Vehicle Description
1940 Dodge COE
The introduction of the first modern cab-over layout in the United
States is credited to industrial designer Viktor Schreckengost,
who, with engineer Ray Spiller, designed a cab-over truck for the
White Motor Company in 1932. Schreckengost was later joined by
other designers such as Raymond Loewy who designed the Metro series
of vans and trucks for International Harvester. The bodies for
these vehicles were initially produced by the Metropolitan Body
Company (MBC). The company produced a wide variety of truck and
commercial bodies for several vehicle manufacturers such as
Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge Bros., and International Harvester until
1948 when they were purchased by the latter. MBC was instrumental
in the development of COE route delivery bodies in the 1930s.
And now for one of the hottest trends in vintage trucks going
today, for consignment we give you a barn find 1940 Dodge COE, a
former worker bee put out to pasture so to speak and now a blank
canvas to make your wildest dreams come to fruition. Stay
tuned.
Exterior
The rust free tall cab, still in its farm service green paint
retains much of the standard fare pickup truck look. A short
nose/hood contains the chrome horizontal bar grille and rams horn
ornament just above. Black fenders with semi sunken headlights flow
back to running boards/steps to enter the cab. The original farm
livery remains on the doors and up high on the roof are orange
clearance lights. The bed has been removed and leaves things open
to your imagination. Deep tread 7.50-20 rubber adorns the rust
finish steel wheels and while the rear is a dual tire set up per
side, the inboard wheels and tires are not installed.
Interior
A short climb up the steps allows up access to the simple but
effective passengers cab. With a swing of the door we are met with
utilitarian red steel doors with basic brown vinyl door panels.
This panel contains the chrome crank for the window and the door
release. A well worn bench seat sprawls between the doors and shows
its original horse hair padding and springs. The original bakelite
steering wheel fronts the full metal jacket dash with basic round
and rectangular gauges along with some pulls down low along with
the key switch. The bare metal floor provides the support for this
interior, and we note a heater under the passenger side of the
dash.
Drivetrain
Unbolting the hood/grille assembly gives us a small view of the
engine. With the hood removed we note a large radiator and lurking
under the cab we see a 217ci L-headed 6 cylinder making 82hp. Air
and fossils are fed through a 1bbl carb and on the back is a
4-speed manual transmission. The original heavy duty rear axle is
on to move this truck down the road.
Undercarriage
Too tall to fit on our lift but still accessible we see a solid
original undercarriage. All components have a healthy dose of
surface rust, but no invasive rot is noted. Leaf springs provide
the ride front and rear and drum brakes all around give the
stopping power. A simple stock style single exhaust is on as
well.
Drive-Ability
With careful help from our forklift, I was able to navigate myself
up and into the cab, (mountain climbing is not my forte). I set the
choke, turned the key and with a press of the foot starter the
truck came to life. Once acclimated to the shift pattern I was off
to the test track. Here it drove like a truck, a firm bouncy ride
with adequate acceleration and handling.
A true quality barn find that can be driven and enjoyed as is or
used as a blank canvas to create a wild and crazy COE hauler. The
choice is yours, let your imagination run wild. Your future SEMA
winner is here and waiting in our Hallowed Halls.
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.
