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Ford Half-ton Pickup

Ford Half-ton Pickup

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Ford Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton Pickup
Ford Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton Pickup
Ford Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton Pickup
Ford Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton Pickup
Ford Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton Pickup
Ford Half-ton PickupFord Half-ton Pickup
Lot number 108
Hammer value £25,000
Description Ford Half-ton Pickup
Registration XBV 498
Year 1940
Colour Red
Engine size 5,000 cc
Chassis No. 5606334
Documents V5C; US Certificate of Title; restoration photo album

Under the masterful eye of chief stylist ET ‘Bob’ Gregorie, Ford completely revamped its range of trucks and light commercials in 1940 with crisp, modern lines that instantly set them apart from rival offerings and still look fantastic today.

The new 1940 Ford half-ton pickup had a signature vee-shaped slatted front grille and wonderfully streamlined ‘prow front’ styling. This incorporated innovative sealed-beam headlamps fitted flush into the bodywork that made it look positively futuristic compared to the wing-top pods of old.

The double-drop X-frame chassis was also beefed up and the suspension revised along car lines for a more comfortable ride. Two flathead V8 engine options were offered, a 60hp 136ci (2.2-litre) or a 90hp 221ci (3.6-litre). Widely considered to be the most beautiful truck of its era, the 1940 Ford half-ton pickup still has a fanatical following today and has inspired generations of customisers to create one-off designs to their own tastes.

This spectacular pickup is a particularly fine example of the customiser’s art. Dating from January 1940 it was treated to a total nut-and-bolt rebuild by Steve Bowden Restorations of Rochester, Illinois, in 2006/07, with all mechanical work being undertaken by Roland Law Automotive. The original Ford engine was ditched in favour of a new small block Chevrolet 283ci (4.6-litre) V8 bored out to 301ci (5-litre) and fitted with triple two-barrel carburettors, Sanderson headers and electronic ignition. This is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and GM drive train.

Precise rack-and-pinion steering has been fitted along with Ford Mustang front suspension and power disc brakes to all four wheels. A custom exhaust system was also fitted with twin side-exits just in front of each rear wheel. The wheels themselves are cast aluminium American Racing Torq Thrust 5-spokes shod with BF Goodrich tyres, 225/50/16 at the front and 255/45/17 at the rear.

The cab has been expertly retrimmed in cream leather with additional gauges to complement the original 1940 speedo and a modern sound system discreetly fitted between the sun visors. New glass has been fitted throughout and the rear load bay decked out in polished oak.

Since the rebuild was completed the truck has covered less than 1,000 miles and remains in outstanding condition throughout with flawless bright red paintwork to show standard and beyond. Said to drive beautifully, it certainly ran smoothly and sounded magnificent as we manoeuvred it for these photos with a deep bass V8 rumble from the custom exhausts.

Recently imported to the UK with all duties paid, it comes with a V5C, an American Certificate of Title and a large album of photographs documenting the restoration in great detail and showing that all the panels were expertly lead-loaded throughout with minimal use of filler. Altogether a sensational pickup that is ready for immediate use and is sure to scoop numerous awards on the show circuit should the fortunate new owner feel so inclined.

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