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Ford Model B B Touring Bus 1937

General description : Since the days of the Model T, Ford Motor Company has recognized the importance of trucks and commercial vehicles to their bottom line. The earliest Model TT truck, introduced in 1917, shared many components with the Model T but featured a heavier 1-ton capacity frame and axles. Next came the Model AA, followed by Ford’s first V8-powered truck, the BB, in 1932. With each iteration, Ford’s medium and heavy trucks became more specialized for commercial duty, with unique styling and technical features to withstand the rigors of commercial duty.

In 1937, the Board of Trustees of Chicago’s beloved Morton Arboretum financed the purchase of a new motorized touring bus, which they envisioned would be used to shuttle visitors around their expansive 1,700-acre facility in the heart of Chicago’s western suburbs. The arboretum was established in 1922 by Joy Morton, founder of Morton Salt Company, as a public garden, outdoor museum, and research center. The Morton family had a passion for nature which ran in their blood. Joy’s father, Julius Morton, is noted for founding Arbor Day in 1872, and he later served as Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland. Joy Morton founded the arboretum to celebrate nature and preserve its beauty in the heart of one of America’s largest industrial cities.

With funding in place, the trustees purchased a new 1937 Ford Model BB truck, powered by a flathead V8 engine and riding on a 157-inch wheelbase chassis. Before it could be put to work hauling guests, the Ford chassis took a trip across town to Schukraft & Company, a respected wagon and truck-body builder. In their hands, the wheelbase was stretched to 180 inches, and their craftsmen created this one-off open touring bus body. The unique layout featured wide running boards running the length of the vehicle, which gave easy access to any of the seven rows of extra-wide benches. The driver’s seat is set lower, so guests have a clear view all around. From the cowl-forward, it’s all Ford, with the lovely, flowing fenders and the elegant radiator grille that was the signature of Ford’s notably attractive truck line for 1937.

Upon delivery to the Morton Arboretum in late 1937, the touring bus was put to work, shuttling visitors, special guests, and student groups around their remarkable facility. Incredibly, this wonderful Ford bus remained in regular service for over 50 years! It dutifully served its caretakers nearly every day, only getting the occasional respite in bad weather – with the original 100-horsepower 239 cubic-inch flathead V8 chugging along faithfully for all those years. Archival photos provided by the arboretum showed the bus when it was new, with others depicting it in action, full of students and teachers riding through the grounds.

The Morton ’37 Ford touring bus was officially retired in the late 1980s when a new enclosed bus was purchased. But even in retirement, it made occasional appearances for special events and celebrations. In many ways, the familiar Ford bus was as much a part of the Morton Arboretum as many of the trees themselves.

As offered today, this delightful bus benefits from a comprehensive restoration, and has been refinished in a handsome shade of dark green. It is finished off with Morton Arboretum livery and a period-appropriate canvas canopy. This unique Ford is in excellent condition throughout, with attractive paintwork and period-appropriate detailing. All the bench seats have been re-trimmed in brown upholstery, and the driver’s compartment features the original wheel, correct instrumentation, and the proper rubber floor liners. Similarly, the engine bay is appropriately detailed in the correct shade of Ford green, and the flathead runs well – burbling along ease.

This truly unique and marvelous vehicle has a rich history, and is ideal for use on historic estates, wineries, or in any place where this historically significant and distinctly stylish people-mover will be cherished and appreciated.

Historic photographs courtesy of the Morton Arboretum  


Offers welcome and trades considered

1937 Ford Model B B Touring Bus is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Hyman Ltd. for Not priced.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Ford Model : Model B Model Version : B Touring Bus Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1937 Sub type : Van Location : Missouri Vehicle Registration : Undefined

Not priced

Seller Information

Hyman Ltd.

Hyman Ltd.
314-524-6000
Contact Seller

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About Ford
Ford, founded in 1902, has arguably changed the history of automotive world more than any other car manufacturer by introducing the first people's car Model T in 1908. They had produced more than 15 million cars by the end of the production in 1927, by which T had become obsolete.

Ford launched the first low priced V8 engine powered car in 1932. 1932 V8 was an instant hit with superior handling and performance to many far more expansive cars of the day. No wonder 32 V8 Ford has become such a favourite among hot rodders around the world with 32 Deuce coupe as their icon.

During the war Ford completely shut down civilian vehicle production to dedicate all its resources to the Allied war efforts (1942-45) They used to build B-24 bombers, aircraft engines, jeeps, M-4 tanks, military trucks and Bren-gun carriers and more than 30,000 super-charged Rolls Royce Merlin V-12 engines for Mosquito and Lancaster bombers as well as P-51 Mustang fighters. After the war Ford cars in the USA got bigger and flashier along with their competitors. In the 60's Ford was back in the forefront again when introducing their commercial hit Mustang in 1964. Mustang was so popular the competition had to follow Ford's example and the ponycar phenomenon took over the US. Over the years the ponies grew some muscles until the oil crisis kill finally killed them off.

In the sixties Ford rushed into international motor sports scene with a fury. After unsuccessful Ferrari takeover, when Enzo Ferrari had cut the deal off with Henry Ford II making the latter absolutely boil with fury, Ford turned to Lola in UK to produce a Ferrari beating long distance racer after. The collaboration between Ford and Lola created the mighty Ford GT40 that absolutely beat Ferrari in Le Mans 24 numerous times.

In Europe, Ford introduced some of the most epic race and rally cars of the 60's based on humble family sedans; Cortina GT, Lotus Cortina, Escort Twin Cam, and Escort 1600RS with the iconic Cosworth BDA engines.

Today classic Fords are extremely popular with enthusiasts and a great selection of classic Fords can be found for sale at www.ClassicDigest.com
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