Even before the 1920's, light commercial hauling using panel trucks had found a loyal growing customer base. With increasing numbers of small businesses and the population gradually moving to the cities, the panel truck found a place in our society. By the 1930's, most all truck manufacturers had designed a panel body to fit on their existing pickup truck chassis.
Advantages of the panel over other trucks for small business are numerous. Their weather-tight body protects cargo from rain, snow, driving wind and summer sun. Very important is the security feature. Merchandise is out of sight and can be locked. They are economical over big trucks and much more maneuverable than the larger commercial vehicles. Panel trucks are just right for moving in crowded streets and narrow alleys.
Oops, Panel truck victims of an overflowing creek by a salvage yard.
Retired panel trucks used for storage (above)
Even at the end of the panel truck's life, auto wrecking yards often kept a few for storage. The bodies were excellent for protecting used parts (starters, generators, bearings, clutches, etc.) from the weather.
During the mid 1960's, a major drop in panel truck popularity began. The vehicle that was once wanted by most every business in America was now being overlooked because of a "new kid on the block." The General Motors G-series van had arrived! This new van with short nose, had better turning radius, more cargo space on a like wheelbase, and a side freight door. It was the truck to buy. On most models the price was even lower.
The panel truck could not compete! It's sales began dropping almost every year. Their popularity became so low that GM discontinued the vehicle even before the end of the 1967-1972 body style. This tells how much the sales had dropped! Production was stopped even though the assembly line was operating and the tooling was able to continue stamping the body panels. In 1970, General Motors called it quits. The panel truck was history!
1970 G Series Van (above)
With the major sales decline during the final years, you will see less of the 1967-70 units than of the earlier designs.
Even finding a rough final series panel is a rare occurrence. The newest is now over 50 years old. They were built for work responsibilities. Few were kept out of the weather. Most were owned by companies and driven by their employees.
