The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Chevrolet Metro Delivery Truck

I will attempt to attach a photo of some old Chevrolet Metro Delivery trucks which were part of my grandfather's bread company in Seattle. I have been trying, for several years, to locate one to re-create the truck. However, other than artist's sketches, I have never even seen a 'real' photo of one, other than what I have. I am guessing the year is 1938 to 1940 and I know that they were built by the Metropolitan Body Company. Any help, comments, references, or insight is appreciated. http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad358/BuchansBread/dubl-duti.jpg

Very cool photo! If anyone would know where to find one it's one of our Stovebolters. Good luck in your pursuit and keep us posted.

I've never seen a step van that old. I didn't even know they made them. From the horizontal grill bars and the eight slot wheels I'd guess 38 but that's a guess. BTW welcome to the 'bolt.

HERE'S A 48 GMC IN THE GALLERY

The earliest information I can find at this moment is from 1947, by then they had gone to the curved wrap around windshield. I will continue to look.

I have added some old advertisments and a couple more photos. Thank you for your help.

i just got to say... those are cool! i sure hope you find one to restore. stuff like that, that's a part of your family history- is so neat.

You might also check over at the VCCA. They may be able to help you as well.

Here is a link listing authors and books about those style of trucks. Maybe your local library or historical society can help you get some more info. Also, contact the folks at Vintage Truck Magazine published by Patrick Ertel. They recently published a series of articles on "Delivery Designs" although I couldn't locate a "Metropolitan Body" article. Perhaps even a letter to the editor with a pic will help you.
www.vintagetruckmagazine.com
[email protected] for a letter to Pat.

http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/m/metropolitan/metropolitan.htm

Was your grandfather this Buchan? See article.

http://www.buchanbakers.com/gpage13.html

Vintage truck mag has run articles on that style of truck over the past few years.

Thank you, I will follow the leads. And yes, the 'Buchan Bakers' were sponsored through the bakery. The authors were Bruce Kitts (my cousin) and Robin Buchan (my father), the youngest of the founders children. I have become the collector of bakery artifacts in the family and have all the old bread wrappers ready to put in the truck, whenever I find it...Thank you for your help, this has been a great learning adventure.

On another note, I have attached an advertisement for a 1937 International Bakery delivery truck to the photos which you will find is quite similar.

I have seen two of these in my area, one on craigslist and the other was in a field but was crushed before I could get a good look.

There was one of those trucks at a tow yard, Bob's Tow in Vallejo California, a few years ago, you might try calling them.
Chris

I will give it a shot Monday morning. Thanks.

Good luck on the search and you might want to look in all the old junkyards around the town the bakery was located since those type of vehicles got used for sheds to put loose parts so you never know what is out there.