1930 To 1940 Ford Pickup Trucks For Sale: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

1930 To 1940 Ford Pickup Trucks For Sale: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide pickup.truckstrend.com

The period between 1930 and 1940 represents a fascinating and pivotal decade in automotive history, particularly for Ford pickup trucks. These vehicles, born amidst economic hardship and evolving technology, are more than just old machines; they are tangible pieces of Americana, embodying resilience, innovation, and a timeless aesthetic. For enthusiasts and collectors, a 1930-1940 Ford pickup offers a unique blend of historical significance, mechanical simplicity, and a robust platform for restoration or customization. Whether you dream of a perfectly restored period piece, a reliable classic driver, or a head-turning hot rod, understanding the nuances of these trucks is essential before diving into the market. This comprehensive guide will navigate the journey of finding, evaluating, and ultimately acquiring your ideal pre-war Ford pickup.

Historical Context and Enduring Appeal

1930 To 1940 Ford Pickup Trucks For Sale: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

The decade from 1930 to 1940 was a tumultuous yet transformative era for Ford Motor Company and its truck division. Emerging from the success of the Model T and the Model A, Ford found itself navigating the Great Depression, a period that demanded practicality, durability, and affordability from its vehicles. Pickup trucks, in particular, became indispensable tools for farmers, small businesses, and tradesmen across the nation.

The Evolution from Model A to V8 Power:
The early years of the decade (1930-1931) saw the continuation of the Model A and Model AA (truck chassis) pickups, characterized by their upright grilles and reliable four-cylinder engines. These trucks built on Ford’s reputation for rugged simplicity. However, a seismic shift occurred in 1932 with the introduction of the Flathead V8 engine. While primarily for passenger cars, Ford quickly made the V8 available in its truck line, specifically the Model 18. This revolutionary engine offered unprecedented power and smoothness for a mass-produced vehicle, instantly cementing Ford’s reputation for performance and innovation. The V8 became a signature Ford feature throughout the decade, continuously refined and improved.

Design and Engineering Milestones:
Beyond the engine, Ford pickups underwent significant design evolution throughout the 1930s. The early Model A trucks gave way to the more refined and streamlined ’32 design, often considered one of the most iconic vehicle designs of all time. Subsequent years saw further advancements:

• 1933-1934: Introduced more flowing lines, integrated headlights, and a distinctive V-shaped grille.
• 1935-1937: Featured more rounded cabs, integrated fenders, and the famous "barrel" grille of ’35, moving towards a more cohesive design language.



• 1938-1939: Presented a wider, more modern appearance with different headlight placements, often referred to as the "shark nose" for the ’38.
• 1940: Culminated in a highly refined and popular design, featuring a wider grille, sealed-beam headlights (late 1940), and a more integrated, contemporary look that bridged the gap to the post-war era.

These trucks were built to last, with robust frames, solid axles, and leaf spring suspensions. While early models featured mechanical brakes, hydraulic brakes became standard on Ford passenger cars in 1939, and many later trucks (or swapped early ones) benefited from this significant safety upgrade.

Why They Remain Popular:
The enduring appeal of 1930-1940 Ford pickups lies in several factors:

• Nostalgia and History: They evoke a sense of Americana and a bygone era of craftsmanship.
• Iconic Design: Their distinct styling is instantly recognizable and widely admired.
• Mechanical Simplicity: Compared to modern vehicles, their systems are straightforward, making them accessible for home mechanics.



• Customization Potential: The robust chassis and simple design make them ideal canvases for hot rod builders, restomod enthusiasts, or purist restorers.
• Strong Community: A passionate network of owners, clubs, and parts suppliers ensures ongoing support.

Key Models and Their Characteristics

Understanding the subtle differences between the model years is crucial for any prospective buyer. While sharing a common lineage, each year brought distinct styling cues and mechanical refinements.

