An antique pickup truck that was stolen from Salmon Arm earlier this week holds deep sentimental value for the family of the man who worked to restore it.

Salmon Arm resident Sheryl Mantie said the 1940 Ford pickup truck belonged to her dad who passed away late last year.

“My dad pulled it out of a homestead in Saskatchewan in 1990 and brought it back to BC,” she said. “He’s been working on it for years, it was his passion and he was determined to get it done before he died.”

When her father got ill and passed away, Mantie said she and her siblings worked to get the rest of the restoration completed in his honour.

The truck had gone to a mechanic in Salmon Arm to get some finishing work done and Mantie was supposed to pick it up this week, but it was stolen on July 2.

“It’s heart wrenching, close family and friends were upset when my dad died and now we have this tragedy on top of it,” Mantie said. “We didn’t even get to drive it.”

The truck is a 1940 Ford pickup with a unique beige colour.

“My dad ordered that colour specifically, it’s rare. It’s extremely likely the truck has been repainted by now. The more places we can get the message out the more likely we can get the truck back, even it’s repainted or damaged, we need it back.”

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Mantie has received a message on social media Wednesday of a possible sighting of the truck in the Armstrong area. She's asking the public to keep their eyes open for it.

“It has extreme sentimental value, we need this truck back, we’re devastated.”

If you’ve seen the truck, or have information about the theft, you’re asked to call Salmon RCMP at 250-832-6044, and reference file number 2024-4011


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