1936 Terraplane Series 61 Commercial Custom Panel Delivery

In 1936, the wheelbase length of the Terraplane-based Commercial vehicles increased by three inches. Safety was improved with the adoption of hydraulic brakes on all Hudson and Terraplane vehicles, supplemented by a mechanical backup in case pedal travel extended beyond a pre-determined limit. The commercial bodies were built by Hudson, except for the Panel Delivery, which continued to use bodies built and supplied by the Body Division of York-Hoover Corporation of York, Pennsylvania.

In 1892, Peter W. Keller founded the York Wagon Gear Company as a supplier of horse-drawn buggies, wagon parts, and wagons. After a merger with the Hoover Body Company, the name was changed to York-Hoover Body Corporation. When the industry shifted to motorized vehicle production, this brought a change to their commercial body production. Initially, the company operated locally; later, it grew nationally. Their engineering and manufacturing capabilities evolved over the years, and the distribution network grew as well. The list of achievements includes being the first company to build the first transit busses for Washington, D.C., and the construction of the first 'Jeep' body for the United States Army.

In 1932, the York-Hoover Company added a casket division, outlasting the body works after it was sold in 1958.

This particular vehicle is a 1936 Terraplane Panel Delivery. It is believed to have been sold new in Denver, Colorado, where it was used by a baker before migrating east. Years later, it was purchased in New Jersey by Eldon Hostetler in December 1993. The Terraplane was picked up by the Appenzeller Brothers, who went on to perform a total restoration.

The restoration required the replacement of many rotten pieces. The steel outer skin from the A-pillar to the rear had rotted. New wooden pieces were created and fitted to the vehicle's chassis. When the body was ready for paint, it was given 'tri-tone' livery to match Eldon Hostetler's 1937 Terraplane Series 70 Pickup Express. Other features include red outer grille elements, hood vents and wheels, twin amber fog lamps, and a red 'bullet' hood ornament. The engine is a 212 cubic-inch L-head six-cylinder unit offering 96 horsepower and mated to a three-speed manual transmission.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2019