Vehicle Description
1928 REO Speedwagon FA 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, a 1928 Reo Speedwagon FA 1 1/2 ton truck first
acquired with the purchase of an old feed mill in 1965, then
restored by Muncy Restoration Works in 1995 to absolute perfection.
No stone was left unturned during the redux and this truck has
since lived a good life doing some advertising work for Verrastro
beer distributing, as seen on both doors. We give you a 1928 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 honeycomb style radiator with a black surround and a slowly
diminishing Speedwagon script in the center. It sports a single
round headlight flanking on either side, curved pinstriped fenders
which create the running board eventually, and a nice black bumper
below. A beautifully styled Art Deco winged hood emblem sits front
and center just below a polished radiator cap and just behind is a
central hinged cowled hood. It has beautiful louvers on either hood
side and the truck is bathed mostly in green paint showing as
nicely as the day Muncy Restoration Works finished it. The fenders
and running boards are painted black, along with the headlight
casings. A squared off cab with its vinyl roof covering and flat
windshield sets the backdrop for the Verrastro Beer Distributing
painted doors all with well minded gaps sitting behind the hood. A
long wooden bed with outward canted top sides is refinished just
the way it was when new. Black exterior framing irons are noted on
the sides for extra structural stability, and a wood gate and
lightly stained wood 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 ready to get your suds to you!
Interior
Deep glossy black paint covers the stamped metal door panels, and
some shiny handles are within outcroppings in this black field.
Black rubber floors and a long black vinyl bench floating on them
is seen. Up front is a green painted original dash now with
restored original white-faced gauges in a black oval. These have
shiny bezels, and the dash is all excellent showroom condition. In
the center is the ignition, a few bakelite pulls, and above is the
original model data plate. Peering up we see the wooden slat roof
all painted in body matching green with hints of the black vinyl
roof showing through. Also, a vacuum wiper motor and mirror are
mounted up here as well. The single flat pane glass windscreen will
fold out for some extra ventilation when needed, a necessity on
those hot summer day beer deliveries.
Drivetrain
Under the cowled hood is a beautifully restored and showroom
condition 268ci inline 6-cylinder engine producing 67hp. It is
original to this truck and has wonderful painted drab green block
and black painted bolt ons. A 1-barrel carburetor feeds this mill
and turns a 4-speed manual transmission. Way out back is a load
carrying 6.22 rear geared axle. This mill has all like new wiring
and hoses and even the exhaust is a matte black with no rust.
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 hydraulic drum braking along with a
black 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. Adequate acceleration, good braking and shifting,
although it took me a little bit to figure out how to put the truck
in reverse. Once mastered I was able to run through all the gears
like a pro. All other simple functions were in working order.
Just a beautiful build for this truck that has been around for over
94 years and looks like it is brand now thanks to splendid
restoration and careful upkeep since. Ready for you to show or
promote your own business. Time for me to fly...
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.
