1926 REO Model G Speed Wagon Delivery Truck
R.E. Olds launched the REO Motor Car Company in Lansing, Michigan after departing from Oldsmobile, with the Speed Wagon light truck emerging as his most successful venture.
Introduced as one of the earliest trucks from a passenger car manufacturer to use a dedicated, truck-specific chassis (instead of an adapted automobile platform like Ford’s Model T-based trucks), the Speed Wagon built its commercial reputation with a dedicated manufacturing division focused exclusively on work vehicles.
The 1926 Model G Speed Wagon featured a tall, upright wooden cab typical of commercial vehicles of the era, along with a large, wooden cargo bed capable of handling significant payloads. The Model G was rated for a two-ton payload and powered by Reo’s Gold Crown six-cylinder engine, producing approximately 50 horsepower, which was notably durable and a major upgrade over the earlier four-cylinder Speed Wagons. This powerful six-cylinder engine distinguished the Model G among its period competitors.
The Speed Wagon’s flexibility was a key to its success: besides delivery trucks, REO offered the chassis for a wide range of configurations, including fire engines, buses, hearses, and tow trucks. As a result, many companies produced custom refits for specialist applications, enhancing its utility and popularity across commercial fleets.
By 1925, over 125,000 Speed Wagons had been built, making them one of the most popular and reliable commercial vehicles of the time. The line outlasted REO’s passenger car production, continuing through World War II and cementing the brand’s transition to truck-only manufacturing.
Notably, the name “REO Speed Wagon” later became an influence for the well-known rock band REO Speedwagon, underscoring its legacy both in automotive and cultural history.
Source
