In 1929, Ford began offering commercial bodies upon their Model A chassis, which in civilian form boasted no fewer than eighteen body styles in a variety of trims. These new “light duty” commercial body styles were supplied by two of Detroit’s very own coachbuilding firms, the Murray Body Corp. and Briggs Manufacturing Corp. Both of these companies were already involved with supplying bodies to the contemporaneous Ford Model AA truck, so the choice was rather simple.

In particular, the Panel Delivery model shown here was supremely popular with businesses who needed enclosed storage and the softer, Model A suspension. The model was ideal for transport of fragile goods such as jewelry, baked goods, dairy, flowers, artwork, lighting, and home furnishings. The passenger windows, trunk rack and seats were omitted in favor of a third cargo door at the rear, and solid "blind" panels up the sides.

This 1931 Panel Delivery’s early history is unknown; a New York State registration accompanying the car shows that it passed into the hands of a Dutchess County resident in January 1961. Additional registration decals affixed to the windscreen indicate that it remained in New York through at least 1984. It currently exhibits a nicely patinated older restoration, surely completed long prior to the consignor’s acquisition. More recently, it was featured in the hit HBO series Boardwalk Empire starring Steve Buscemi.

As presented today, this Ford Panel Delivery wears a handsome blue body with black fenders, detailing, and top. A matching set of wire wheels (and single side-mounted spare) are wrapped in Universal period-style tires which contribute to a fitting aesthetic. The simple cabin has been trimmed in black vinyl upholstery, with the seats bisected by the floor-mounted gear selector for the car’s three-speed manual transmission. Ahead of the cabin sits a 210 cu. in. inline-four cylinder engine, which is neatly fronted by a chrome grille surmounted by a desirable Motometer radiator cap.

Despite being a near-centenarian commercial vehicle, this 1931 Ford Panel Delivery continues to exude character; it is sure to be an eye-catching piece of any collection lucky enough to acquire it, and offers great potential for a business advertising tool as well.