1934 Ford F-1

Description

Don't let the modern rolling stock and paint fool you, this 1934 Ford V8 pickup is very much a period piece underneath. Awesome flathead power, a great old-fashioned look, and all the charm that comes with a vintage pickup, this neat Ford is a great combination of old school and smart upgrades.

The flowing fenders and upright cab scream 1930s, and with Ford, the trucks didn't quite mirror the cars, so it has a very upright look that's also quite appealing. The painted radiator shell, neat louvered hood with badges, and handsome beltline moldings all suggest that they were interested in making this pickup attractive as well as functional. The monochromatic paint job is a few years old and gives the truck a sunny disposition that's hard not to like. Workmanship is good all around and everything fits about the way it would have in 1934. The bed is filled with oak that's far nicer than anything the factory was doing back then, but otherwise it's pretty much what you got for your $500 or so. Marker lights on the front fenders help with visibility and incorporate turn signals for safety, and there's a period spotlight on the cowl, which is a nice touch. The big side mirrors are a bit rustic, but I'm pretty sure that's the whole point of this truck.

The interior is 1934 Ford, upgraded and sophisticated in a way that they didn't bother with back in the day. The bench seat wears handsome blue cloth instead of leatherette upholstery, there are carpets on the floor instead of a rubber mat, and a modern steering wheel was stacked atop the original steering column for a slightly updated look. Wood trim on the dash and doors warms up the interior and gives the bare-bones pickup a touch of class, and a variety of upgraded gauges keep an eye on the warmed-over flathead up front. An accessory heater is the lone option and it looks kind of cool hanging there under the dash, although there is an AM/FM/cassette stereo hidden out of sight and made possible by a 12-volt electrical system. A lot of guys would swoon for a truck this luxurious back in 1934.

The real appeal of a vehicle like this is the engine, a 239 cubic inch flathead V8. Fitted with a few hop-up parts, it's still the same rugged, reliable, and downright entertaining powerplant that it's been for decades. It's from a 1949 Ford, so it's a bit more modern than the original 85-horsepower unit, and with log-style exhaust manifolds, dual exhaust with glasspack-style mufflers, 8BA heads, and a front-mounted distributor, it offers the combination of parts that has been sorted out for years. It has a bubbly, torquey feel that's extremely entertaining on the road, and the rugged feeling of the original suspension only reinforces that old-time vibe. The chassis is very much 1934, including the 3-speed manual transmission and banjo-style rear end, and if not for the chrome wheels with baby moon hubcaps and 205/75/15 radials, it would be a totally authentic ride.

We love flathead Fords, and this early pickup captures all our favorite things about the breed: fun, practical, and always charming, it's a great early truck that will grow on you, no matter what you think of the color. Call today!