Before Ford sold a Mazda-based Courier pick-up in the U.S. in the 1970s, the name was used on a sedan delivery vehicle in the 1950s. It was based on the 2-door Ranch Wagon, without a rear seat or side windows, so it was designed for commercial use. This 1955 Courier has been sitting for 20 years and needs some cosmetic as well mechanical attention. Because of low production numbers, you probably haven’t seen one of these lately. Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, this project is available here on craigslist for $8,900 (cool trades considered). Thanks for the cool tip, T.J.!
The Courier sedan delivery was a full-size Ford product between 1952 and 1960. Ford also had a similar vehicle derived from the F-Series pickup called the Panel Delivery and both served as precursors of the modern-day cargo van. Earlier Couriers had a side-hinged rear cargo access door which was unique to the model line. With a body style code of “S” and a body type code of “78A” only about 7,750 copies were built in 1955 and another 1,000 more than that of the similar 1956s.
In base form, the Courier came with only a single bucket seat, so only the driver was intended to be human cargo. But a bench seat was optional, which was the case with the seller’s wagon. Buyers could choose from a 223 cubic inch inline-6 or a 272 CI Y-block V8, which appears to be the powerplant in this two-tone antique. It was rated at 162 hp and was usually paired with a “three-on-the-tree” manual transmission.
While we’re told this wagon runs and can be driven around the lot (dealer?), the brakes are non-existent and the first thing that will need attention. The engine has been treated to a tune-up, but the carburetor needs to either be cleaned or rebuilt. The odometer reading is 46,000, so it’s anyone’s question as to whether or it’s first and second time around the dial. The paint has loads of surface rust (aka patina) and where that lies, deeper stuff can usually be found. The driver’s door panel is out of the vehicle but will be included in the sale. If you have a muscle car of a similar value, the seller might do a trade (especially if it’s a Mustang fastback).
Extremely tempting, and not too away from me. I wonder if I can hide it from the wife, behind the garage?
Never common, so many sedan deliveries have been butchered by customizers that an untouched example is rare. I hope this one survives as intended.
This is what happens with poor surface prep before a paintjob. Looks like real thick body filler in the tailgate, and the air cleaner looks like it was used as a wheel chock.
Love those Dog dish caps.
Fix the brake, clean it up, tune the carb and drive it as is..very nice IMHO..love sedan deliveries!
Love it! Sedan deliveries are so unusual.
any car with the wrap windshield that hasa corner hang in the door opening, hasa right sized steer wheel, where I can see all the under-hood components, with bench seats, interior w/lotsa steal surfaces I like at the minimum. Reminds me of the cords’n flannel I wore asa 1st grader. Itsa winner asa waggy’n, SD model gets thumbs up. Only thing better would be the woodies B4 it that had the canvas side so the vendors could cruse the hood with the succulent veg/fruit for sale in sight/smell. See the St Paul crew for even earlier: … … https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabber