Vintage 1961 Ford C-550 COE Truck 53k Miles Catalina Beverage Co.California

For Sale:1961 Ford C-550 Tilt Cab, COE Truck, with 53,168 miles!Original "Catalina Beverage Company" signage.Black Plate, California Truck since new, with Clear Title, and current tags until 2017!Rebuilt 262cu Straight 6 engine, and 4 speed manual transmission.Donated by the Catalina Beverage Company, with the proceeds to go to a School Program.I am listing this Truck for a closefriend.
Great little vintage/antique truck, with a great story behind it!Originallypurchased new, by Louis Crow for Catalina Beverage Company, in 1961 from Don Kott Ford.This was when the dealership was in Wilmington, CA.She, and her Sister Truck were then shipped to Catalina Island, on the S.S. Catalina Steamship!Used as a commercial delivery truck on Catalina Island for over 50 years.If you had ever been to Catalina Island, you may have seen them!If you ever had a drink on Catalina, she delivered it!Odometer reads 53,168 miles, and we have no reason to believe anything but correct.Shows every sign of having been cherished, and well maintained throughout her life.Indeed, these trucks were the face, and flagship of the Catalina Beverage Company!
Decoding the VIN number gave the following info:
VIN Format:1961-1980 Ford truck
Decoding:C55BU180092
DigitUsageVINDecoded

1-3	Series	C55	C550 Tilt Cab (Gas)
4	Engine	B	L6 262-1v 132hp 3600rpm
5	Plant	U	Louisville KY
6-8	Mod Yr/Mfg Date	180	1961 (Mfg Jun 1961)
6-11	Sequential Serial #	180092	180092

Serial numbers are sequential per plant

Mechanical Info:It has a 6 cylinder Gasoline Engine, which we believe to be its original 262ci, 132hp motor.The engine was completely rebuilt in 2013 according to the receipt we have at a cost of $4,591, which included rebuilding the water pump and starter. We are told the radiator was rebuiltseparately. The engine starts quickly under its manual choke, and sounds great, thecurrentowner has driven it and says it performs fine. No obvious leaks or unusual noises.Transmission is a 4 speed manual. The shift is smooth and clutch operates smoothly, and as it should.Brakes work fine, and stop the truck with normal effort. Parking brake works, but the owner lives on a hill, so placed blocks out of anabundanceof caution.Body, Chassis, and Interior.The bodywork is in amazing shape, given its 55 years, with a lovely vintage Patina.The exterior red paint has faded a little, under the sunshine on Catalina, but we believe it would buff out nicely, if you wished.There is a few dings, scrapes, and a little rust, but nothing that appears to bestructural.Windshields look fine, but side window drop glasses are missing. They appear to be flat glass, so finding, or making new ones to pattern would be viable. The handles and mechanisms appear to be there. Passengerside quarter glass is cracked.The Chassis looks in great shape, and I could see nothing aside from some light surface rust.Tires are in great shape, with no visible damage or cracking, loads of tread all around, but are older.Interior paint is great. Seat is black leather or vinyl, and is nice, but worn a little on the drivers side. Instruments are all present and correct. Roof trim looks original and is nice.Truck bed is wood with steel running strips, and is in solid shape.
This is a nice, original, honest, California Vintage truck!Turns heads, with its cute looks!Enjoy the great patina as is, show it, or convert it to carry a vintage car!As stated, the proceeds are going to a School Program(details on request).
Winning bidder is to pay a $500 Deposit, via Paypal, within 48 hours of close of Auction.Balance is to be paid to the owner, in cash, or wire transfer before the Truck is released.
This Truck is sold as is where is.We have taken pictures as much as we could to give an honest view of the truck's condition.We are not mechanics, so we advise you to look at the pictures carefully, and ask any questions BEFORE you bid.We will happily answer questions, and/or take additional pictures, or talk over the phone.Weencourageyou to view the truck in person, and/or arrange inspection at yourexpense.No warranty offered orimplied.
Happy Bidding!!!!