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.