In Pixar's Cars, what kind of vehicle is Mater?

In Pixar's Cars, Mater is a tow truck.

Mater is the rusty, buck-toothed companion Lightning McQueen meets after McQueen is stranded in Radiator Springs. His full name is Sir Tow Mater, a pun on “tomater,” and his design resembles an old International Harvester boom truck.

Although Mater looks worn and often behaves foolishly, he is loyal, brave, and highly skilled at towing and salvage work. His friendship with Lightning becomes one of the emotional centers of the first film, especially as Lightning learns to value relationships over racing fame.

Mater later becomes central to Cars 2, where his accidental involvement in an international spy operation drives much of the story. The character was voiced by comedian Larry the Cable Guy and became one of the franchise's most recognizable figures.