Hailing from Alvin, Texas, is this 1937 Dodge pickup, listed here on facebook Marketplace, priced at $4800 firm, to be paid in person only. It’s a project with an engine swap already completed, and there is no title. Dodge’s “Fore-Point” series was offered in half-, three-quarter, and one-ton versions; the new design unified the sheet metal among all its trucks no matter their size – a significant departure for the company. But more important changes took place underneath: the new models were situated on a true truck frame, and the front axle was moved forward, improving load capacity and balance. We’re probably looking at an MC half-ton here. Zappenduster sent in this tip – thanks!
This engine is reportedly a 1952 Plymouth six-cylinder flathead, likely the 218 cu. in. used in the Cranbrook and Belvedere. It was rebuilt some years ago but never started. The seller says it produces “nearly double” the horsepower of the original 218 originally installed in the truck, but if we’re right about the engines, he’s wrong about the power: in 1937, that engine put out 75 hp, while by 1952, it rang in at 97 – a considerable increase but not a double. The factory transmission would be a three-speed manual. The truck is being sold in anticipation that it will receive a makeover into a hot rod.
The seller hasn’t made much effort to clean up his truck or display the parts available, so gaining enough information to make a deal will require a phone call at the very least. A gauge is still present, and a glance in the truck bed reveals the seat springs. The floorboards and leaping ram hood ornament are missing, and the seller notes rust in the cab corners. Most of the sheet metal is straight, though, and the all-important grille is nearly complete – it’s missing the bottom of the cast center portion. The Fore-Point trucks were offered with several extra-cost options, including safety glass, chrome bumpers and wheel covers, dual wiper blades, dual sunvisors, tire lock, and other niceties.
Ray Dietrich, who was offered a job as Chrysler’s first designer after a chance meeting with Walter P. Chrysler at the New York Athletic Club in 1932, styled the Fore-Point trucks. Dietrich designed some of the most elegant automobiles of the era; the Art Deco influence is clearly evident in the teardrop fenders and rounded cab lines. Production estimates hover around 10,000 half-ton pickups, but good records are hard to find. What we do know is that this is a rare truck, usually found already reformed into a hot rod. This example sold recently for $29,400, and it might represent the only nearly-original MC you’ll see for years. What do you think about this pre-war Dodge pickup?
If I had a place to work on it, I’d love to buy this truck , just to keep it in the family I’d think about a 340 with a 4spd. The price is responsible by today’s standards.
4 speed! BOOM!
Sigh, go ahead, resto-mod the behoozes out of it, LS motor, puffy interior, clown wheels, fine mahogany bed, the whole magila. It’s certainly not going anywhere like this. These and the cousin Plymouth were beautifully styled trucks, all the late 30s trucks were. Time has past these original trucks by, and if there’s any hope of saving it, it will have to be a resto-mod, and that’s okay too.
I’m not a fan of trucks or prewar vehicles normally, but these trucks were styled right. Restomod it yeah, that flathead probably sounds like some thing Jed Clampett drove.
“That flathead” was quiet, dependable, and durable. The design was used through 1960, until the slant six came on the scene. Ironically, the Oldsmobile based truck that Jed rode in, (Jethro drove) was an OHV 4 cylinder, probably noisier than the Dodge. Just for the record, I’m a Ford Guy, but I appreciate contributions by any manufacturer.
I really liked the link Michelle posted of the one that sold. Beautiful truck, all 4 fenders have beautiful flowing lines towards the rear, and theres videos of it driving too. It’s nice to hear that gearbox whine. I’d be all in for a stock restoration. These trucks do indeed have beautiful lines and look nice restored. I don’t know Michelle, going from classic British Roadsters to pre war trucks in the same day? I’m now enjoying my SECOND cup of coffee reading this one.
I have seen more high priced junk than I can stand. You have to have more time and money on your hands to even think about working and turning these junks into something to even look at. Glad I grew up when I did. As an old guy you couldn’t even give me this junk! !
I am NOT a fan of restomods, BUT a MILD restomod will be necessary to make this truck back to roadworthy.. Not as wild as Howard describes.. Alabet at slow speeds on 2 lane roads this truck, although not original, this truck could be made into an interesting Cruise IN, cars and coffee conversation piece..
I’m sure that everyone who knows me will also know that if this truck ended up at my place it would be subject to a complete driver quality restoration. The history deserves to be preserved for generations to come. Besides, I’ve ridden in trucks like this that have been hot-rodded and they’re not all that great to handle. They were designed to maybe go 60 mph downhill with a tailwind and that was it.
Well, that’s just my opinion.
I was at a farm auction about 40+ years ago and saw a truck like this on sitting out in the trees. I asked if it was for sale and got the answer that I’m sure you all know. I drove by a couple of years later and saw that the truck lost a couple of front tires plus the sidemount spare. It wasn’t a year after that and the hood and grill were gone.
Within 5 years all that was left was the bare cab and the engine block.
It was a real heart-breaker. The truck was doing just fine until the farm auction. No doubt people, other than myself, saw it and the word got around. That’s how they get wasted away. The guy should’ve just sold it at the farm auction…