Reader Mark R was recently out on a bike ride and spotted a rather interesting truck! He took a closer look and discovered that it is right hand drive, which isn’t something you typically see on this era of truck. He thought it looked like such an interesting rig, that we would enjoy seeing it. Here is what he has to say about it. From Mark – Hi guys, Was biking the Heartland trail near Walker, MN this past weekend and saw this old truck for sale along the trail. Not exactly a ‘Barn Find’, maybe a ‘Trail Find’? Anyway the right hand drive must have a story – maybe a rural mail delivery truck at one time? Did not see anyone around the house to ask any more info; old trucks not really my forte anyway….
It looks to be in solid shape inside and out, although it could use some cosmetic work.
Here is the seller’s sign about it. They state that it was completely overhauled mechanically 20k miles ago. It comes with spare parts, but no word on what exactly is included. Besides needing cosmetics, it looks like it needs some new glass too. Overall, this looks to be a real neat rig and being right hand driver makes it that much more interesting. I just wonder what the story is behind it. Any thought?
Could be Australian . . .
I say it had been a rural carriers truck, I have seen a few of these in my life. Most Rural Carriers could order them through the US Postal Service, or they can be special ordered from a dealer. I knew a guy that was a local rural carrier, and he had ordered a couple of Chevy Nova’s from the local Chevy dealer in town, they were quite a sight, especially when he would tell somebody to get in and of course they would climb in what would normally be the passenger side of the car and there sits the steering wheel. He did it a lot just for the laughs.
Interesting find though.
In 1951, there was no Postal Service. It was the Post Office Department back then. There were no deals to buy right hand drive vehicles and there was a prohibition against using pickups on rural routes. It was not possible to properly secure the mail from weather or theft.
This vehicle is most likely one delivered in England or Scotland. I don’t believe there were many Ford pickups exported that soon after the War.
Truly unique. I’d love to know its story.
looks like a nice old truck. it would be interesting to know the story on the RHD. trails finds work just as good as barn finds, keep them coming please. great find.
This truck is “interesting”. As in, I’d enjoy a half-hour conversation about its history.
No way is it 10k units of interesting. Even if it had fresh paint.
Hi right hand drive vehicles both cars and trucks were commonly built in Canadian plants of US manufacturers and exported. Some were exported in component form and assembled. In India US vehicles came in generally from 1947 upwards (not ex-military disposals) and I have a 1948 RHD International KB2 Woody and a KB6 truck.