Beauty comes in many different shapes, colors and sizes. And, maybe you’ve heard the term: “big people need loving, too.” How true it is. The same is also true with big vehicles. You see a lot of old hot rods and muscle cars being restored. Sometimes, you see old pickup trucks getting done.

But when was the last time you saw a delivery truck?

Photo Credit: Mecum

When I happened across this old and chopped up milk carrier, my legs almost gave out on me. I mean, this thing looks fantastic.

Back in 1926, DIVCO – AKA, Detroit Industrial Vehicle Company – began producing its flagship delivery truck. The original trucks came standard with a gas powered 4 cylinder engine which was mated to a 4 speed manual transmission. These crazy old trucks had multiple driving positions, allowing you to face the front, either side or the back. Unfortunately, DIVCO no longer makes trucks.

However, that doesn’t stop some auto enthusiasts from getting crazy ideas about how to restore them.

This particular truck was originally built in 1946. It holds on to the original charm that it rolled off the showroom floor with. However, there have also been numerous upgrades that are tastefully done – though I don’t necessarily think I’d go the same route with all of them. More on that later…

As with most restomods, the power plant is usually one of the first items to go. And let’s face it; it is doubtful that a pitiful 4 cylinder was able to move this big truck to any decent speeds. The engine was upgraded to a stout 350 Chevy small block. This current setup, when attached to the automatic transmission, is probably just enough to help it keep up with the flow of traffic, but no more than that.

Photo Credit: Mecum

I also see that the previous owner had AC installed. This, in my humble, but accurate, opinion is a necessity – especially in a rig that big without many functional windows.

The interior of the truck looks comfy enough for you to enjoy on long road trips. But unfortunately, we can’t see what’s in the back. If it were me, I’d have this truck structured like an RV so I could take my family on long road trips. Actually, this has me thinking a bit…

Photo Credit: Mecum

I digress.

Minus the color and size of the engine, I don’t think there is much about this beast that I’d change. What changes would I make, you ask? Well, I think I’d go with Chevrolet’s black rose paint that was popular on the 90s Corvettes, and a 502 big block Chevy for some extra oomph. After all, this ride is big, bulky and less than aerodynamic. But all that does is add to its cool factor.

Now, there is an issue with this truck, which you need to think about if you decide to go to the Mecum Auction in Anaheim this November. This truck comes with a salvage title, which poses an issue to some people. A salvage title can mean different things according to each individual state. If you have no issues with this, you may wind up getting a great deal on an awesome restomod.

Photo Credit: Mecum

What do you think about this chopped up delivery truck? Is it snazzy and sophisticated? Or, is this type of restoration something that should never be attempted? Is there anything that you’d change on it?

Photo Credit: Mecum