1931 Model A Sedan Delivery

A panel van — also known as a car-derived van, (United Kingdom), or sedan delivery, (United States), — is a cargo vehicle based upon passenger car chassis, and typically has one row of seats with no side windows at the rear.  Panel vans are smaller than panel trucks and cargo vans, both of which are built on a truck chassis.  As it is derived from the car chassis, its evolution of the design is also intermingled with it as well, with much of its evolution dependent upon the various international locations where a particular model's found.  North American panel vans were initially based upon the 2-door station wagon models.

For consignment, a 1931 Ford Model A Sedan Delivery.  This car is a consignor stated but unverified star of screen particularly the small screen, AKA the Boob Tube, and the series Boardwalk Empire.  It is an older restoration and has some patina and character, but has no rust, runs well, and is structurally sound.

Exterior
With an earlier total exterior restoration, it is now bathed in dark blue.  Some areas of chip off and scratches along with faults are noted throughout.  On hood cowl venting we can see some early signs of surface rust.  The running boards have some underlying rust showing through the surface of the boards.  Curving fenders that connect the boards are painted black and have chips and dents in their edges.  All of the chrome is in nice polished condition with little to no scratches or pitting.  Moving rearward, the side panels have a black raised trim that encircles the covered over “van” back of the car.  A black cavity roof is installed on top and a small window is on the back door which has a delicious curve inward for the rear as it dives toward the bumper.  This bumper is a dual split bar version and nicely polished.  A spare tire with black wire spokes is within the front driver's fender.  All other tires and wheels are also black wire and are of the 19-inch variety, black painted, and wrapped by 4.75/5.00-19 rubber.

Interior 
For this truck/car chassis version I swing the doors and note black leather textured vinyl wrapping wood panels against the steel doors.  Chromed actuators and cranks are in this playing field.  Inside mounted to rubber flooring are 2 low back metal framed bomber style bucket seats that have separated backs and seats.  These are nicely padded and show minor wear.  A large black bakelite steering wheel rises to the driver and holds the timing and throttle levers in its center.  A black metal curved design dash is in front of this wheel and there is a central instrument panel.  It is chromed and is the Ford “mask” style with a series of 4 round gauges within this panel.  A long shift lever is in the floor along with a handbrake lever.  The fully enclosed windowless back "bed" is lined with pine flooring with black metal straps to mount them to the frame.  The sides in this box are black painted melamine screwed to the metal in the exterior.  The headliner is black vinyl, and the rear door swings open to the driver's side and reveals more black textured vinyl.  Plenty of space for the “goods” to bar hauled inside away from the weather influences.

Drivetrain
Lifting the cowled central hinged hood, we see a restored engine bay, and note a 201ci 4 cylinder mill.  It has the factory 1 barrel carburetor on it, and a 3-speed manual transmission on back with a 3.78 rear axle putting power to the ground.  A new fan belt and some updated wiring are present.  

Undercarriage
Black sprayed steel beams and cross bars are seen for the framing.  This was not a frame off restoration as I can see some overspray in the boards mounted just above the framing for the rear bed.  Transverse leaf springs are providing the ride from the front and rear of the vehicle.  Mechanical drum brakes are seen on all 4 corners.  The muffler has been wrapped and our consignor states it will need replaced to be totally safe.   

Drive-Ability
This is a drivable version, and it fired right up and ran smoothly.  It is road worthy and handled nicely with reasonable stopping power from the mechanical drums.  Just allow for some space to be safe as this is the nature of this style braking.  

A nice sedan delivery with just enough modifications to retain the original look, but with a few eye catchers.  This truck has a nice lines and is a beautifully painted example from several years ago but retaining its luster.  Runs great, shifts smoothly, starts quickly.  A great business tool for some different looking advertising.  Imagine your company name on the sides of this former starlet example.

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.