• 1930-1931 Ford Model A/AA Pickups:

  • Engine: 201 cu in (3.3 L) L-head inline-four cylinder, producing around 40 hp.
  • Design: Upright, boxy styling, exposed radiator cap, separate headlights. The grille and cowl were relatively flat. Available as Closed Cab (steel roof) or Open Cab (often with a canvas top) pickups, and even Roadster pickups.
  • Chassis: Model A (car) chassis for lighter duty, Model AA (heavy duty truck) for heavier hauling.
  • Appeal: Classic, original pre-V8 Ford. Simple, charming, and highly restorable.

• 1932 Ford Pickups (Model B / Model 18):

  • Engine: Model B retained the improved 4-cylinder. Model 18 introduced the 221 cu in (3.6 L) Flathead V8 (65 hp initially).
  • Design: A revolutionary redesign. Longer hood, smoother fenders, a more pointed V-shaped grille, and integrated headlights. The ’32 is arguably the most iconic and sought-after pre-war Ford.
  • Appeal: The first V8 Ford truck. Highly desirable for its historical significance and timeless hot rod appeal.

• 1933-1934 Ford Pickups:

  • Engine: Flathead V8 (increased to 75 hp in ’33, 85 hp in ’34), or 4-cylinder option (less common).
  • Design: More streamlined and aerodynamic than the ’32. The grille became more prominent and laid back, and the fenders were more sculpted. The ’34 introduced horizontal grille bars.
  • Appeal: Beautiful, elegant designs, often seen as a bridge between the ’32 and the more modern mid-decade trucks.

• 1935-1937 Ford Pickups:

  • Engine: Flathead V8 (85 hp).
  • Design: These years saw significant integration of components. The ’35 is famous for its "barrel" grille. The ’36 and ’37 models refined this, with wider, more substantial grilles and more rounded cabs. Headlights were integrated into the fenders or mounted beside the grille.
  • Appeal: Robust and popular, these trucks are excellent drivers and popular for mild custom builds due to their sturdy nature and appealing proportions.

• 1938-1939 Ford Pickups:

  • Engine: Flathead V8 (85 hp).
  • Design: A more distinct departure. The ’38 had a wide, vertical-bar grille (often called "shark nose") and headlights mounted lower and further apart. The ’39 refined this with a cleaner, horizontal bar grille. The cabs became roomier.
  • Appeal: More modern aesthetic, often overlooked but gaining appreciation. Good value for a pre-war truck.

• 1940 Ford Pickups:

  • Engine: Flathead V8 (85 hp).
  • Design: Widely considered the pinnacle of Ford’s pre-war truck styling. Features a wider, more integrated grille with horizontal bars, and late-year models introduced sealed-beam headlights. The cab is comfortable and well-proportioned.
  • Appeal: Highly desirable for its refined styling and modern features for the era. A favorite among collectors and customizers.

What to Look For When Buying

Purchasing a vintage Ford pickup requires careful inspection and a realistic understanding of its condition and your intentions for it.

1. Rust and Body Integrity:
Rust is the primary enemy of vintage vehicles. Inspect thoroughly:

• Frame: Look for cracks, heavy pitting, or repairs. A solid frame is paramount.
• Cab: Pay close attention to cab corners, cowl (area below windshield), floor pans, door bottoms, and firewall.
• Fenders and Running Boards: These are prone to rust and damage, especially where they meet the body.
• Bed: Check the bed floor, inner and outer panels, and tailgate for rust and rot.
• Previous Repairs: Look for signs of excessive body filler (bondo), poor welds, or panel misalignment, which can indicate extensive damage or substandard repairs.

