1913 Ford Model T Delivery Car

Ford produced a 'Commercial Runabout', also called a 'Delivery Car', from 1910 through 1912. It had a flat rear deck used to transport light freight. Unfortunately, this vehicle was a 'sales disaster', so it was discontinued for the 1913 model year. It had a merchandise capacity of 750 pounds and sold for $700. Between 1913 and 1927, Ford offered a 'bare' chassis without a body. Buyers would then have the option of having a local carriage or wagon maker fit a body to the car. This particular example has a Express Type truck body. Express Type bodies came with either a short or full-length 'tops' or beds. Some examples had wire sides to help contain merchandise when the bed was piled too high.

Two of the larger manufacturers of these types of bodies for the Model Ts in Central Pennsylvania were Martin-Parry, in York, and the Mifflinburg Buggy Works, in Union County.

Canadian production of Ford products began in 1913. To help distinguish the US based Fords and their Canadian siblings, 'Made in USA' was stamped on the radiator under the Ford name. The basic items fitted to the Ford included 3 oil lamps (two on the sides and one in the back), windshield, top, gas headlamps, horns, generator and speedometer.

This example is currently on display in the Swigart Museum. It was bought in Ebensburg in 1949, by W.E. Swigart Jr.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2016