The 1947 REO Speed Wagon stands as a fascinating survivor from the high-production era of post-war American trucking. While most industrial vehicles of this period were worked until exhaustion, this green example has enjoyed a much more protected life. It spent five decades under the care of a single previous owner before emerging for sale in 2025. This long-term stewardship helped preserve the unique character of a brand that prioritized speed and durability over decorative frills. Today, it serves as a rare rolling testament to the REO Motor Car Company’s commitment to heavy-duty engineering. This Speed Wagon offers a visceral connection to the machinery that rebuilt the nation’s infrastructure.
Refurbished Aesthetics and Exterior Details
The truck was refinished during the 1970s in a classic green paint that highlights its prominent, rounded fenders and upright cabin. A red chassis provides a striking contrast underneath the body, while the black fenders ground the design with a work-ready appearance. You will find a split windshield and traditional side steps that make accessing the high-riding cab much easier. The back of the vehicle features a beautifully maintained wooden bed that adds a warm, organic texture to the steel frame. REO badging remains proudly on the nose, signifying its place in the lineage of the original Speed Wagon nameplate. It is a silhouette that commands respect at any classic gathering.
Chassis Strength and Dually Configuration
The foundation of this 1947 REO Speed Wagon is built to handle significant payloads with its robust leaf spring suspension. It features red-painted 20-inch steel wheels that provide a bold pop of color against the green sheet metal. The dually rear axle ensures maximum stability and traction, reflecting its original intent as a serious hauling machine. Mixed Firestone and Power King tires provide an authentic period look that matches the truck’s purposeful stance. Braking is handled by traditional drums, which were standard for heavy-duty vehicles during the late 1940s. This setup offers a raw, unassisted driving experience that modern truck owners rarely get to encounter.
Functional Interior and Vintage Controls
Inside the cabin, the 1947 REO Speed Wagon offers a refreshed environment that stays true to its utilitarian roots. A bench seat trimmed in black vinyl with green piping provides a comfortable yet durable place for the driver and passengers. The body-color dash and floorboards create a cohesive look that emphasizes the simple beauty of the interior’s metal surfaces. Crank windows and a basic glove box are the primary conveniences, reminding the driver of a time when trucks were pure tools. A four-spoke steering wheel with the REO logo sits before a simple 80-mph speedometer. It is a no-nonsense workspace designed for a pilot who enjoys a direct mechanical connection.
Instrumental Feedback and Unique Quirks
Monitoring the truck’s vital signs involves a series of analog gauges for oil pressure, amperage, and fuel level. While the coolant temperature gauge currently reads backwards, the other instruments provide essential feedback for the operator. The five-digit odometer shows approximately 7,000 miles, though the total mileage across the vehicle’s long life remains unknown. Small details, like the missing windshield wipers, remind the next owner that this is a fair-weather cruiser in its current form. Such quirks are common in half-century-old restorations and add to the storytelling potential of the vehicle. Every switch and dial carries the weight of a bygone era of manufacturing.
Gold Comet Engine and Mechanical Output
Power for this 1947 REO Speed Wagon comes from a 400ci Gold Comet inline-six engine sourced from a later model year. This powerplant was famous for its smooth torque delivery and reliability under heavy loads. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, allowing the driver to keep the inline-six in the heart of its power band. A recently repaired radiator ensures the cooling system is ready for operation during local parades or museum runs. This specific engine configuration provides more displacement than the original 1947 units, offering a welcome boost in modern performance. It delivers a steady, low-frequency hum that is unmistakable to those who know vintage commercial engines.
No Reserve Summary of the REO Legend
Offered at no reserve, this 1947 REO Speed Wagon represents an accessible entry point into the world of vintage commercial vehicles. Its history of 50-year ownership provides a level of provenance that is rare for a truck of this vintage. The combination of the green and red color scheme and the wooden bed creates a visually stunning package. It functions as both a piece of art and a usable relic of American industrial history. Whether you are a collector of post-war Americana or an enthusiast of unique marques, this REO is a standout. It is ready for its next long-term home after decades of careful preservation. This truck is a true piece of the American dream.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
