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.