Chassis No. BB18-1326627

The Bible Institute Colportage Association of Chicago used 'gospel cars' to, quite literally, spread the gospel all over the country, carrying faithful servants to preach and distribute many thousands of books and gospel tracks. "It is the eleventh hour," read an article in the Association's magazine, The Printed Page Evangel, "and therefore Christian workers need to go forth into the highways and hedges seeking for perishing men."

Originally donated by an anonymous supporter from New York State, "The Evangel" was put into service on September 16, 1931, manned by Gloversville natives, the Reverends Ellery G. and Elizabeth Albridge. The aforementioned article noted that in a year the couple had traveled over 5,000 miles, while preaching, singing, and "playing sacred numbers on their slide trombones" at 238 religious services in 67 cities and towns and distributing thousands of books and gospel tracts. Unsurprisingly, "The Evangel" wore out two different chassis before being mounted in 1935 to this Ford Model BB truck.

"The Evangel" continued to ply the roads during World War II, on a Certificate of War Necessity, with the Reverends Aldridge later becoming aligned with the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. Among the small collection of original articles and paperwork on file are registrations in Mr. Aldridge's name from the late 1950s. He passed away in 1969, having sold "The Evangel" sometime earlier as indicated in a small hand-written advertisement in the file. Willard Taylor, Jim Taylor's father, eventually bought the 'gospel car' to keep it in Gloversville, and it has remained in the family since.

Showing 23,442 miles at the time of cataloging, likely correct based upon the period oil change stickers still present, "The Evangel" was brush-painted decades ago and retains its original seat upholstery, headliner, and door panels, as well as the all-stock Ford flathead V-8 with 59AB heads. Its lightweight galvanized steel and wood body is still original, complete with its canvas roof sheltering living quarters for two with linoleum floors, beds with vintage mattresses and linens, toilet area with mirror, storage cabinets, bookshelves, and a small cook stove. All windows are mounted on hinges and can be screened for excellent ventilation.

An Early Ford V-8 Club of America Rouge Award winner, "The Evangel" is, perhaps, the ultimate in 'conversation piece' automobiles.