Vehicle Description
1930 Ford Model A Speedster Pickup
NASCAR introduced the truck series in 1994 and it was an instant
hit. After all, some of the best selling cars in history have been
pickup trucks, and 1994 was at the height of the sport truck
movement, so it just made sense. Fiberglass bodied trucks ran at
high speeds and their pickup beds were suggested by body lines, not
actual cargo holds that simply wouldn't work for aerodynamics at
speeds that routinely reach well over 150 mph.
For consignment, a Ford speedster, the racy version of the Model A,
turned into a pickup truck. It combines the unique shape of the
speedster and a usable little bed and lots of new parts for
reliability. Coming to our Hallowed Halls with a Rootlieb body, new
wiring, and a host of other small upgrades, this one is a unique
build that is definitely not run of the mill.
Exterior
The body comes from well known vintage sheet metal crafter,
Rootlieb Incorporated out in the central valley of California. It's
finished in matte black and looks very period correct. The bright
red 19-inch wire wheels in open wheel configuration are the next
thing you notice, and they give this truck some vertical lift. A
red side mirror picks up that color and the bed is walled with
steel framed planks of wood. The front bumper is pure antique and
is as simple as a 4"x4" hardwood post bolted on to the steel frame.
Wide Ford running boards provide a boost to the seat. The
windshield is custom and the headlights and taillights appear to be
period recreations. There's an antique railroad red light to
enhance visibility mounted below the bed. Contents of the bed are
held in through the use of wood planks and string while the floor
of the bed is composed of diamond plate aluminum.
Interior
In the open air cab, the plaid cloth covered bench seat is lightly
padded and simple, much like a stagecoach. The early Ford steering
wheel leads to a simple wood dash and floorboard. Three gauges in
the center include a SunPro temperature gauge, and earlier versions
of an ampere meter and DC volt indicator from EMICO in Perkasie,
Pennsylvania. All wires lead through a single hole in the wooden
firewall and our consignor states it has new wiring and fuses. The
floor is lined with more of the diamond plate aluminum and a square
piece of mirror serves as the rearview mirror.
Drivetrain
A 201ci 4-cylinder engine is present and visible through the side
cover free cowl. It is routed through a 3-speed selective sliding
gear manual transmission and sent to the rear axle and 3.78 gears.
Mechanical drum brakes are present at both ends. Our consignor
states the battery and cables are new, as is the radiator. The
starter has been rebuilt as well. Visually, it looks authentically
1930 without any of the modern bling or plastic pieces of today's
cars.
Undercarriage
A driver quality underneath with definite patina in the form of
some surface rust and missing paint. The wood base attached to the
frame appears to be in good condition and the wheel components are
free of sludge or road grime. The single exhaust enters a
Cherrybomb style muffler and immediately dumps under the truck.
Transverse leaf springs are found at both ends with wishbone
suspension in front. There is some residual oil on the oil pan and
transmission drain and some moisture at the rear differential.
Drive-Ability
With 40 horsepower at our disposal, we weren't going anywhere
quickly. Nor were we hitting the backroads of Morgantown, where in
1930 this speedster would have been right at home, especially with
a truck bed in the back. It rolls along on those big wheels just
fine and provides a fun open air experience, albeit a little bit
louder than expected. The mechanical drum brakes are to be applied
early and work as they should. We welcome simplicity, where the
only music you'll hear is your own humming and the temperature
gauge is a wet finger in the air.
A Ford Model A Speedster with a bed? I think we found the original
Ford Lightning! Here's a novel vehicle that would be ideal for
parades, retail display, or antique and truck shows. Its early
American craft like construction is its appeal and it's sure to
garner waves wherever you take it.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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