Vehicle Description
1938 REO Speedwagon 1 B4 1-1/2 Ton
First introduced in 1915, production continued through at least
1953, and made REO, (the initials of its founder, Ransom Eli Olds),
one of the better-known manufacturers of commercial vehicles in
America prior to World War II. Although the basic design and
styling of the chassis remained consistent, the Speed Wagon was
manufactured in a variety of configurations, (pickup and panel
truck, passenger bus), to serve as delivery, tow, dump, and fire
trucks, as well as hearses and ambulances. Other manufacturers
provided refits for adapting the Speed Wagon for specialized
purposes. The Speed Wagon used REO's "Gold Crown" series of
engines, and was well regarded for power, durability, and
quality.
For consignment first purchased by Splitler's Feed mill in 1938
from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, then sold at an estate sale in '93
where it was restored around 2000 by Henry Welding, where it
remained all original to that time. Our consigner got it and with
his fabrication shop experience set out to make it a show truck
where he fabricated the entire body behind the cab, running boards
and front glass window frames. We give you a 1938 REO Speedwagon
and not the JoJo's Bizarre adventure character or 70s hair band,
but in the flesh straight steel from 1938.
Exterior
Looking at the big truck of the era, this truck leads the way with
a large vertical ribbed grille painted white. It sports a single
round headlight flanking oil either side, curved fenders which
create the running board eventually, and a nice shiny bumper below.
A beautifully styled Art Deco hood ornament sits atop the radiator
cowl and just behind is a central hinged cowled hood. It has
beautifully preserved chrome trimmings on either side, and the
truck is bathed mostly in green paint showing a few faults in the
form of scratches, minor inclusions and small cracks. The fenders
and running boards are painted black, along with the headlight
casings. A rounded over cab with well minded gaps sits behind the
hood, and behind this is a newly rebuilt long bed with rolled
edges. Some black exterior framing is noted on the sides for extra
structural stability, and a wood gate and green stained floor makes
up the bed. Green steel truck wheels are on with black center hubs
wrapped in 6.50-20 rubber all around. We're back on the road
again!
Interior
Slightly textured brown paint covers the stamped metal door panels,
and some shiny handles are within this brown field. Rubber floors
and a long brown vinyl bench floating on them is seen. Up front is
a brown texture painted original dash now with restored REO badged
short faced gauges in the round. These have shiny bezels, and the
dash is all excellent showroom condition. In the center is the
ignition, a few bakelite pulls, and an ashtray. Above is a black
vinyl headliner stretched between some grain painted steel ribs,
and a cabin light. Also, a wiper motor is mounted up here as well.
The dual glass windscreen will fold out for some extra ventilation
when needed. I can't fight this feeling.
Drivetrain
Under the cowled hood is a beautifully restored and showroom
condition 268ci inline 6-cylinder engine. It is original to this
truck and has wonderful painted green block and black painted bolt
ons. Some of these are a 1-barrel carburetor and a 4-speed manual
transmission on back with load carrying 5.83 rear geared axle. This
mill has all like new wiring and hoses and even the exhaust is a
matte black with no rust. Time for me to fly...
Undercarriage
All looking like new with nary even any road dirt, this
undercarriage presents in black is near perfect. Solid framing,
leaf spring suspension and drum braking along with an aqua painted
transmission showing no leaks can be seen in all their glory.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and off to the test track where it performed
flawlessly. Good acceleration, good braking and shifting was a bit
loose and the consigner states the transmission will most likely
need to be rebuilt. Although slightly sloppy it went through the
gears. All other simple functions were in working order. Roll with
it.
Just a beautiful build and an interesting history, this truck has
been around for over 83 years and looks like it is brand now thanks
to back-to-back restorations. Keep on loving it!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
