Numerous 1930’s trucks feature a car-like front-end, giving a lightweight and sporty air to the bulky work vehicles of that era. This 1934 Dodge Sedan Delivery is no exception. With great styling and a bulk of original parts, this classic work truck is ready for a new owner. Reader Jim A’s listing describes it as running though not necessarily road-worthy and asks $10,850 for the privilege of making it your own. The giant sunroof is likely a missing wood-and-canvas original insert.
Our truck experts may comment on the sturdy-looking wheels; I’m not sure they are original equipment but they look the part. The “Humpback” name comes from the raised roof of the cargo area. With immaculate paint and vintage lettering, this handsome truck could become the showpiece of your business even if simply parked out front and saved for parades and special occasions. It works for Hemmings.
The “factory correct” inline flat-head six-cylinder engine mates to a correct four-speed manual transmission. Likely a half-ton KC or three-quarter-ton KH, some of these Dodge trucks share fenders and other parts with the Dodge cars of the day.
If you said the cargo area was all original I would see no reason to object. As someone who would have walked away from a bad wreck had I not been hit on the back of the head by flying cargo, I can’t help but imagine the effect of a full load on the seatbacks and occupants when these truck crashed. Of course, that will never happen to you!
Simple art-deco gauges lend a touch of class to this rolling business tool. The speedometer’s needle calls to mind a finely-crafted mantel clock. Critical monitoring points (oil pressure, fuel level, charging, and engine temperature) remain the same some 80 years on. I’d be happy for this array (plus a tachometer) on any modern car. The market for mostly-stock ’30s trucks may be somewhat narrow, but what do you think of this neat old workhorse for under $11,000?
Seller’s Listing: Here on craigslist
- Asking Price: $10,850
- Location: Greene, Iowa 50636
- Mileage: 108,750
- Title Status: Clean
- VIN: available
List your car here on Barn Finds for only $50!
Very cool!
I’ve seen some heavy duty panels from back then. They weren’t all that common but they did exist. The Budd wheels were part of the equipment. If I had something like this come my way, I would give it the full treatment, Budds and all. Could haul a lot of ‘Bud’ to the picnic as well. This is an iconic style; I don’t think that anyone else incorporated the humpback. Dodge really did have some good ideas…
20 thumbs 👍🏻 up to you Geomechs keep it all original and do the full restoration.
Thanks, Mark. All I can do with something like this is wish. If the lottery was a bit kinder to me, I could actually do a project like that. Speaking of which, skuttlebutt says someone up your way won something like $60M last week. Maybe it was you?
I wish
In August 2021 I bought a 1934 Dodge 105 Ton truck with a Graham Brothers body. Stored since 1989 with a bad engine, now being rebuilt. My truck has a express pickup body. Budd wheels.
Wow, I worked for Budd Wheel in the 80’s.
Hump-back panel not sedan delivery.
Exceptionally cool and priced well…
Yes, it’s a 1 ton or bigger truck. 20 inch tires, I think.
I looked at this 2 years ago when the widow still had it. Her husband had warehouses full of neat old stuff, but left this life suddenly.
This truck is amazingly well preserved. This owner has sprayed clear over and installed some seats. Seems like the originals were apart or non existent. Painted the wheels orange, made it driving. (but it was ALWAYS nearly this good)
The tires are far from new but I’d guess 10-15 years old. I think it would drive home, but top speed will be about 44mph, I’d guess.
I’m very familiar with these humpbacks, having owned a 34 1/2 ton one for the decade of the 1970’s. I bought mine from the guy that bought it new.
I’m 44 miles away, by the way.
seems if it was 44 miles away u might have more info on it, like how much the widow wanted 4 it then & how much the new owner got it 4? I would basically leave this keeper stock running gear, bang out the dents & put on a nice home made factory color paint job, 1/4″ paneling & home style upholstery job, 2×2 framing or metal studs 4 roof, run a round town 4 groceries, hay, car parts, swap meets, drive In. I’d b styling, is this on Ebay?
My personal financial situation is not great. I have several projects, a few will be liquidated. The truck was originally 110 miles away and less money. (much closer with new owner, a flipper. Greene, Iowa, look it up.)
Maybe after I sell my 911, I’ll go buy it.
This is very neat, but to spend $30-50k making it into a one of a kind resto hauler does not make sense to me. One could have 80% of the fun and just drive 45.
But I ALREADY HAVE a 48mph hauler, a 1956 VW single cab. positively modern compared to the Dodge.
I think it’s neat to say the least. In fact I have a model bank that looks like this model vehicle I bought a long time ago. If it was mine I’d see about getting a custom frame made up and put a modern drivetrain and suspension under it and drive the heck out of it. Love the suicide doors, they add a touch of elegance to it.
OMG… I freakin’ love this truck! This comes in a close second to the Hudson Terraplane pickup.
This rates a 10 as a looker. At my age I’d want a modern drivetrain – still a manual but with gearing for modern roads. Nothing too aggressive, just enough to make getting around easy, safe, and enjoyable.
The exterior? Don’t touch it!! (except for the big hole in the roof)
Alas, time, space, and age make all of this a pipe dream. But dream I will.
Awesome! Love the suicide doors!
Those suicide doors make this truck really cool
Are those wheels split rims? If so, are they legal or safe to use?
Nice PANEL Delivery,,, barn doors and truck running gear,,,, Sedan delivery is on a car chassis and ONE door
Uhh, my 1934 Dodge half ton humpback panel had the same two back doors. It’s moved out of town. There is a 3rd one still extant in this town. I have the guy’s phone number someplace.
I would mention: when I looked at it in 2017, pretty sure the original black painted grille was there also. As were some other extra parts.
Brakeservo, There is no closeup of the wheels, but they look to me to not be split rims, but in fact what is called a 2 piece wheel. (judging by the outer wheel edge configuration) The outer retainer flange/rim/ring is actually one piece that is then “clipped” over the edge of the rim (slots and depressions built into the ring to help facilitate the “stretching” of the ring off and on the rim) and then centered (very tough to do safely) while inflating the tire. It is safer for use but more dangerous when inflating. On a split rim (because the outer “split” ring is kind of spring steel) the installation of the outer split rim is generally seated into position and verifiable. On the 2 piece wheel it is just a guess that the ring will stay centered and lock into place when the tire is inflated. I never had a spit rim come apart on me while inflating. But have had many re-tries on getting a 2 piece outer ring to seat. (this is mainly because the ring has been somewhat mutilated over time) Once seated and tire stays properly inflated not as likely to come apart. A buddy of mine has an older (1939??) GMC dually flatbed that has the same style of wheels and wanted to run tubeless “safer” tires. It took me a couple of days, But I was able to actually find him some used/take off wheels that worked perfectly. They were not the same style but the style was still “old truck” style. These are dually style wheels, so once the bolt pattern is established, then the hunt can begin. And usually you have your choice of 16″, 17″ and 20″ so then matching the O.D. of the original tires dictates what size of rim will work best. Remember, that in most cases when working with 20″ tubeless tires most are now 22.5″ . So that is why you determine the O.D. of the tire first and then see what is available wheel size.