Vehicle Description
1935 Ford Model BB Stakebody Truck
The Ford Model BB had longer wheelbases of 131.5 or 157 in. a
reinforced frame, heavy duty transmissions and axles, and bigger
wheels. Wire wheels were standard on the light duty cars, the
heavier got steel wheels, (some of them dual on the rear axle).
There was a separate catalog offering popular body styles, rolling
chassis or chassis and cab. Many local coach builders offered their
coachwork to customers in need of more specific solutions. During
the Depression, also ambulances, hearses, or fire trucks found
their way to budget minded communities and organizations.
In 1935 Ford had such confidence in their trucks that they extended
an invitation to all truck operators...whether they owned a single
unit or 1,000. Ford offered a no cost or obligation test via
"Demonstrator Trucks" for an on the job test in the real world.
These trucks came in with a special paint scheme and one can only
imagine the rigors that these demo units endured during their
lives. For consignment, a 1935 Model BB former demonstrator truck
that has been treated to a cab off frame full restoration now
showing in the correct Vermillion and Cream colors, a showroom new
interior, a Vermillion painted and natural oak finished stake
bodyflatbed, and a non verifiable2,953 miles showing on the
odometer. Found in a salvage yard in Pittstown, NJ in 1979, our
consignor rescued this truck thanks to its unusual paint scheme.
Our consignor believed the mileage at the time of his purchase to
be an original 14,000 thanks in part to the 1935 date coded brake
shoes that are still on the truck as well as no suspension wear and
even the engine looked nearly new inside during disassembly. The
truck was shelved in a garage from 1980 until 2006 and then came
home to sit again until 2015 when the restoration began in earnest.
Come 2017 the work was done and we can now show this rare piece of
Ford history off in our overstuffed Hallowed Halls.
Exterior
A dual rear wheel with a larger axle, and dual leaf springs on
back. A wide frame has a flat wood bed on top and it's finished in
natural oak with Vermillion Red separator slats. Sitting proudly on
top of the bed are Vermillion Red stake sides that can be removed
to load and unload yourwares...or trophies. The passenger's side of
the stake bed shows off the Demonstrator ad for Smith Motors in
Washington, NJ. The all steel like new looking cab is bathed in a
mix of Vermillion Red and Medium Cream, correct "Demonstrator" hues
and has shiny handles and well minded gaps. Moving forward the
louvered hood cowl shows more of the two tone red and cream. One
can almostwitness motion while stationary in the paint colors as
the cream races rearward and down, almost matching the contour of
the flowing front fenders. Speaking of the fenders, they are nicely
curved cream painted and flank the radiator corral, house the
headlights, and gracefully lower themselves to form a running board
that ends at the back of the cab. All steel chromed center capped
wheels in 20-inch form are on all 4 corners, and the rear being
dual wheels. The front bumper shows as near perfect and the Medium
Cream front radiator has the iconic Ford logo, famous
worldwide.
Interior
Inside simplicity and utilitarian abounds. Black vinyl covers the
door panels, and toe kick sides as well as the headliner. More
black vinyl covers the single bench which is fronted by the big
steering wheel and Vermillion metal dash with an oval gauge panel.
Several factory chrome bezel round gold face gauges are mounted
within this bezel. Like new black textured rubber flooring covers
the bottom and a long stemmed black knob topped shifter reaches for
the driver. Round pedals and a floor starter are noted.
Drivetrain
Underneath the cowled hood is a 221ci V8 flathead engine. It was
treated to new bearings, rings and a valve job during the
restoration. It has a correct 2-barrel carburetor to feed it
fossils and air. The original transmission is on the back and it's
a 4-speed non synchronized manual. Looking at the big rear pumpkin,
we see it houses 4.88 gears.
Undercarriage
Solid steel which has been blasted and repainted black is looking
like new. Double leaf springs for the back and transverse leaf
springs for the front. Nice like new mechanical drum brakes are
looking big and good! A single muffler exhaust is now on, and a
shout to the bed upper and undercarriage it has the natural finish
and has been lined for the grain to accentuate to its maximum
potential because it is oak.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and it runs great. Easy shifting and you can do it
without double clutching on the upshift if you are gentle with the
non-synchromesh box. No power steering so you'll have to pull on
that big wheel in a tight spot! All functions worked as they should
and while we didn't haul any loads, we took the time to discuss
what interesting demo work this truck performed in its early days.
While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were
working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these
functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
A nicely restored truck with a great history in stake bed form.
Near flawless Demonstrator paint, a commanding presence, and the
interior is nicely appointed, albeit sparce. The Flathead V8 is not
too shabby either! Blow the horn!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
