Car Owner: John Tomassini Words & Photos: Clive Branson
What exactly is a ‘Sedan Delivery’ (also referred to as a ‘Panel Delivery’)? And what is the purpose of a car being transformed into a truck? Well, the simple answer is that the Sedan Delivery was the original van. A Sedan Delivery is a relatively obscure body style built on a car chassis to accommodate the needs associated with a van (a truck is built exclusively on a truck chassis). Typically, it takes the form of a station wagon, but with the side and back windows replaced with steel panels. It was a very practical automotive design that didn’t lead to the expense, size or driving difficulty of an actual truck and dates back to 1904, the year the Wright Brothers designed Flyer II, the New York subway opened and Japan declared war on Russia.
But it was during the forties and fifties that Sedan Deliveries reigned, particularly with Chevrolet and Ford dominating the market. This golden age continued until the two-door version was superseded by the four-door station wagon in the early sixties. 1960 was the last year Chevrolet would offer a full-sized, two-door wagon; hence, it would be their last Sedan Delivery model. Then, almost as quickly as it had burst onto the scene, it disappeared. There were marginal attempts at reintroducing the trend in 1971, but these fizzled out in 1974. Again, there was a slight resurgence in the nineties and early 2000s with the introduction of the retro-styled Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chevrolet HHR, but sales were disappointing and the HHR was killed in the GM bankruptcy fiasco.
The Sedan Deliveries had a one-piece rear door, hinged at the top, and came with one bucket seat (a passenger seat was optional). A total of 10,639 units were made during the 1955 model year, of which close to 2,000 were manufactured in Canada – the ’55 was one of the rarest body styles, second only to the Nomad – and John Tomassini has one (from the 150 series). “I purchased it in Truro, Nova Scotia in 2015,” declares John. “It was in very good condition, having gone through a frame off restoration 20 years previously. It was one of the 1,808 Sedan Deliveries made in Oshawa, Ontario and was originally sold in Prince Edward Island. The VIN indicates it as No. 1805.”
John has had a love affair with classic cars, especially Chevrolets, since he was a teen and he recollects that over the years he has purchased more than forty vehicles since he first got his license. “Before acquiring the ’55 Sedan Delivery, I had owned a 1967 Chevy Malibu for 8 years that I sold in 2015 because I felt it was time for something different. After looking for months on Kijiji, I saw this one being advertised in Nova Scotia. After numerous emails, texts and phone calls with the owner, my brother-in-law and I decided it was time for a road trip to Truro. The moment I saw the car, I knew I wanted it. After buying it, I drove it 16 hours back to Ottawa, Ontario.”
John has kept the candy-blue colour, but his intention is to have the paint redone, update the interior and enjoy it for a number of years. The previous owners, Brent and Diane Henderson, stripped the car of any chrome, door handles and emblems, giving the appearance of something the wind molded from blue clay. Other custom touches included the removal of vent windows, and punching 176 louvers in the hood. John has brought back a more original look with the inclusion of chrome for the bumpers, headlights, rear lights, a new grille, tires and rims. What John didn’t modify was the impressive power under the hood. Brent Henderson replaced the original 265 V8 with a 1974 Chevy pickup 454. The engine had to be realigned for adequate firewall clearance. As I followed John in my car, he stepped on the throttle. One moment he was in front of me; the next, the car was a dot on the horizon. That’s a lot of muscle unleashed. Some notable friends have accompanied the engine, namely: a Rhodes cam, Edelbrock Performer aluminum intake, a Holley carb, MSD ignition and headers. It’s a party under the hood, and immediately apparent when the car comes to life with that distinct rumble that could rattle dentures.
When I observe the positive reaction from motorists on seeing John’s car, it confirms a yearning for a nostalgic period of automotive history, and a continued love of cars that we embrace for their unique character and distinction. “I believe the popularity for classic cars will improve,” John says with a nod. “Over the years there has definitely been an increase in the number of people getting involved in the pastime. You see it in the increased numbers of people attending cruise nights and weekend car shows.” When John sits behind the wheel he beams a smile, admitting that each time he starts the car, it’s going to be another fun drive somewhere. There aren’t too many things in life that give you such satisfaction, and John has certainly found his.
