Once in a while, we actually see a genuine barn find on Barn Finds, and here is one example. This rare 1933 Ford Model B pickup is for sale on eBay, bid to $7400 with reserve met. The truck does not run; you can trailer it home from Hauppauge, New York. The seller’s ad doesn’t help us out with any details whatsoever, so let’s figure out what a Model B is first, then parse the photos.
Henry Ford first made a Model B in 1904, and its distinguishing feature was a front-engine layout. Ford’s previous models – the Model A and the Model C – situated two-cylinder motors under the seat. Perpetuating the alphabet confusion, Ford went on to introduce the Model T, and we all know how that turned out. The second generation Model A was similarly successful but finally wore out its marketability by 1931, thanks to its aging four-cylinder motor. By 1932, Ford had developed a V8 that revolutionized motor design and production. Switching from a forged steel crank to a cast crank with three main bearings reduced the cost of production and made the unit more durable. Monobloc casting – previously impossible on a mass scale – put the eight cylinders in a single block, a phenomenal achievement. To emphasize the break with the four-cylinder motor, Ford introduced the Model 18 and the Model 40 in 1932, both of which carried the new V8. But Ford couldn’t quite let go of the four-cylinder completely, so customers could order a Model B with the smaller motor. By 1932 it was apparent that no one wanted the old technology so the Model B received the V8 as well. Displacing 221 cu. in., the 21 stud V8 was advertised at 65 hp, but actually produces about 70 hp on a 5.5:1 compression ratio. All 1932-1934 models received a three-speed manual transmission. Aside from making this mill run again, the buyer will be shopping for an air cleaner assembly at the very least.
The interior needs a spa day. Plenty of errant wires, broken upholstery, and rust greet us here. The good news is that the gauges and steering wheel are present, though sourcing parts will not be vexing. That’s just one advantage of early Fords: plenty survived to become organ donors for worthy projects.
The bed needs some patching at its outer edges. That’s not the only rust a buyer will contend with: the frame, running boards, and lower door edges are a bit holey as well. But the truck is complete so a skilled do-it-yourselfer could probably tackle this one. Model B V8 pickups are relatively rare, and prices for nice ones hover in the $30k area. I haven’t even mentioned hot-rodding this one, but that’s certainly a possibility. What do you think is the best path for this project?
After owning a restored ’34 version of this truck that was my only transportation for a while I can appreciate these trucks. Decent power, fun to drive. Hope this one gets the same treatment mine got. First time I’ve heard the trucks called Model Bs. Did I miss something all these years? My ’32 coupe was a Model B 4 cylinder before the Mercury engine but I thought the Bs stopped there. Good write up Michelle.
@bobhess…My ’32 Ford Panel Delivery is a Model B.
Best path for this one is to send it to my place. I could give it a good home beside my ’35. I fully expected to see a 4-banger under the hood but I sure won’t turn down a V-8. The engine appears to be a ’37, with its center water outlets, 21 studs and 18mm plugs. Probably a Stromberg 97 feeding it. The genuine V8-85.
I know I’m being nit-picky (again) but I always thought the Model 40 was 1933 (V8) with the 40A (also V8) being 1934. At least that’s what my information tells me. The Model 18 was the 1932 V8 and the 4 cyl was the ‘B’ which kept its own designation through ’34 when Henry decided that ’35 onward was going to be V8 all the way.
Did they carry the B designation over on the ’33 and ’34 trucks too?
