The home-delivery trend has been growing for almost ten years. Having stuff brought to your doorstep is booming during the pandemic. But it's nothing new.
Delivery service grew and did well in the 1940s and 1950s. Back then, businesses used stylish, big sedans instead of oversized, plain vans to brings goods to customers. Maybe it's time to bring back those wagon-like delivery vehicles.
In the 1920s, automakers started creating delivery vehicles. They did this by putting larger, heavy-duty vehicle bodies on traditional car frames.
After the Second World War, the demand for delivery vehicles soared. Car companies offered delivery models by modifying two-door wagons. They'd cover the rear-quarter windows with sheet metal. That's when the Sedan Delivery was born.
Hotrod Delivery Vehicles
1948 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery
Chevrolet gave its model the most generic name you could imagine: Sedan Delivery.
At first, they were Plain Jane units lacking in chrome and horsepower. But today’s businesses are restoring these classic delivery vehicles by adding:
- Capable engines
- Smooth suspensions
- And period-correct style in the form of hotrod flames - opens in new window or tab.
1941 Chevrolet Sedan Wagon
This toned-down black 1941 Chevy Sedan Wagon - opens in new window or tab. extended the rear end and closed off the back window. Those mods turned this model into a delivery machine. A 350 small-block engine adds power to speed up delivery times. A Camaro front clip smoothes out the ride.
1949 Chevrolet 3800 Delivery truck
For industrial deliveries, tradesmen used trucks in which a bed cap was placed on a heavy-duty frame. This 1949 Chevy Delivery truck - opens in new window or tab.shows a company logo for Mike's Chicken Ranch.
The seller put in a crate 383 cubic-inch engine with an automatic transmission. They also included a back-up camera - opens in new window or tab. for added safety.
1953 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery
Meanwhile, a 1953 Sedan Delivery - opens in new window or tab. used a shorter body style. The seller chose a 327 cubic-inch engine for more oomph. Only two front seats remain. That leaves plenty of room for cargo storage.
1955 Chevrolet Delivery Truck
This pale green 1955 Panel Truck - opens in new window or tab. has a van vibe. It's a precursor to modern delivery models like the Ford Transit Connect. To give it a hotrod attitude, the owner lowered the frame and put a 327 in place.
A restaurant equipment company bought the truck new in San Bernadino, Calif. They used it through the 1960s. The current seller lovingly restored it over 10 years. They added a long list of upgrades from an Edelbrock intake - opens in new window or tab. to a B&M shifter - opens in new window or tab.. It's now a lean, mean, green delivery machine.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.