In Pixar's Cars, what type of real vehicle is Mater designed to resemble?

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

Mater is Radiator Springs’ rusty, enthusiastic tow truck and Lightning McQueen’s closest friend. He introduces himself with a humorous country style and quickly becomes one of the film’s most recognizable characters. His towing equipment is not merely decorative: it supports his job and drives several of his visual gags and adventures.

Mater’s full name is Tow Mater, a pun on “tomater,” reflecting the film’s playful approach to automotive language. Larry the Cable Guy provides his English-language voice. The character’s friendship with Lightning helps the arrogant rookie understand loyalty, community, and the value of people who are easy to overlook.

Mater is sometimes misidentified as a pickup truck because of his cab and open rear area. His defining feature is the towing apparatus mounted behind the cab. Other vehicle characters include Sheriff, a police car, Red, a fire engine, and Fillmore, a Volkswagen Type 2-style microbus.