It was really difficult to tell what model designation went with what configuration. I also read that the pickups were actually called Model BB, not Model B. Some sources say that Ford made the Model B with a V8, but conflicting with that were sources that said the V8 only went into Model 18 and Model 40 vehicles. I dunno! I guess I need a copy of that book called Early Ford V8s, but it’s kinda pricey. Maybe my next Barn Finds paycheck can go toward a copy!
https://www.abebooks.com/EARLY-FORD-V-8-Henry-Built-Production/30927303027/bd?cm_mmc=ggl-_-US_Shopp_Trade50up-_-product_id=COM9780911383034NEW-_-keyword=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm5L12KP__AIV7DStBh3xNwTtEAQYAiABEgKJpfD_BwE
The BB designates the 1-ton and 1 1/2 ton. It remained that way until 1935 when Ford made some changes in the designation. Actually the BB was a carryover from the larger Model T’s. The large T was a TT–“T-Truck.” The Model got the same idea with “AA.” The BB can get a little confusing as 1932 offered the big trucks with the 4 cyl engine Only so ‘BB’ was just fine. However, 1933 and 34 Ford big trucks were all BB whether they used a 4 Cyl or a V8. Like I said, ’35 was when the designation for the big trucks changed.
Now, time for me to eat a little bit of crow; much better to eat that while it is still warm. I just checked my copy of the Standard Catalog of American Light Trucks and the 1932 Pickup is either a “B” (4cyl), or a “B-18” (V8). 1933 and 34 changed the pickup designation to “46” or “V8-46.” Like I said, 1935 changed again; my ’35 is an “830.”
Just the larger trucks. The smaller pickups were Model 46. The ‘V8’ was incorporated into the 46…
Thanks geomechs. Thought I was right on the designations but it’s been a long time since I owned the ’32 and ’34. Didn’t keep good records then either.
I’ve got a running ’34 with a V8 I’ll sell you. I replaced the dual point distributor with a Stromberg e-fire electronic unit. Even though these trucks had V8’s the rear end was 4:11 so you can’t go real fast
Rob, no faster – no, but more quickly – yes.
Excellent info!!!
I think you are all a little right and a little wrong and Making it way more confusing than it actually is. !932 Ford Model 18. V-8 is a a V-8, Model B is a 4 cylinder. !933 & 1934 Model 40 , V-8 is a V-8 , 4 cylinder very rare Model C.
Commercials could be V-8’s or 4 Cylinders ,by year B or C. Of course with Fords you are never sure it seems ,there was always an exception.
I’d fix what needs fixing, and drive it as is. And no damn restomoding.
Love the truck, hope the person who gets this treats it with the respect it deserves. Michelle, I enjoy your write ups… I know very little about cars, but I do know what I like, and that comes through your writing as well.
Thanks! Alas, I like almost everything! Or…. it’s that once I start writing about it, I like it! Something like that.
That’s not a 1933 engine. It’s a later model. The ’32, 33 and 34 V8’s had the water pumps on the front of the engine
Water pumps were on the heads from ‘32 to ‘36. Ford started to make some significant changes from ‘36 to ‘38.
My neighbor just purchased a BB 1934 stake bed with original dump bed installed.
It is in pristine condition, and nothing on it is the same as any other Ford—-right down to the interior rear view mirror that has two see-through windows for viewing a 24 hour day “odometer-type” wheel-clock. The rewind for the clock is a ‘Pull Lanyard” like a venetian blind operating string. IT STILL WORKS! Amazing truck. If I could post photos here, I would. Model BB people need to stick together. These parts are unique.
Now that all the pro’s and con’s have been expressed lets get down to what to do with this particular truck. Apparently the engine is not stock, but that’s to be expected with most of thee old vehicles. People swapped engines on a regular basis back the old days. It was cheaper to get a wrecking yard engine than to rebuild the existing one. Now we have an old truck you can put any engine you want into. The interior is shot and needs a lot of work done to it to make it functional and attractive. Rust repairs seam to be minimal. Tires need relaced and we don’t know about the brakes. Since it don’t run we really don’t know about the clutch, transmission or rear end. The price is now up to $8600. How much is a person willing to put into getting it going. Most people with some mechanical ability could come out way below the $30,00.00 estimated value of one in great condition doing the work themselves if they don’t value their time.
God Bless America
Unless these tired eyes are deceiving me, that bed is not a Ford item – it looks longer and deeper, I couldn’t see any stock Ford fender-mounted taillight(s), and no good look at the tailgate area. IIRC Ford used the same taillight assemblies on all small trucks and woodies up to 1951.