1917 VIM Type F20 Huckster

The history of the Vim truck begins In 1913 when Harold Larzelere founded the Touraine Co. of Philadelphia and began making touring cars. However, he was unsuccessful and to make ends meet, he began making trucks in his plant from parts that he purchased from other companies. His first trucks were half-ton trucks and they sold so well that he changed the name of his company to The Vim Motor Truck Co in 1915 and began making his own trucks. Vim was highly successful at first, building more than 13,000 trucks per year from 1915 to 1917. In April of 1916, the following article appeared in "The Day", a daily newspaper in Ct. “The advance made by The Vim Motor Truck Co. in the past two years is almost phenomenal. From a small beginning, the Vim Motor Truck Co., through sheer merit, has become and is now recognized as one of the largest exclusive producers of commercial trucks in the world, and it is safe to say that when the new million dollar plant, now in course of erection at Twenty-third and Market streets, is completed, it will be the largest. Thus will Philadelphia add new laurels to its already rich crown.”

“VIM TRUCKS SET PACE FOR WORLD” stated the ads in the Saturday Evening Post. Here we offer up something that probably 99 percent of the public hasn't even heard about, let alone knows. A 1917 VIM Type F20 Huckster. Vim trucks were used as delivery trucks for small businesses, farmers and construction companies hauling everything from vegetables, furniture, lumber, macadam, gravel, etc. In its heyday, Vim trucks could be seen clogging the city streets and alleys going about the daily business of keeping America running. Their advantage was they manufactured vehicles on the same frame so efficiency and consistency was paramount for this small short lived company. After all, they were competing with horse and wagon!

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Exterior
Looking the part of all other manufacturers of the day, we see the cowled hood, single flanking headlight, rounded fenders and single bench cab in an open area. This version the F20 is a pickup bed, canvas top covered with side paneled version and was used to either deliver or sell directly out of. These trucks had the advantage of being lightweight compared to the competition and were very popular between 1915 and 1918. It's painted in black which is patina laden, slightly dulled but no real rust to speak of on the bodywork. The front end of the truck is all steel, and the remainder is wood panels, right down to the bedside framing and actual bed floor. The top is wood and has lath strips supporting the canvas top. Red painted 30-inch wood spoke wheels are wrapped in wide whitewall pneumatic tires, (30x3.5).

Interior
Perched on top of the lightweight framing is a spacious cab with a glass windshield, a large steering wheel, and full bench sets on top of a wood box construction. The floors are wood, and the dash is steel with no instrumentation, just levers. Comfort is truly at the minimum but the interior is very effective and simple, plus keeps the overall weight down.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a 127.2ci 4 cylinder gas powered engine. It has a 1-barrel carburetor and a 3 speed manual transmission on the back. The engine bay is dusty, but no rust is seen and all is looking sound.

Undercarriage
From the front engine crank past the leaf spring suspension, box steel framing and the rear axle there appears to be little to no rust, even surface rust. I suspect an earlier restoration at some point or another and the trunk had been kept mostly inside. Mechanical drum brakes are only on the rear and underneath the wood bed decking appears solid and not water damaged.

A “Built for Purpose” delivery car as it was called in advertising of the day. It also states “You can cover a short route before a horse and wagon can make its first call”. Purpose built and this example in wonderfully preserved condition, and now you can say you know about the short lived, but with a great theory and concept car company called VIM. Visit our Hallowed Halls and breathe in an example for you to park in your garage!

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.