Before old trucks became fun collector cars, they were just that: old trucks. As work trucks, they were used and abused and tossed away when their days were done.
But some survived to delight us today, such as the Pick of the Day, a totally splendid 1941 Ford sedan delivery that’s been transformed into a showpiece much more elegant than it ever was when brand new.
After single-family ownership until 2004, the handsome truck was “frame-off rotisserie restored” and its 239cid flathead V8 tuned with correct performance upgrades, according to the Chicago dealer advertising the truck on ClassicCars.com.
“Starting with the original drivetrain, the engine was fully rebuilt and adorned with Offenhauser heads, and their triple-carb intake manifold with three two-barrel carburetors,” the ad says.
Finished in Claret Maroon with tan saddle-leather seats and door panels, and wood flooring, the Ford was “masterfully restored… to concours standards,” the seller notes. The electrical system has been upgraded to 12 volt, the seller adds.
The original-looking dashboard is especially appealing, with faux-wood paintwork and correct gauges. Photos with the ad show the truck’s underside looking in new condition.
With the attractive Art Deco styling by Ford – a beautiful piece of work considering the lost economic decade that preceded it and the terrible world conflict that was looming – the closed truck’s appearance has been restored to original, even standing on a set of narrow bias-ply tires. The tires are whitewalls, which would have been unlikely in those days, and the paint sparkles as it never would have from the factory.
The broad side panels are just begging for someone to paint on them the logo of a specialty auto business. A great-looking truck like this would be a cool advertising vehicle at car shows. But as it now stands, the Ford is indeed something special.
“Documented ownership, flawless condition and period modifications make this sedan delivery a highly desirable example,” the dealer notes in the ad.”
The asking price is right up there at $62,000, but just try to build something this well-done for less.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
love da truck and appreciate restoration process.