1939 Ford Pickup

Description

Old pickups come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, but few are as attractive and fun to drive as this 1939 Ford. Not a hot rod, but rather a wonderful example of how things got done before World War II. It's really hard not to love this truck.

Restored in 2005, this jaunty yellow pickup was originally a Coca-Cola delivery truck that got a second lease on life thanks to a factory-inspired restoration . Ford gave their pickup trucks a unique look with a barrel-shaped grille, graceful fenders that look a lot like those found on, say a 1936 Ford sedan, and stand-up headlights that were still in fashion for commercial vehicles if not passenger cars. You could get trucks in any color you wanted or needed back in 1939, so the bright yellow is certainly appropriate, especially if you have a business that needs to get some attention. Black fenders are a favorite period look and add to the vintage vibe, as does the bright red pinstripe work that highlights all the body's details. The wood in the bed may very well be original, showing a few bumps and bruises, but somehow that only adds to the truck's appeal, perhaps by showing off bits of its history like an archaeological find.

Pickup trucks in 1939 were a far cry from today's leather-lined luxury machines, offering the bare essentials for doing their jobs. This Ford has durable materials and no-nonsense styling inside, starting with the wide bench seat wrapped in gray leatherette with a grain that looks pretty authentic. Rubber floor mats mean that dirty work boots don't phase the truck and the round rubber pedals have a stylish look despite being business-only. Round gauges cover all the engine's vitals and have a wonderful art-deco look that shows stylists still cared about making them beautiful, even though they were in a truck. The long-travel 3-speed manual shifter needs a little extra care going through the gears, but you'll master it easily enough, and the big hard rubber steering wheel gives you a lot of leverage on the unassisted steering to make handling feel agile around town. There is an accessory heater unit under the dash which keeps the compact cap nice and toasty, while a cowl vent and a crank-open windshield provide the air-conditioning.

The real joy of a '30s Ford of any kind is under the hood. Ford's flathead V8 is a joy to drive, torquey, energetic, and with a distinctive engine note, it's no surprise that they've been a favorite for eighty years. Everything points to this being the truck's original engine, and it was rebuilt during the restoration to original specs, right down to the 6-volt electrical system. The original 2-barrel carburetor feeds it, while a dual exhaust system adds a few horsepower and delivers a great soundtrack. The suspension is still stock, with leaf springs and solid axles all around, and Henry Ford finally agreed to use hydraulic brakes in 1939, so stopping power is decent. Handsome wide whitewall tires on gray "spider" artillery wheels with trim rings and hub caps complete the flashy old pickup.

This little Ford pickup is a great opportunity to promote your business or just have some fun with a V8-powered pre-war vehicle. Call today!