Every so often a vehicle surfaces that isn’t just an old car or truck, but a true piece of living history. That’s exactly what’s on offer with this 1926 Dodge Brothers screen-side delivery truck, recently listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Tiffin, Ohio. Nearly a century old, it still wears its age with pride and, amazingly, it still runs and drives. Thanks for the tip Ted!
The seller describes the truck as all-original and numbers-matching, a rare claim for something of this vintage. Even more remarkable, it retains its original advertising print on the doors and side tarps, lending an authentic glimpse into the working life it once led. Very few delivery vehicles from the 1920s survive at all, let alone in a form that so clearly showcases their original commercial use.
The design of the screen-side delivery was practical in its day, intended for hauling goods while keeping them ventilated and easy to load. This Dodge Brothers example appears to carry its utilitarian character with dignity. From the photos, the truck looks complete and straight, with plenty of patina that tells its own story. Unlike a fully restored example, the wear on this one is part of its charm, it reflects nearly 100 years of history.
Power in 1926 came from a Dodge Brothers four-cylinder engine, known for being tough and reliable. While no one is expecting modern performance, the fact that this example still runs and drives speaks volumes about its durability. With mechanical attention, it could likely continue to trundle along for years to come, making it a great candidate for parade duty, museum display, or even light use at special events.
Dodge Brothers trucks of this era are seldom seen, and when they do appear, they usually need complete restoration or exist only as shells. To find one in original, running condition with documented advertising still in place is almost unheard of. It’s the kind of find that appeals not just to collectors of Dodge vehicles, but to anyone who values automotive history and preservation.
This isn’t just a truck, it’s a time capsule from the Roaring Twenties, when businesses relied on machines like this to keep goods moving. With its originality, character, and usability, it represents a rare opportunity for someone to own and preserve a true working artifact.
Would you keep this 1926 Dodge Brothers delivery truck as-is to preserve its patina and original advertising, or would you restore it to showroom glory?
DO NOT touch this!!!
I agree with OpaJim. This needs to stay this way. A 100 year old laundry truck!!! This is great on so many levels. I’d be afraid to touch it, I wouldn’t want to ruin anything on it. I sure hope it gets a great new caretaker that preserves it.
Actually, I would touch it. I would rough up the seat a little to remove a bit of newness and I would find a better place for the spare tire. But that’s it!
Might turn those seat back hinges around. That piece of plywood will be real hard on the lower back.
Well, my 1st thought was a paddy wagon, but after seeing the side tarp, a screenside would be needed for stinky laundry, pee-yew. Jerry Seinfeld once said, “it amazes me, no matter how foul a job may be, SOMEONE always does it”. This screenside hauled no tomatoes to market, that’s for sure. On an episode of American Pickers, they went to an old bakery somewhere in Jersey, and uncovered a Model T delivery truck, the bakeries original delivery truck, hadn’t seen the light in 75 years. That hand crank start, oh, oh, relax, I read 1926 Dodge trucks had an electric starter and were originally 12V, but in 1926, changed to 6V. Go figure. I believe this truck is actually quite modern, crash box and mechanical brakes require some finesse, but I’m sure the laundry “funk” is long gone, and be a great promotional vehicle. Great history lesson too of life 100 years ago.
Probably wouldn’t work with this truck but there is a restaurant in Naples, FL that has a Model T farm flat bed they use for the salad bar. Got to save them some way.
Facebook won’t open on my phone, what’s the asking price?
Steve R
$15K
Thank you.
Steve R
You don’t have to do anything.
I wouldn’t even remove the bucket that’s hanging.
I heard stories about my great-grandfathers Dodge truck. Not sure of the year but I know it was from the 20’s. He was a farmer and bought it used from The Albany Boy’s School. It was a canopy express with eisenglass curtains and seats in the back. The story was it was only a year old when he got it as it was not big enough for the school’s use. This one needs to be left alone. Its a piece of rolling history.
It’s cool, but for every day motor heads, it’s cool to look at, that’s all. 15k to buy it, countless hours trying to find parts, and bloody knuckles getting it running, then what? Stare at it in your garage, or use it for Home Depot runs… Needs to go to a museum.
So Mister Haney moved up 2 years!
Ha! Going to have to keep our good eye ( Mr. Haney) on this guy folks, he’s sharp. Mr. Eustis Haney ( Maxwell Emmett “Pat” Buttram) was indeed a character. He drove a 1924 Dodge Brothers Four flatbed truck. Everybody, it seems, knew a “Mr. Haney” at some point in their life. For our younger, less fortunate readers that missed those great shows, in the 60s show “Green Acres”, Mr. Haney was the guy Mr. Douglas, (Eddie Albert), the high falootin’ lawyer from NY who moved to the country, a fictional town named Hooterville, along side its sister show, Petticoat Junction, somewhere in the lower Midwest, most say Kentucky. and bought everything from, and Mr. Haney took him to the cleaners on every purchase. He was actually a very talented actor, playing sidekick for Gene Autry and countless other films and shows.
You don’t have a Milking Cow??? Why I could never part with Eleanor! How much would you be willing to give me for her? I got a trivia for you. We stumbled upon a movie called the 13th Hour, wondering what kind of truck that is in the movie? I did see your last comment under the old Mack.
Why can’t they make movies and trucks like they used to.
Right up our alley, how many Planet Jrs you figure I could fit in there?
Jim, this is right up our alley. How many Planet Jrs you figure I can fit in there? First one got posted to Howard????
Hey JoAnn, that’s a lot of Planet Jrs! No doubt Mr Haney tried to sell one to Oliver Douglas! 13th Hour, where did you come up with that one? I’ll have to do some digging on that one, not a Sterling. Did you get to Lime Rock?
I finished reading “The Grapes of Wrath” last night. There´s a brilliant chapter about selling “Jalopies” which references the 26 Dodge amongst others.
Load this up and head west…..
Might not have a milking cow but I sure would be hanging a cowbell off this truck while I cruised it. I wouldn’t even wash it or dust it off. I’d leave it just the way it is and drive it to car and coffee.
Fabulous! So many great uses for this wonderful piece of American History.
Ms. Puckett. Don’t even suggest restoring it. “restore it to its original glory” makes no sense. It’s original now. This time capsule should be dusted off and gently mechanically maintained.
Thank You everyone for wanting to keep this truck as is!!!!! Definitely a keeper!! A coat of linseed oil will help keep its patina.. Definitely a museum piece.. Hope it goes to a good home..
Wonder how liquor could be hidden under the laundry while making deliveries back then ?
Ok, I give.What us a Planet Jr.?
What am I missing? It’s been forever since I watched Green Acres. (or Petticoat Junction for the matter) I remember Haney abd Sam (Besides Oliver and Lisa)
Please help an old man figure out what you peopleare talking about.
Look up Planet Jr garden tools (it’s an inside joke).
I still use my father’s in the vegetable garden. Also have a bucket full of attachments.
My gosh, what a wonderful old truck! If it was mine wouldn’t touch a thing, I’d leave it just like it is and drive it every day.
Great write up Elizabeth! Thanks for featuring it!