1928 Panel Delivery

[callcoy]

I have owned a basket case 79A 1929 Panel Delivery for about two years, not all together yet but getting closer each day. Prior to this truck I haven't owned an A for over 45 years, so I learning things every week about A's in general and Panel Deliveries in particular. After reviewing several publications, talking with knowledgable A owners, it was my belief that the first panel deliveries were sold in 1929.

About a month ago I traveled down to So, Calif. where I was born and spent the first 37 years of life. I visited old friends, most were car nuts and most still are. One was a guy that was into drag racing the same time I was involed and bought one of my cars 45 years ago. He stayed into cars big time and has quite an operation today.

When I visited his shop to see his currect projects he showed me a Panel Delivery that he has restored and has known about most of his life. It never left his home town (city) till he brought down to his shop in Orange County. It is a 1928 Panel Delivery with a Murry body, not a Budd. He knew the original owner, has the chassis bill of sale and I believe the bill for the body. The body build was arranged by the selling dealer. The body profile is similar to the 79A but the front doors are not Model T. Behind those doors are what I would call "quarter windows" maybe 10" wide and as tall as the door openings. The wood is all original, has a body frame but has strips of wood instead of masonite panels. The entire truck was originaly paint all one color, including the radiator sheel, headlights and fenders. He has photos showing this when it was delivered to the first owner.

Has anyone else seen or heard of another 28 panel delivery?

 

[Deluxe Delivery Don]

Steve , The first Panel Deliveries were officially announced on August 28 , 1928.It originally was listed for $575. The bodies were manafactured by Budd and delivered to the assembly plants for final assembly and painting. These bodies, less chassis were also available through the service department, but Ford preferred to sell complete units. The paint colors that were available in either Rock Moss Green or Black. Don

 

[havi]

I would really enjoy some pictures of this! It sounds very interesting and unique.

Me too.

 

[callcoy]

I was short on time while there, had 11 cars and stories to match, so unfortunately we didn't have time for more than a couple of pictures. I will be back down after the first of the year and will be there for several hours. I will have time to pull it out for 360 degree viewing, I will make my first try tonight to post photos.

By the way the windshield was straight across on the bottom, no curve, leading me to believe that Murry fab'd the A pillars, but used the stock A tank and lower cowl metal. Their little brass emblem is mounted low on the cowl metal.