2026 Museum Auction Truck to headline Towing Museum fundraiser

The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled its 2026 Museum Auction Truck, a custom Hino and Miller Industries build that will be sold at the museum’s annual fundraising auction in Chattanooga on Oct. 16. Proceeds will support preservation, exhibits and education tied to the towing and recovery profession.

Why it matters: - Proceeds from the auction support the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum’s preservation work, educational programming and exhibit upgrades. - The truck sale is part of the museum’s effort to fund efforts that keep the towing and recovery industry’s history visible to future generations. - The event also draws towing professionals, industry leaders and museum supporters into Chattanooga for Museum Weekend 2026.

What happened: - The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum announced the donation of the 2026 Museum Auction Truck from Hino Trucks USA and Miller Industries. - The custom-built truck rolled off Miller Industries’ manufacturing facility in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. - The truck will headline the museum’s Annual Fundraising Auction on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, during Museum Weekend in Chattanooga, Tennessee. - The auction begins at 6:30 p.m. at Erlanger Park. - The truck is a special 40th Anniversary Hall of Fame Edition.

The details: - The truck is built on a 2026 Hino L6 Series chassis. - The truck is equipped with a Century 12 Series LCG™ carrier. - The museum said the truck reflects the quality, innovation and craftsmanship used in the towing industry. - Jeffrey Godwin, first vice president of the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, said the donation from Hino Trucks and Miller Industries continues to have a lasting impact on the museum and the industry. - John Donato, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Hino Trucks, said the donation reflects Hino’s long history with the industry and supports preservation of its stories and achievements. - Kipp Felice, vice president of marketing and business solutions at Miller Industries, said the partnership is a way to give back to an organization that preserves the towing and recovery legacy. - Peak Auto Auctions is providing an online bidding portal for people who cannot attend in person. - Online bidding information is available through the charity auction portal. - Event details, auction information, sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available through the museum weekend page.

Between the lines: - The 40th Anniversary Hall of Fame Edition branding turns the truck into both a fundraiser and a rolling tribute to the museum’s preservation mission. - The auction extends a recurring partnership between the museum, Hino Trucks and Miller Industries. - The truck’s role as a featured attraction suggests the museum is using a high-value custom vehicle to drive interest and bidding.

What's next: - The museum will hold the auction on Oct. 16, 2026, with in-person bidding at Erlanger Park and online bidding through Peak Auto Auctions. - The auction proceeds will go back into museum operations, exhibits and educational programming. - Museum Weekend 2026 will serve as the broader setting for the fundraising event.