In recognition of Hagerty’s report that vintage pickup trucks represent the fastest-growing part of the collector-car market, the Pick of the Day is a creatively customized 1940 Ford half-ton pickup with vintage flair.
Because really, when was the last time you saw a pickup truck with fender skirts? This might have been a hep-cat styling trend back in the day, but nowadays, it looks strikingly unusual. Though in context, quite cool. It certainly makes this Ford stand out from the rest.
The all-black pickup is described by the Volo, Illinois, dealer in the ClassicCars.com listing as professionally built and in excellent condition, “ready to drive or show,” and with many period dress-up parts, including what the seller calls “dual factory skirts.” Not to cast doubt, but did that racy touch actually come out of a Ford factory?
“This beautiful 1940 Ford truck was built and restored by Ford V8 expert Lloyd Duzell,” the seller wrote. “The body and fenders are laser straight coated in mirror-finish midnight black. Exterior is beautifully complimented with dual exhaust, dual skirts, chrome spyder (sic) caps on wide whitewall tires.”
One thing the seller doesn’t mention is the obvious flaw of the mismatched right rear wheel. Missing hubcap?
The engine has been upgraded with such performance parts as Grancor aluminum heads, dual 97 carburetors, dual exhaust and a 12-volt conversion. Chrome and polished aluminum beautify the engine compartment.
“The interior is all black-leather trimmed in subtle green side panels,” the seller says, while the dashboard has been treated to a set of “old-school Stewart Warner gauges.”
The asking price is a lofty $59,900, which seems pretty ambitious. The highest retail price for a bone-stock 1940 Ford half-ton pickup is $23,500, according to the NADA price guide, although this one has the workmanship to back up the price tag, according to the seller.
“Absolutely no disappointments,” the seller says.
Though hopefully, the truck comes with a fix for that odd wheel, even if the fender skirt partially hides it.
