Jimmy Cattogio has loved trucks for his entire life, ever since learning how to drive them courtesy of his father in the 1960’s. Jimmy purchased his pride & joy, this jet black 1988 Peterbilt 379, in 1999 and he embarked on his career as an owner-operator under the name CJC Carrier. He incorporated the business in 2006 while continuing to provide his customers with first class service and on time deliveries. Jimmy’s truck is actually one of the first Peterbilts that was produced in their transition from the 359 to the 379 and their main long hood conventional. He’s had the truck ever since 1999, ignoring advice from friends to purchase a newer model, and it’s seen him thru good times and bad. One of the upgrades in the restoration process was outfitting the truck with a custom CAT engine that was built by Rick Plauman of Great Lakes Diesel in Buffalo, NY. With braided hoses and polished piping, this 700+ HP engine looks like it belongs in a dragster and it’s clean enough to eat off of it! Butch O’Brien, owner of O’Brien’s Big Rig Truck Repair in Middleboro, MA did the impressive paint and bodywork for Jimmy. Jimmy entrusted Ali Olson, a great friend and top notch mechanic, to put everything together. Sadly Ali passed away in 2016 before the restoration was complete but Jimmy will always remember his friend when he steps into the cab. Custom features that make Jimmy’s Pete a standout include a custom grille and grille surround, functioning hood louvers, and single headlights. He also has an “old school” bumper, a painted drop visor, painted fuel tanks with polished traps, and painted full fenders over the rear wheels. The truck has been given an “old school” look and it brings Jimmy back to those days in the 1960’s learning the ropes of trucking with his dad. Jimmy is still trucking today and says he feels much younger than his 67 years! When you do what you love on a daily basis you never really go to work, rather you go for a ride where the load takes you! Jimmy “Catman” Cattogio and his beautiful black 379 will certainly keep on trucking for years to come, teaching younger generations of drivers how to represent the trucking industry with style & class along the way.
Truck of The Month
December, 2024
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