This 1929 Stewart “Buddy” canopy pickup just oozes character! Stewart made mostly commercial trucks from 1912 to 1942, but branched out in 1921 when they announced their first civilian truck. By 1926 the “Buddy” was introduced, and one of these rare trucks is now for sale here on eBay. There’s a buy it now of $10,850 but lower offers are welcomed. The truck is currently in Santa Teresa, New Mexico if you’re already thinking about transportation to your home!
With all the vehicles we have featured here on Barn Finds, we’ve only had one other Stewart before and it’s a later model. While this one wasn’t used for produce as the seller seems to think, I’m sure many of them were.
Look closely and you’ll see “Parke Davis Products Are Your Safeguards” on the door. Some research on Parke Davis & Co revealed that it was once the world’s largest pharmaceutical company and was founded in 1866 and incorporated in 1875. What’s left is now part of Pfizer, but at the time this Stewart was new, I’m sure this truck was used for deliveries or for direct sales from the bed. I hope someone will preserve the original signwriting!
Structurally this truck looks a lot better than I would expect. Not a lot of creature comforts back then!
Surprisingly we’re told the engine started when gasoline was poured into the carburetor! If you want to see what this could look like restored, check out this picture from justacarguy.com. I think it would be a cool project for someone and with the engine intact enough to run might not be too challenging for a novice to tackle. What do you think?
I’m sure we’ll get some Bob Denver jokes( apparently, the “Little Buddy” moniker was something he hated over the years) I think this was some early version of the Screenside and may have sold products right off the truck. No chance of a resto-mod here, anyone buying this will surely restore it to original. Be so easy. When floorboards were just that. I was told years ago, if a flathead motor turns over, it will probably start. Great find.
Its rarity makes it very much a restoration project for someone.
Ultimately, the selling price will be based on what the buyer considers acceptable.
One very cool find!
Definitely got to be a wood crafter for this one. I’d guess that 3/4 of the body is wood. Of course wood can make a pretty solid, albeit heavy. You wouldn’t be going places fast with this one but it would get you there…
Certainly in agreement that a full restoration is needed. Would need to fly down there to look closer, have some suspicions on a few things. Otherwise, I would consider taking on the task of restoration. Pricey though?
Not familiar with this Mfg, but interesting. Was engine entirely of their Manufacture or is it a commercial engine from some better know mfg? Looks like a very worthy project for saving a commercial vehicle
I read, Stewarts used every engine except Hercules. This looks like a Continental or Lycoming.
Wow……
Hi.
I have limited knowledge of the very early automobile.
So I would like to ask if it is possible, to pour gasoline into the upside down mounted carburetor ?
The fuel line from what I believe is an early Stewart Warner fuel pump is disconnected from the carburetor. A brass barb, a hose, and funnel could be used to pour a little gas in the carburetor. (had to do this on a Chandler a couple of times)