this one were used as a "mobile scaffolding" by a painting company.  This example was imported from Europe years back by a serious Bus collector who has driven it out to his own Volkswagen show, raised the bucket to the sky, and hung an event banner from it.  The V80 model features a maximum height of 8 meters.  There was also a smaller V60 model offered that had a 6 meter height, but this is the big boy.  It is definitely not something you see every day.

Some of this Trucks many cool features include being a full European spec truck with blade bumpers, Kilometers per hour speedometer, European locking steering column with "Fahrt" start ignition, and being a factory optioned 12 volt electrical system.

The body is very straight but has some of the typical issues and previous "functional" repairs that you frequently see from real European import Buses.  The cab floor corners, lower rockers inner and outer, some spots in the upper bed, and a spot the size of a fist in the treasure belly will all need sections welded in.  The long rocker already has a previous "European Functional Repair" where they needed to make it solid and tacked a new lower skin on it and returned it to service.  The pics will tell the story very well and give you an idea what work will be required in order to restore those areas. 

The interior is original, a bit dusty, but never been modified and complete with the correct seats, paneling, uncut original dash, correct floor mat, and the original black steering wheel is in nice shape as well.

Mechanically this Cherry Picker has low miles on a rebuilt stock single port 1500.  Obviously it hasn't been driven in a while which is the main reason the collector has decided to offer it for sale.  Keep in mind it does run and drive, will require a new battery,  and will likely need some normal servicing and detail to bring it up to speed.  He had the bucket up and drove it to his event just a few years back and said that the hydraulics all worked for the Truck "leveler" as well as the lift but the bucket would only rotate in one direction and the lines and joints leaked quite a bit so they will need some attention to be sealed and function as designed.  The oily residue you see down low is a bit of that hydraulic fluid that leaked out. 

This is a great opportunity to add a super cool bit of history and unique industrial grade Commercial Volkswagen Truck to your collection for a very very affordable price. 

Just $5500

Please visit my website at http://www.holygrailgarage.com to see this, other Vintage VWs, Classic Cars, and Parts for sale.  Thanks!

*Please note that this Cherry Picker is located in the Bakersfield, California area.

Brendan Finn (858)366-2549
http://www.holygrailgarage.com
brendanfinn666@yahoo.com