Mailster mail truck
You're referring to the iconic Mailster mail truck!
The Mailster was a popular mail truck used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) from the 1950s to the 1980s. It was designed to be a versatile and reliable vehicle for delivering mail and packages to customers across the country.
Here are some interesting facts about the Mailster:
- Design and production: The Mailster was designed by the USPS in collaboration with the Ford Motor Company. It was produced from 1955 to 1983, with over 200,000 units manufactured during that period.
- Features: The Mailster had a distinctive design, with a compact body, a flatbed, and a rear-mounted mail compartment. It was equipped with a 3.9-liter inline-six engine, a three-speed automatic transmission, and a maximum payload capacity of 1,500 pounds.
- Mail delivery: The Mailster was designed to carry a large volume of mail and packages, with a capacity of up to 1,000 pounds. It was used for both urban and rural mail delivery, and its compact size made it easy to navigate narrow streets and rural roads.
- Variations: Over the years, the USPS introduced several variations of the Mailster, including the Mailster II, which had a more modern design and improved performance. There were also specialized Mailster models, such as the Mailster Van, which was designed for urban delivery.
- Retirement: The Mailster was gradually phased out in the 1980s, replaced by newer, more efficient vehicles like the Grumman LLV (Long Life Vehicle). Many Mailsters were retired and sold to private collectors or used for other purposes, such as delivery services or even as recreational vehicles.
Today, the Mailster remains a nostalgic symbol of the USPS and a reminder of the golden age of mail delivery.