Vehicle Description
Since the days of the Model T, Ford Motor Company has recognized
the importance of trucks and commercial vehicles to their bottom
line. The earliest Model TT truck, introduced in 1917, shared many
components with the Model T but featured a heavier 1-ton capacity
frame and axles. Next came the Model AA, followed by Ford's first
V8-powered truck, the BB, in 1932. With each iteration, Ford's
medium and heavy trucks became more specialized for commercial
duty, with unique styling and technical features to withstand the
rigors of commercial duty. In 1937, the Board of Trustees of
Chicago's beloved Morton Arboretum financed the purchase of a new
motorized touring bus, which they envisioned would be used to
shuttle visitors around their expansive 1,700-acre facility in the
heart of Chicago's western suburbs. The arboretum was established
in 1922 by Joy Morton, founder of Morton Salt Company, as a public
garden, outdoor museum, and research center. The Morton family had
a passion for nature which ran in their blood. Joy's father, Julius
Morton, is noted for founding Arbor Day in 1872, and he later
served as Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover
Cleveland. Joy Morton founded the arboretum to celebrate nature and
preserve its beauty in the heart of one of America's largest
industrial cities. With funding in place, the trustees purchased a
new 1937 Ford Model BB truck, powered by a flathead V8 engine and
riding on a 157-inch wheelbase chassis. Before it could be put to
work hauling guests, the Ford chassis took a trip across town to
Schukraft & Company, a respected wagon and truck-body builder. In
their hands, the wheelbase was stretched to 180 inches, and their
craftsmen created this one-off open touring bus body. The unique
layout featured wide running boards running the length of the
vehicle, which gave easy access to any of the seven rows of
extra-wide benches. The driver's seat is set lower, so guests have
a clear view all around. From the cowl-forward, it's all Ford, with
the lovely, flowing fenders and the elegant radiator grille that
was the signature of Ford's notably attractive truck line for 1937.
Upon delivery to the Morton Arboretum in late 1937, the touring bus
was put to work, shuttling visitors, special guests, and student
groups around their remarkable facility. Incredibly, this wonderful
Ford bus remained in regular service for over 50 years! It
dutifully served its caretakers nearly every day, only getting the
occasional respite in bad weather - with the original
100-horsepower 239 cubic-inch flathead V8 chugging along faithfully
for all those years. Archival photos provided by the arboretum
showed the bus when it was new, with others depicting it in action,
full of students and teachers riding through the grounds. The
Morton '37 Ford touring bus was officially retired in the late
1980s when a new enclosed bus was purchased. But even in
retirement, it made occasional appearances for special events and
celebrations. In many ways, the familiar Ford bus was as much a
part of the Morton Arboretum as many of the trees themselves. As
offered today, this delightful bus benefits from a comprehensive
restoration, and has been refinished in a handsome shade of dark
green. It is finished off with Morton Arboretum livery and a
period-appropriate canvas canopy. This unique Ford is in excellent
condition throughout, with attractive paintwork and
period-appropriate detailing. All the bench seats have been
re-trimmed in brown upholstery, and the driver's compartment
features the original wheel, correct instrumentation, and the
proper rubber floor liners. Similarly, the engine bay is
appropriately detailed in the correct shade of Ford green, and the
flathead runs well - burbling along ease. This truly unique and
marvelous vehicle has a rich history, and is ideal for use on
historic estates, wineries, or in any place where this historically
significant and distinctly stylish people-mover will be cherished
and appreciated. Historic photographs courtesy of the Morton
Arboretum Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7011-1937-ford-model-bb-touring-bus/
