This 1936 Ford V8 Pickup is a wonderful classic deserving of a new home. It was owned by the one family for fifty years, spending the last few years hibernating in a dry garage. This gem runs and drives, needing only minor brake work to be considered genuinely roadworthy. The seller has listed the Ford here on Craigslist in Great Bend, Kansas. You could take home the fantastic flathead for $16,500.

The seller states that the previous owner, a genuine centenarian, stopped driving this Ford several years ago. It has hibernated ever since, but seems none the worse for the experience. Its Gunmetal Gray paint looks consistent across the exterior, maintaining a pleasant shine and showing no patchiness. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the seller states that this Pickup has never suffered from rust issues. The Stakebed looks exceptional, with polished timber and stainless-steel joiner strips. The wood isn’t scratched or scraped, and there is no developing rot. The glass shows no evidence of cloudiness, and the trim is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic. The wheels are an acquired taste that I find unappealing. That is a matter of personal taste, and you may disagree. It is the varying opinions that make classic debates so entertaining.

Ford introduced its legendary flathead V8 in 1932, with the first generation 221ci powerplant remaining in production until 1936. This Pickup would have been one of the last to feature that motor, and while it produced a fairly respectable 65hp at its 1932 release, the 221 boasted 85hp in 1936. This Ford pairs the flathead with a three-speed manual transmission, and a previous owner updated the brakes to hydraulic operation. The seller states that after its slumber, this Pickup runs and drives. The brakes require work to operate correctly, but it appears that is all that stands between this gem and the open road.

This Pickup’s interior is neat and serviceable, and would remain so for decades if treated respectfully. The bench seat sports a Gray vinyl cover that isn’t ripped or badly worn. I noticed what appears to be a developing seam separation on the outer driver’s side. However, a few stitches would fix it. It has matching door trims that look excellent, and the painted surfaces match the exterior shade. Lifting the appearance would be as simple as deep cleaning the rubber mat, addressing the minor seat issue, and restoring or replacing the cracked wheel.

There is something undeniably attractive about owning a pre-war classic. This is particularly true if it is a Ford with the company’s wonderful flathead V8 under the hood. This 1936 Stakebed Pickup ticks those boxes and is a classic that someone can enjoy without spending a fortune. The buyer could leave it cosmetically as-is, although I would probably source some period-correct wheels if I were the new owner. Alternatively, someone could throw caution to the wind by performing a total restoration. What path would you choose?