What real truck model inspired Mater in Pixar's Cars?

Mater in Pixar's Cars was inspired by a 1951 International Harvester boom truck.

Mater is Radiator Springs' rusty tow truck and Lightning McQueen's closest friend. His appearance combines the look of an old International Harvester truck with design details associated with working tow vehicles, including a front-mounted towing boom.

The character's full name is Tow Mater, a pun on “tomato.” He is voiced by Larry the Cable Guy and is known for his exaggerated Southern accent, tall tales, and cheerful loyalty. Mater's friendship with Lightning becomes one of the first film's emotional anchors.

Mater is sometimes incorrectly identified as a Chevrolet or a generic pickup truck. The character is fictional and not an exact production replica, but reference material consistently describes his design as being based on a 1951 International Harvester boom truck.