Vehicle Description
1926 REO Speedwagon Stakebody
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.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
For consignment, a 1926 Reo Speedwagon stakebody hauler, restored
some time in the past and still presenting well with a nice mix of
black and green paint covering the metal and gray paint for the
wooden bed and sides. Fresh out of long-term storage and waiting
for its next caregiver in the South end of our Hallowed Halls.
Exterior
Looking at the big truck of the era, this truck leads the way with
a large cast iron style radiator with a black surround and the
winged REO Speedwagon script in the center. It sports a single
round brass trimmed headlight flanking on either side and curved
blacck fenders which create the running board eventually. A
beautifully styled Art Deco motometer sits front and center 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 it was restored. The fenders and
running boards are painted black, along with the headlight casings.
A wooden squared off cab with its flat windshield sets the backdrop
for the long wooden bed with stake sides and flooring. This bed is
finished in an industrial gray and wears Harmaleah Farms livery on
the sides. Black exterior framing irons are noted on the sides for
extra structural stability and peering through the rear bed slats
reveals a nearly new appearing wood floor in more gray to make up
the bed. Black steel artillery style wheels are on with black
center hubs wrapped in 32x6 rubber all around. We're ready to haul
your load!
Interior
Simple, utilitarian, and to the point sums up this open cab
interior. A black vinyl split lower cushion bench seat provides
room for 2 or 3 if the middle rider can straddle the shifter. This
seat presents as nearly new with a green painted wooden frame and
stowage area under the cushions, mainly taken up by the fuel tank.
Up front is a green painted original dash now with restored
original black-faced gauges in a mahogany stained centrally located
wooden panel. These have shiny bezels, and the dash is all
excellent showroom condition. Peering up we see the roof all
painted in bed matching gray over top of the wood cab structure. A
fat rimmed wooden steering wheel with brass center hub fronts the
dash and down below is a green mix of wood and steel that makes up
the flooring.
Drivetrain
Under the cowled hood is a restored and in near showroom condition
268ci inline 6-cylinder engine producing 67hp. It is correct for
this truck and has wonderful painted creamy gray 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 heavy
duty rear axle.
Undercarriage
All looking very nice with only some road dirt and light surface
rust on the usual suspects. This black framed, gray floored
undercarriage has solid framing, leaf spring suspension and rear
mechanical drum braking along with a black painted transmission
showing no leaks can be seen in all their glory.
Drive-Ability
Starting this hauler is definitely more of a chore than your modern
run of the mill Chevrolet but still easy enough for the
mechanically minded. While my partner in crime and all around good
guy was off feeding his face took it upon myself to get this old
girl running. I stated by priming the cylinders with gasoline, set
the spark level at 4 o'clock and set the throttle to about 3
o'clock. I flicked the switch on the dash and with the transmission
in neutral and the clutch out I depressed the starter switch and
with some canned magic sprayed in by my fill in assistant the
engine roared to life. Clutch engagement was good but due to rain I
wasn't able to tear up our test track. However, I can say the
engine idled well and the little bit I moved around the brakes were
adequate.
Just a beautiful build for this truck that has been around for over
96 years and looks like it is nearly new 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.
