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Looong Bed: 1931 Ford Model AA Express

A classic Ford truck isn’t that rare of a sight as they are popular and well cherished, but this oddball long wheel base truck is certainly an uncommon sight. With production beginning in January of 1931, and ending in February of 1932, the Ford AA Express truck with the 197-A body is a rare and strange looking truck for sure. With a 157” wheel base, this truck was not made for tight city streets. Restored in this 1980’s, the seller claims to know the entire history of this Ford, and that it is still a nice restoration, but with a few scuffs, and minor wear. With 6 days remaining bidding has risen to $5,600. Check out this lengthy Ford here on ebay out of Millstone Township, New Jersey.

Despite a restoration that happened over 27 years ago, this Ford is particularly clean. The simple flat head 4 cylinder engine is a runner, and is mostly clean with a few paint chips, and some mild rust out of the coolant passage on the head. The gas reservoir on the fire wall is crystal clear, and the paint in the engine bay itself is very nice. A little touch up work would spruce up the engine, but it could easily be left as is and enjoyed.

The interior is basic, although crisp and clean with a lovely shine. Virtually mint, this interior is ready for whatever long haul you may have. The only flaw to point out is a rip in the upholstery on the drive side of the bench seat.

From this angle it is easier to appreciate how long this truck really is. It would have been wonderful if the seller elaborated on this trucks history, and what it was used for originally. There is no rust in sight, and the paint shines nicely. The seller mentions some minor scuffs and wear, but overall there isn’t anything apparent in the photos. One thing that bothers me about this truck is that the lower portion of the driver side door appears to be a different shade of blue. Perhaps it is the angle of the image, but it does seem the paint is off. Also it could be another lighting issue, but there appears to be a dent in the back of the cab as if something from the bed bumped the cab. Again, I can’t confirm this for certain, because it could certainly be a lighting illusion. Beyond those concerns this truck presents well. More than long enough to carry a long canoe, the wooden planked truck bed is beautiful with no rot, or any serious damage. With a wheelbase and a bed this long, what would you do with this unique classic Ford?

Comments

  1. Avatar Peter R Member

    John-boy, your ride is here…

    Like 1
    • Avatar Robert White

      I am an avid Walton’s series fan, and did you know that John-Boy earned his first Ford Model T by cleaning up one house & lot after a big storm? He managed to get a mint condition Ford Model T in perfect working order for three days worth of light yard work. And in the episode where he buys the car his sisters drop by to measure it for new seat covers they made for him. In brief, the deals on working mint condition Ford Model Ts, according to Earl Hamner’s story telling, was that anyone could buy a working Ford for about 24 hours of yard work at the going rate. This means that good old John-Boy was probably earning over $175.00 per day back during the Depression Era. :|

      I had to save for an entire year before I bought my first car.

      Bob

      Like 1
  2. Avatar al8apex

    This is a one ton (or greater) chassis

    You can’t drive it and expect to keep up with traffic

    It’s turning radius is massive, and the suspension/ride, when the truck is not loaded, is bone jarring

    Sadly, there is very little “practical” use for this rare truck

    Like 0
    • Avatar Chris in WNC

      One of my most favorite Model A body styles…….

      Driving it is VERY practical if you live out in the woods like we do.

      Mitchell overdrive or a ring & pinion swap + a high compression head will make it more agreeable.

      Springs can be tweaked as needed if it is to be driven empty most of the time, but we would haul things as intended. ;-)

      Like 0
    • Avatar boxdin

      If you want to carry something large this truck is very practical. How about something 12 foot long like carpet, or lumber. These trucks though rare have been made for years.

      Like 1
  3. Avatar comatoes

    That’s so cool – down the beach we go……. surfboards in the back no worries about trying to lock anything either .

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Big Al

    Parade vehicle

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Hurn

    Palm trees in NJ? Maybe global warming is real

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Steve

    Put that MoFo to work, it would be at Home Depot every weekend if it were mine

    Like 0
  7. Avatar lawrence

    With Steve on this one….not thinking those new dullies turn like…really tight….

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Jim

    My uncle lived in the Catskills area, upstate NY and had a ’50 Chevy pickup with a factory 9′ bed. I can’t remember the reason but most truck manufacturers had a 9′ bed option that was popular with farmers, 9 and 10′ beds allowed them to carry large lightweight loads, although I’m sure they just filled the bed regardless of a few lbs. I think the mid ’50s was the last of anything longer than 8′ unless it was special order.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Chris in WNC

      yes. about 20 years ago I had a ’52 GMC 1-ton 9′ stepside with single wheels. it was a beast……

      Like 0
  9. Avatar Wrong Way

    I would build a camper on the back do upgrades that may be necessary for the weight and enjoy the heck out of it!

    Like 0

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