Since we’re doing odd-ball trucks today, this is a new one for me: a step van built on a conventional Chevy Advance Design light truck chassis. It’s obviously been converted into a camper of sorts, but its origins are unmistakable. My nephew Aidan shot it in the Bay Area, and needless to say, I love it, as I do all of these vintage Chevy trucks. I could see my 23 year-old self behind the wheel (or in the bed) of this truck.
Chevrolet and GMC had been selling their “Dubl-Duti” step vans since the thirties; this one is from 1948.
But then I remembered a Ford Railway Express Agency delivery truck from the late 40s that a friend of mine in Iowa City overwintered in out on some folks’ land; it was just like the one above, but a fair amount worse for wear. So clearly conventional trucks with step-in cabs and sliding doors were also in use back then.
Who knows what this truck spent its days delivering. But it’s survived, and is still at it.
The back doors and bumper have given way to a windowed wall, as has the side wall. Re-purposed, if not very advanced any more.