I have always loved the look of the huge panel/delivery trucks or sedans of the 30’s and 40’s. The rounded fenders and either separate or incorporate headlights combined with the tall solid panel sides gave them a great look.
The terms panel/delivery were used on trucks as well as stations wagons (sedans) like Ford’s 1938 and 1939 panel/delivery trucks with the oval grille and I include even the windowed Chevy Suburban, Carryall in the late 50’s.
My favorite!! 1938 Ford delivery Van
The 1938 Ford panel trucks were newly designed for that year. This included the oval grille and car like fenders. You had your choice of V8’s either 60 or 85 hp versions. It include cool options like oil bath air cleaner, oil filter and an available hot water heater…yeah in the truck!!!
’41 Chevy Sedan Delivery. Another Favorite.
The ’41 Chevy Sedan Delivery was a new design for that year as well. It also incorporated the passenger car features and a six cylinder engine that gave you more horse power (90) then the Fords V8s. Chevy engineers solved a lot of issue with this model such as a new carb design to prevent the sudden stop stalling issues, newly designed water pump and a larger radiator to help with over-heating issues. It also sported hydraulic breaks, synchomesh trans, double-acting shocks, independent front suspension and vacuum-assisted gearshift.
I mentioned the Chevy Suburban/Carryall which are great looking with a lot of windows.
’59Chevy Apache CarryAll
1957 Carryall
These were basically for transporting people. It was introduced in 1935 and in 1957 it had a lot of upgrades for example – hidden stairs and a new V8 – Chevy’s working 283 or the Trademaster 265. It had power brakes, power steering, Hyda-matic with overdrive and electric wipers. You had the option of rear panel doors or wagon tailgate!!!
I love this trucks!!! But restoration is costly and I have a real problem with visualizing what can be done with, for instance, cargo space for the ’41 Chevy. More seats? Paneling and shag carpet? (I group in the 60’s and 70’s van era!!!)
Got a good idea for the cargo space? Drop me your ideas in a comment for email me at AGCarRestoration@cox.net.
Thanks for reading.
Tim
