Panel trucks have been around for over a century, and they are relatives in many ways to the sport utility vehicles that have become so abundant on modern roadways.
The idea behind the panel was to provide secure cargo-carrying capacity with a fully enclosed body. Ford was an early pioneer in the movement, and one such panel truck even at 81 years old is still putting in work.
The Pick of the Day is a black 1939 Ford panel truck advertised by a private seller in Peoria, Illinois, on ClassicCars.com.
While some panel trucks served as ambulances or even hearses, this Ford has spent the past six years as a road-going advertisement for a construction company. It’s a nicely kept example that went through a complete and professional restoration, according to the ad, and the workmanship in the body shows as “laser straight.” The truck would be ideal for pulling a trailer carrying a collector car while doubling as a business ad.
The asking price is $24,900, which would provide the next owner with the opportunity to customize the truck with a new company logo.
Some of the key items that were addressed as part of the restoration, the seller says, as well as a few things that set this ’39 apart from others, include a rare dual-wheel configuration in back. Double delivery doors give full and convenient access to items stored in the cargo area, and a period-correct flathead V8 gives this truck the motivation it needs to move cargo in style. A 4-speed manual gearbox puts the power – all 85 horses of it – to the road.
RELATED: Pick of the Day: ’58 Impala has had pro-touring upgrades
This truck has a people-hauling capacity of just two on leatherette front seats, but the utility of the large cargo area offers abundant options for other cargo. Plus, it’s a truck that won’t blend in with most delivery vans, and it would make a fun conversation piece with vendors or other business partners.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.