Warbird on Wheels

By George L. Nitti

By any standard, it’s a tow truck. But one look at the front end, and you realize it’s something else entirely.

The white 2017 Hino with a Century flatbed, owned by Marc Parmentier of Highway Towing Inc., doesn’t just roll up to a job—it arrives with attitude. Across the hood and grille, a set of jagged shark teeth stretches wide, unmistakably inspired by the nose art of World War II fighter planes.

“It’s modeled after the war fighter planes,” Parmentier said. “That World War II era—the bombers, the pin-up style—I’ve always liked it. My grandpa was in the Korean War, so I’ve always had an appreciation for that generation and that look.”

Parmentier added, “The shark mouth on the Hino was painted by a local hot rod restoration shop.”

The aggressive front-end artwork contrasts with the clean, professional branding on the door—“Highway Towing”—a deliberate choice that reflects both personality and practicality.

“I kept it generic in case I ever wanted to sell,” Parmentier explained. The “47” in the logo traces back to Highway 47, near where the business first started—a quiet rural road that now serves as a reminder of the company’s roots.

Parmentier started his business about seven years ago, transitioning from auto salvage into towing at the urging of friends—and with a push from his wife. Today, he operates out of Belen and Los Lunas, New Mexico, about 30 miles south of Albuquerque.

While towing has grown into a significant part of the business, Parmentier admits he still has a soft spot for salvage. “No one complains in salvage,” he joked. “You can throw a car in the crusher and that’s it.” Towing, on the other hand, comes with its share of challenges—particularly regulations and inconsistent enforcement that can complicate day-to-day operations.

And on the long stretches of Highway 47, where breakdowns and bad days are part of the landscape, Parmentier’s truck shows up ready for both—bringing a little history, a little grit, and just enough bite to get the job done.