2. Drivetrain and Mechanicals:

• Engine:
  • Flathead V8: Check for oil leaks, signs of overheating (cracked blocks or heads were common issues), excessive smoke from the exhaust, and overall running condition. Listen for unusual noises.
  • Four-cylinder (Model A/B): Simpler, but still check for leaks, smoke, and general health.
  • Upgrades: Many trucks will have modern engine swaps (e.g., Chevy 350, Ford 302/351) or upgraded Flatheads. Evaluate the quality of the swap.
• Transmission: Check for smooth shifting, grinding, and fluid leaks. Most will be manual 3-speed.
• Rear Axle: Listen for howling or clunking noises.
• Brakes: Early mechanical brakes require more effort. Many have been converted to hydraulic or even disc brakes. Ensure they function effectively.
• Suspension and Steering: Inspect leaf springs for sagging or broken leaves. Check kingpins, tie rods, and the steering box for excessive play.

3. Electrical System:

• Most original trucks were 6-volt positive ground. Many have been converted to 12-volt negative ground for better starting and modern accessory compatibility. Ensure the conversion was done professionally.
• Check the wiring harness for frayed wires, amateur repairs, or fire hazards.

4. Interior and Glass:

• Inspect the seat, dashboard, gauges (working or not?), steering wheel, and door panels.
• Check all glass for cracks, delamination, or missing panes.

5. Documentation:

• A clear, transferable title is essential.
• Any history, service records, or restoration documentation adds value and insight.

6. Professional Inspection:
If you’re serious about a purchase, especially from a distance, invest in a pre-purchase inspection by a reputable mechanic specializing in vintage vehicles.

Restoration, Customization, and Maintenance

Owning a 1930-1940 Ford pickup is often an ongoing project, whether it’s a full restoration or regular maintenance for a driver.

Parts Availability:
One of the greatest advantages of Ford trucks from this era is the excellent parts availability. Due to their popularity and the sheer number produced, a robust aftermarket exists. Companies like Mac’s Antique Auto Parts, Dennis Carpenter, and Snyder’s Antique Auto Parts offer a vast inventory of reproduction parts, from body panels and trim to engine components and interior pieces. Swap meets and online forums are also great resources for used or NOS (New Old Stock) parts.

Mechanical Simplicity:
The Flathead V8 and the earlier 4-cylinder engines are relatively simple mechanically compared to modern engines. This makes basic maintenance and many repairs accessible to the home mechanic with a good shop manual and basic tools. However, specialized knowledge is often required for intricate engine rebuilding or complex bodywork.

Common Upgrades and Customization:
Many owners choose to upgrade these trucks for improved drivability, safety, and comfort:

• Brakes: Converting from mechanical to hydraulic brakes is a common safety upgrade. Further upgrades to disc brakes (often with power assist) are popular for those wanting modern stopping power.
• Suspension: Independent front suspension (IFS) conversions significantly improve ride quality and steering. Air ride systems offer adjustability and a custom look.
• Drivetrain: While Flatheads are iconic, many choose to swap in modern V8s (e.g., small-block Chevy, Ford small-block) paired with automatic transmissions for reliability, power, and ease of driving.
• Electrical: A 6-volt to 12-volt conversion is highly recommended for brighter lights, better starting, and compatibility with modern accessories (radio, GPS).
• Steering: Rack and pinion steering conversions can vastly improve steering precision and feel.
• Comfort: Adding heat/AC, better seating, and sound deadening can transform the driving experience.

Challenges:

• Finding an Unmolested Original: Truly unmolested, low-mileage examples are rare and command premium prices.
• Hidden Issues: Rust can be expertly hidden under layers of paint and filler.
• Cost of Restoration: A full, professional, body-off restoration can easily exceed the truck’s market value, often running into tens of thousands or even over $100,000.
• Specialized Knowledge: While simple, working on these vehicles often requires specific tools and knowledge of vintage car mechanics.

Price Guide: 1930-1940 Ford Pickup Trucks

The market for vintage Ford pickups is highly dynamic, with prices fluctuating based on rarity, condition, originality, and the quality of any modifications. The table below provides a general estimated price range for various conditions and models. These are rough estimates for the North American market and can vary significantly.

Year Range	Model/Engine	Condition Category	Estimated Price Range (USD)	Notes