Is it me or do amazing & original trucks seem to be popping up a lot lately? This 1937 Ford is no exception. It appears to be an all-original survivor that is nearly rust free. There is certainly surface “patina” rust, but the underside as well as the body seem to have no major rust issues. Found here on eBay with a current bid of $14,500, it seems like strong money even for a truck this nice.
Currently located in Eden, North Carolina, there isn’t any history mentioned in the ad. The sideboards indicate that it may have seen service in Pennsylvania. Although, with all the reproduction and faux signs around lately, who knows if they are original. The ad states they have “original vehicle documentation from time period” with the truck. Not exactly sure what that means, but hopefully it sheds some light on its history.
The engine is said to be the original flathead and supposedly runs and drives. The seller offers a video of the truck running on request. There are some awesome performance upgrades for flathead Fords. The stock engine is less than 100 horsepower and would definitely benefit from a bit of elbow grease and performance parts. Although, it would be a shame to modify it too much.
The vintage aftermarket fan and dome light may lend credence to the fact that this was a work truck. Can’t you imagine someone in overalls hand writing an invoice after a hard day of repairing lawn mowers? Whatever the future holds for this truck, it appears to be a great project. Hopefully it has another eighty years of service.
Ansolute perfection. That flathead doesn’t need a thing but good maintainence. With that said, Im not sure Id pay as much as the current bid without seeing it in person. Looks like a real gem from the ad.
Second on the personal inspection: funny, non-standard things can happen in the elapsed time if a vehicle is kept chugging around in its original form on its charming thin rims for eighty plus years. I can remember, –not *forever* ago, either– when 8500 would’ve been All The Money for this truck. You will get puzzled looks if you try to get good maintenance on your 6v generator at the local chain Auto Center, or have to get the main bearings cast and scraped in situ. Nevertheless, these things are still achieved*, and this is truly a handsome prewar design which appears to be in reasonable, approachable shape. * https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/travel/a11388689/babbitt-bearings/
While that article about babbitt bearings is informative, particularly for those unfamiliar with them, that bearing type is not applicable to this particular vehicle. Ford began using insert bearings in the V8 mid-’36 starting with what has come to be known as the LB engine.
Cool truck. I’d make sure the seat was comfortable and drive it.
A few ’37s in similar condition have been on the market lately and had trouble getting what this advertiser is asking for as an opener apparently below reserve. I’m guessing as the two current bids are from the same bidder “searching” for the reserve. This vehicle does have some redeeming features that might get it a premium in today’s market for a buyer looking for the specifics it has. The engine is year/model correct even if not the original as claimed. If the historical paperwork referenced is sufficient in amount to give long history, that could be a plus. ’37 commercial grilles are one year (and the most attractive of the ’35-9 trucks IMO), and VERY prized. Most often they’re damaged toward the bottom, which may have been protected by that over-rider that blocks the view. Brakes probably still work because they’re the mechanicals not subject to hydraulic fluid corrosion. Those aftermarket marker lights are a cute bonus and way more attractive than the lollypop style seen too often. This might defy conventional pricing if the right buyer is looking………….but only a might.
As to speed equipment comment, it’s a bit tougher on these 21 stud engines. Cam and intake can be found readily, but cylinder heads run close to double the cost of 24 stud heads and are considerable less available.
This could come to my place as is. I would enjoy it immensely while fixing it up original. If I wanted to run something more powerful under the hood, I’d likely remove the 21 stud engine and install a 59AB. But really, 85 hp is all I need and I’d have a lot of good times with it. Sure hope this goes to a good home where the only torch is the one that is used to restore and not butcher. Something this original deserves to remain that way…
It doesn’t need more horsepower in a truck weighing maybe 3500 pounds. You would quickly outdrive the brakes and steering. But a close ratio five speed would be undetectable and simple, and you would keep up with traffic to 50 mph no problem.
I’m not a truck fan but vehicles like this could change my mind. Way cool.
What an original jewel of a Ford pickup. That is a cool picture too of the truck laying in the front seat in one of the eBay pics.
What a great find.
Current bid is $15,600. Reserve still not met.
I’d say if there were 10 of these trucks for sale at $10,000, they all would be sold.
I’d be in on one at that price for sure.
Definitely be a head turner at the car shows and with a flathead v8, way cool.
Here ya go: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1937-Ford-Other-Pickups/202362422691
even willing to take an offer, presumably for less. This one has been up for three weeks with not a single bidder, so not much competition for you.
Nevada licence plate would explain the good condition.
That plate is from about 1990. It could have been anywhere for the last 28 years.
Eric, It may also explain that a guy named Flipper has bought the truck. He’s selling it from Eden, N.C. yet it has Nevada plates on it. Hmmmm.
Very nice! It would be a shame for anyone to change the engine out for a GM crate motor I know that! Unfortunately this is what happens to old Ford’s!
Nice truck! I drove my ’35 for years with a 59AB 24 stud engine.
I love this, and i have an 2005 Superduty with a V10–best engine Ford ever made- and it iis just rusting away–thanks to the Dept of Highways and their damn road salt. So aV10 , 37 Ford–nice.
I am sorry my friend, but the best motor Ford ever made was the 351! :-)
Not a virgin…keep looking….what’s that blueish color – is that factory ?