The 1940 Ford pickup was designed by E.T. “Bob” Gregorie, who penned the 1936 Lincoln Zephyr. The truck was given passenger-car lines, with a smooth front end, a V-shaped grille, and headlights incorporated into the fenders; the resemblance to the Zephyr was apparent. The model year offered a half-ton or a three-quarter-ton truck. Here on craigslist is a 1940 Ford half-ton pickup for sale, with an asking price of $17,000, located in Sanger, California. This is a non-running project. The tip was provided to us by T.J. – thanks!
These trucks were supplied with one of two flathead V8 motors – either a 136 cu. in. or a 221 cu. in. I can’t tell which this is, but one way to figure it out once you are in front of the vehicle is by counting the head studs; if there are seventeen, you have a 136. The smaller motor put out about 60 bhp, and the larger motor was good for 85 bhp. Of course, many a ’40 Ford has seen a hot-rod conversion and then the sky’s the limit in the horsepower department! The original gearbox is a three-speed manual. These were not performance vehicles, of course – they were meant to work at a slog.
The seats look like a lamb rolled its wool off – that’s probably the underlayment for the original vinyl. The rest of the photo is pretty grainy – hard to tell what we’re looking at in terms of condition. (Note to self: when photographing a dark interior, put a light in there.) The seller notes that the truck has new tires and does roll.
The bed – like the rest of the truck – looks intact. Other than a bump here and a bruise there, this truck seems to have survived its tour of duty very well. And now it’s time to talk about what to do if you managed to talk the seller down on the price and put this Ford in your garage. First, a bit of history on the flathead motor. Ever wonder why flatheads were replaced by overhead valve engines? Several reasons, but two are: prone to overheating especially if in a “V” configuration, and low power. These motors were tolerant of bad gas, but couldn’t muster high compression ratios. The OHV engine – which was admittedly more complicated – solved the power problem. So here we have a very attractive truck with a low-power engine. I would be sorely tempted – since I’d have to work on this thing anyway – to make it into a “stealth” hot rod. Any ideas in that vein?
None runner, no details, no underside shots and probably 7K or more too expensive. These are good looking trucks, and agreeing with Michelle, they make beautiful, subtle street rods.
I forgot to mention, no title either!
Agree….$17,000 without a title is stretching it….no mention of the non-op most check into in Cali…
Clarification: My idea of a subtle street rod build for this truck is modify the engine for a bit more power, 4″ dropped front axle, slight lowering of the rear, and a good paint job.
… and gorgeous historic restorations.
Leave it stock, and don’t over-restore it. I realize I’m in an ever-shrinking minority, but not every old car has to be a: hot-rodded, or b: otherwise “upgraded” to keep up with the traffic on the Interstates!
I believe you’re in the Too-Darn-Silent Majority, as evidenced by all the surreptitious Likes on what you wrote.
Got to be Fords best looking truck. 1st, I’m sure many will take offense to flatheads producing “low power”. Flatheads could indeed be made to run, and I don’t remember them overheating any more than any other motor. I read, something about valve clearance limited the power of the flattie, the OHV had the advantage.
2nd, naturally, I’m appalled at the price for this bucket of bolts, with it’s styling it’s only attribute, it will need everything, and LS, puffy interior,and clown wheels, here we come, and that’s okay, it’s just, this is what it’s become? Drag some derelict old truck out of the weeds in Bugtussle, Oklahoma,, FOR NOTHING,,and to have the gall to ask what, $17 grand,,,that’s getting a bit carried away, don’t you think? I suppose the moral of THAT story, is find it before it gets to California.
For what it’s worth, the motor appears to be an 8BA (’49-’53) flathead – distributer/water outlets up front and on top, no need to count the head bolts. BTW, many moons ago (1956?), I found one of these with a Ferguson/Ford flathead four banger, tubular front axle and 4:44 rear end – didn’t need anything, left it all there…
Pretty nice starter, but $17K and no title? NFW…
1940 Ford Pickup is the most beautiful design of all iconic older trucks, in my opinion. Nearly not a straight designed line anywhere. Even the running boards are swoopy. Yet, the obvious traditional restoration manhours are ridicules. I say, reduce any rust through to a “spiderweb laced tapestry, and buff it all through to shiny–no matter what the revealed mosaic of colors turn out–rust and all! Then, clear coat it in its perforated original patina. A survivor—and a rat-rod statement of history and “see through” beauty. Restoration on a shoestring!
$17K is the asking price. When’s the last time anyone offered/paid the asking price on a bucket of bolts? Offer what you think it’s worth if you want it. FWIW I too think the price is too high… for me.
Leave it has is except for a few period correct fixes. Why sacrifice a solid 40 after all these years.
37 Chevy and 40-41Ford were the best looking 30-50 pick ups for sure
No….Studebaker’s coupe express was………
I had a 40 pickup in high school, 1972. It had a 46 engine (59AB).
Although it may have been low power, it would smoke the tires if first gear, and squeel the tires shifting in to second. Paid $150 for it and would gladly buy it back for twice that.
Looks like an 8BA under the hood. Quite possibly a Mercury CM series. Whatever the case it’s a ‘49 or later engine. No problem with that, lots of people changed them over. Very nice truck that is worth a driving quality restoration. I like this style almost as much as a ‘38 Barrel-Nose but not quite. Still wouldn’t turn down the opportunity to work this one over…
Michelle I don’t know you, so I will try to be nice, but you are not a historian and especially Automotive historian that can back up what she claims with a facts, not what she has herd from people who don’t know anymore than you do. The two reason for OHV engines are you kidding me! Because Flatheads heat up and are underpowered. How old are you, have you ever even ridden in or driven an old Ford with a Flathead. I will tell you some history, and I was there. The Ford Flathead V 8’s life span. 1932 to 1953 in the majority of all Ford automobiles. Ford, Mercury and most commercal vehicles, plus the Military. Not a bad record for a engine that ran hot and was under powered. Why did the gangsters of the 30’s use them, for get away cars. Yeah, they were the fastest of any production car that you could afford or steal. What about all the solldiers that came home after WWII. Why did they want Ford Hot Rods? You could make them faster easier than any other ,readily available car. Michelle I really don’t no where to stop and what to say, but if you are going to make a statement like you did and you claim to be a writer and you back it up wiuth history you know nothing about, save yourself some embarrasment and don’t put it out in print.
I could go on and on ,from owning , driving, buiding racing and actual experence with Ford Flatheads , if you want your facts checked, let me know. What you claim is about the dumbest statement, I have ever heard about old Fords. Excuse me, I am going to drive one of my cars, if I can keep it cool and not impead traffic! JEZZ!