1931 Ford Model A - Wisconsin Bell Telephone line service truck.
Offered here, a very special 1931 Ford Model A - Wisconsin Bell Telephone line service truck. This is a rare one indeed, and I have only seen one other. Current owner purchased this vehicle in 2009 at one of the last Kruse - Auburn auctions. It has been kept in an indoor heated showroom since.
At the time, there was a packet of documentation with this vehicle but it was lost by the auction company. However, as the story goes, this truck’s original private owner was one of the men that actually worked it in service with Wisconsin Bell.
Condition: Take a good look at the posted photos (more at :https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6wy0ufjmkd9pex8/AAAuLdNfE662-hfpPRynZmGPa?dl=0 ) An extremely solid bodied vehicle. I would describe it as an older, nice, amateur, body off restoration. Chassis wise it appears the frame and components were media blasted and then painted without fine surface finishing – in other words chassis components have typical surface pitting typical of a veteran vehicle.
Paint wise there are some scratches and chips due to the age of the restoration. Some chips at the hood hinges and edges of the cowl opening. Some scratches and wear on running board steps. Slight surface rust on inside lower edge of doors. Slight stone dent in driver’s door. Black painted surfaces – (mostly front fenders) have very fine pinholes, probably due to solvents or moisture issues during the painting process.
This truck has been in indoor heated storage pretty much from the time it was last purchased at auction. Runs quite well (see video athttps://www.dropbox.com/s/dcnf2o27ai24rdx/MVI_2580.MOV?dl=0). Engine stamping indicates May 5 1931. Has just had new radiator hoses / clamps and lower tube replaced. Water pump seal has a slight drip. Clutch is a little grabby at take off in low gear. Lights, horn and gauges work. Wiper motor works sporadically.
This truck is currently located in Taylor Michigan - just a 4 minute drive from Detroit Metro Airport. It can be seen week days upon appointment. Call Dan at 517 304 6306 for an appointment.
SOLD AS IS We reserve the right to end this auction early. Also advertised locally As always I recommend an in-person inspection before purchase.
A few telephone related artifacts are in the work-box and go along with the truck.
A rare opportunity to acquire a unique vintage commercial vehicle.
Read more about Wisconsin Bell history at:
http://www.company-histories.com/Wisconsin-Bell-Inc-Company-History.html
Selling this for a friend, however I have been in the auto export biz for many years so can help arrange shipping world wide.
Clear Michigan title - ready to transfer to a new owner.
Accepted payment - CASH at pick up or Wire Transfer . $500.00 deposit due within 24hrs of auctions end. Full payment due within 7 days
Call Dan at 517 304 6306 with any questions.
5/7/19 - Thanks for all the interest thus far. Have lowered the reserve.
On May-07-19 at 20:38:23 PDT, seller added the following information:5/7/19 Bidders, Here's an FYI update on this Model A, it has an 82- B - E.G. Budd Co. all steel body with steel roof and roof bows. Quite rare I'm told.http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/1931buddcab.htm