1938 Ford Panel Delivery
The Sedan Delivery, (also sometimes referred to as a Panel Delivery), for the uninitiated, is a relatively obscure body style of a van built on a car chassis. Typically, these take the form of a station wagon body, but with steel panels where the rear windows would be. Historically, sedan deliveries had two doors, but modern versions typically have four. In the beginning, back when it was enough just to have four wheels and an engine, all light duty trucks were essentially sedan deliveries. A Model T with a car body was a car; one with a truck body was a truck. Even up until the 1940's, light duty trucks were basically beefed up versions of their donor car chassis, (Model TT, AA, and BB, continuing the Ford analogy). While Wikipedia will point to some Model A Town Delivery as the first Sedan Delivery, to me it is too close to the Model AA truck to be considered a true Sedan Delivery.
For consignment, in our barn find section, a 1938 Ford Panel Delivery. This truck could be restored by the very ambitious restorer, or used as a parts car/truck for a current project. This panel truck has large steel slabs on either side which enclose what would be the bed of a typical truck. With big fenders, and a long running board design, it offers up plenty of cargo space for interior storage.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior
All steel with copious amounts of invasive rust and bullet holes throughout shows on this well worn hauler, so you'll need to pick your panels carefully. The van does have the oval grille which can be saved, as well as the side panels for the back of the truck. Fenders are still intact, and the hood, while tweaked, may be salvageable. The windows that are left are original and no delamination is seen. An outboard spare without the cover is on the passenger side, and on the back are dual swinging access doors that have been removed but are resting inside.
Interior
An oiled and dirty wood floor makes up the decking on the back. Metal frames the interior, and there are wood shelves added to the paneled sides. The ceiling of the cargo area has been filled in with sheet metal that is now surface rusted and the front passengers can look up to view the bare steel roof sans material. Some rust is noted between the body panels and the floor. The doors are pure metal with a stamped design to help strengthen them. The paint is rusting on the door panels and the dash is rusted. The floor can be looked through in areas due to missing panels for the floor. A single kitchen chair is resting in front of the 3 spoke banjo steering wheel, which remains in usable condition.
Drivetrain
221ci of V8 are under the hood, and it's all original and unrestored with plenty of surface rust and corrosion. A 2-barrel carb is atop, and a 3-speed manual transmission for this delivery was used. Currently this engine does not crank or run.
Undercarriage
Heavy surface rust is seen on the frame, floorboards and suspension components. Invasive rust is seen in one spot upfront near the radiator support. Some body hangers are heavily rusted and may be structurally unsound particularly at the floorboard areas. Transverse leaf spring suspension is all around, and drum brakes are on all 4 corners.
Definitely a seldom seen example with its oval grille, and sedan delivery setup all the way from 1938. Your capable hands will determine the outcome, so let your imagination run wild!
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
