1930 Ford Model A Canopy Top Express

Ford offered its first commercial model, the Model C Delivery car, in 1905. Many years later, in 1925, pickups were added to the catalog. Customers seeking to modify these pickups for their specifics needs had to look to outside firms, of which there were many in the 1920s. One of those companies was the Martin-Parry Corporation of York, Pennsylvania who focused specifically on Ford.

The Martin-Parry Corporation came into existence in 1919 through the merger of the Martin Truck and Body Corporation of York, and the Parry Manufacturing Company of Indianapolis. They produced a line of commercial bodies for the Model T and Model TT Fords. The list included a 'Suburban', panel delivery, and the huckster, which Martin-parry dubbed the 'Canopy Top Express.'

When Ford began offering a station wagon body style for 1929, Martin-Parry dropped the Suburban but continued the other styles until bought out by General Motors in 1930.

This particular example is a 1930 Ford Model A Canopy Top Express by Martin-Parry. It is the recipient of a full restoration and was acquired by the current owner around 2007. It has a blue body with dark blue fenders, and the roof and rear cab partition are finished in high-gloss varnish. There are roll-down curtains to help weatherproof the cargo area as necessary.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2017