Old trucks are hot, period! Almost like a contagion, the interest jumps from one generation to the next. The object of desire can be as new as a 1987 Chevrolet “Square Body” or as old as this 1941 Chevy half-ton. They’re not the next big thing, they’re the already here big thing. This patinaed, almost tartan-plaid example is located in Marsing, Idaho and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $9,500, reserve not yet met. Thanks to Larry D for this tip!
Based on what our readers have to say, methinks that this worn-out hot rod look is starting to get, well, worn out. It’s like buying a new pair of jeans that are already ripped to shreds for the statement of saying… I guess I’m not sure what. If it’s the old working-class projection of, “Hey, I’m poor, look at my shot clothes!” when one has spent $80 on a pair of trousers, it’s just not going to work. Nevertheless, it’s styling, and a trend I guess, and it has certainly been bestowed on old cars, and pickup trucks, in particular. The seller adds, “Very restorable or just enjoy it the way it is. Yes it has dents and dings and some rust nothing bad or structural (see pictures) All part of the patina“. So, is the appearance real, or is it manufactured? Hard to say conclusively but it definitely pulls off the patina vibe. The rust that is mentioned does appear to be minor, a small hole here and there – the type of things that one could fix or not. Nice to see is the re-planked cargo bed, it looks fantastic! Finally, the selected wheels are an interesting choice, they appear to be from an ’80s vintage Monte Carlo.
Anyway, the star of the show here are the mechanicals, specifically a Vortec 350 CI V8 with a Turbo-Hydramatic 350 automatic transmission, operated via a B&M shifter. Other items include a dropped front axle with a Speedway disc brake system and a power steering conversion. Bringing up the rear is a 1957 Chevy rear axle with new shoes, drums, and wheel cylinders. This is one of the healthier hot-rod truck conversions that I have encountered.
The interior is a surprising find as it appears to be all 80 years of originality except for the modern tilt steering column and the aforementioned B&M gear selector. Considering the mechanical improvements, my thought process assumed, mistakenly, that the cab would have been treated to something more modern and comfortable – not the case, however. It doesn’t even appear that any modern gauges have been installed. I would recommend seatbelts!
Verdict? I like it and I’m not really a fan of restored-to-look-old anything. The mechanical updates are just perfect, enough to make driving more enjoyable, but not over the top for the sake of, being, well, over the top or excessive. And yes, the exterior appearance belies what’s under the hood. This one is going to find a new home soon. So, what’s your opinion of the exterior treatment on this ’41 Chevy, thumbs up or thumbs down?
late 30’s -40’s pickups are rising in value now. The seller of this one has left money on the table by not cleaning up the interior. Buyers want a truck that looks gnarly from the outside but is clean and comfortable on the inside. Could easily be a $30 K truck with not too much more investment if done smart. As it is, might get to $20k or so? Hppe I am light on est.
Good condition as it is fix the holes, paint, and drive it.
There’s a lot to like here. Working A/C would be a huge plus. Also, that seat looks as upright and comfortable as a church pew. Still, I’d love to add it to my fleet.
Tryin’ too sit in a seat like this so these supposed ‘patina piles’ look old? Kinda like a 250 pound 70 year old tryin to ride a trycycle! Original column and a milk crate would be period correct til the finisher gets it. IMHO?
Hey Im old school I like flashy paint and chrome back in the day that would be called a bucket
“…I like it and I’m not really a fan of …”
same: me/patina, this rig (auto shifter, bed, motor, power break, wheels – better stop…
I like it. I once owned a 41 with a 392 hemi and three speed manual. What I would change is the paint, I like em shiny. It’s the same seat mine had and they were not built for comfort, and the cab is small so I’d just I’d just put some foam rubber in there covered in cotton and cover it in some soft leather. And yes, vintage air heat and a/c for sure.
Love it 😍
God bless America