1916 Republic Model 10 3/4 Ton Flatbed Truck

In 1916, Edgar Rice Burroughs, the famous author of Tarzan, traversed the United States in a heavy-duty truck.  His trip is not likely to have been comfortable, but it was certainly memorable, and Burroughs recorded the adventure in a book based on the trip, An Auto Biography.  This book was later distributed by the builders of his vehicle, the Republic Motor Truck Company, of Alma, Michigan, which by 1918 was the largest exclusive truck manufacturer in the world, reportedly building one out of every nine trucks on the road in the United States.  Their product was known as “The Yellow Chassis Truck,” after the distinctive color of the frame.

For consignment, among the Republic trucks on the road was this hardy specimen, which may have originally served the Kansas City Ice Company as its logo is still emblazoned on the wood bed sides.  The truck has been fully restored and presents in excellent condition.  It is an open cab design, has solid rubber wheels and beautifully preserved wood and steel.

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Exterior 
Leading the way is a cast iron radiator with the Republic badge in the center.  It is painted black with a red badge and the steel cowled hood is just aft of this radiator.  The truck has acetylene lamp style head lighting which has now been electrified which perches atop the firewall on the wood dash.  A perfectly restored front suspension, painted yellow, and yellow framing is noted underneath and runs the entire length of the truck with its steel beam underpinnings.  Simple steel fenders curve above big wood spoke wheels, also painted yellow with some snazzy black pin striping on all spokes.  These wheels have solid rubber tires typical for these models in the pre 1920's.  The steel firewall abuts a wood frame that becomes the dash for the truck.  It is an open cab design so it's all out there for the driver and the elements.  Sitting on top of the yellow painted steel beam framing for the back is a completely restored with a like new bed structure, utilizing more varnished unstained oak.  New hardware bolts it to the framing as well.  On top of this structure is the wood oak plank bed, that too is just perfection.  The badged with KC Ice Co. logos wood paneled sides are painted green on the inside and have steel stringers in-between the panels.  A chained wide board rear tailgate is on, and is like new, similar to the condition of the remaining back of this truck.  Another acetylene lamp style tail light is on the back and hangs off of the framing.

Interior
A beautiful black buggy bench is noted in black leather with a thin rod steel frame.  It sits high on top of a wood box which has black framing and yellow paneled inserts.  A large horn hangs off of the driver's side.  New planks with a simple varnish finish are covering the floor and dash and are like new, as they really are.  A long black steering column with a black wheel and yellow inner spokes reached for the driver.  This is a two pedal with shift lever setup so somewhat simpler to drive than the Ford model TT versions.  All beautifully finished with the natural varnished oak, and black leather seating.  

Drivetrain
A fully restored and looking like new 220ci Continental L-Head 4 cylinder gas powered mill is under the cowled hood.  It has a 1-barrel carburetor and a 3 speed manual transmission.  Like the rest of the truck, just beautifully restored with no rust or corrosion and a like new radiator.

Undercarriage
Concours restoration underneath with detailed black painted lettering on a yellow pumpkin holding rear, and pristine oak framing underneath.  Yellow painted leaf springs, steering mechanism and drum brake encasings, (only on back), it is just perfect underneath.  

Drive-Ability
An interesting driver, and you could not pay me enough money to drive this truck as it is comfortable, but a chore to steer and drive.  And in the elements, I'll keep my day job.  But thanks to a diligent restoration should run and drive just fine with a tune up and some fresh fuel.

Just a perfect restoration spending gobs of money to do so with all the correct materials, no rust to speak of and a near perfect engine bay.  This truck could reside in a museum and is truly one of the finest examples in the country and all courtesy the KC Ice Company.  Now THAT'S COOL!

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.