The Legacy Begins (1908-1948)
Ford’s journey in crafting pickup trucks dates back to the iconic Model T, the world’s first mass-produced and affordable automobile, launched in 1908. The utility version, named Model TT, emerged in 1917 with a longer wheelbase, a sturdier frame, and a one-ton rating. Over the years, Ford’s commitment to pickup trucks evolved through Model AA, Model BB, and the Model 48, leading to the debut of the long-running F-Series in 1948.
Before the F-Series stole the spotlight, Ford introduced two car-based pickups in 1938 and 1941. While these models featured enhanced style, they didn’t garner much appreciation over time. However, a recent discovery by “Jennings Motor sports” on YouTube unveiled a hidden gem—a 1939 truck abandoned for 65 years.
The Resilient 1939 Truck
Despite spending six decades in the elements, this 1939 truck remains surprisingly intact. Rescued by “Jennings Motor sports,” it displays minimal rust, retains traces of the original green paint, and even has a solid rear frame. Missing only its bed, the truck impressively preserves its grille, hood ornament, and headlamps.
The 1939 truck, showcasing late 1930s Art Deco-style design, stands as a testament to Ford’s unique approach. Unlike its predecessors, these trucks maintained their 1935 looks until a styling update in 1938, featuring an oval grille distinct from the cars of that era.
What sets this barn find apart is the successful revival of its V8 engine by “Jennings Motor sports.” Despite a 65-year hiatus, a bit of cleaning and a new battery brought the engine back to life, embodying the “Built Ford Tough” ethos.
The 1939 Ford truck boasts a Flathead V8 engine, showcasing Ford’s shift to exclusive V8 offerings by 1937. The lineup included a base 136-cubic-inch unit with 60 horsepower and an optional 221-cubic-inch powerplant with 85 horses. Paired with a three-speed manual transmission, these trucks were a powerhouse in their time.
# FAQs
### Q1: How long has Ford been producing pickup trucks?
A1: Ford’s history in crafting pickup trucks traces back to the utility version of the Model T, introduced in 1917. The iconic F-Series, however, made its debut in 1948.
### Q2: What distinguishes the 1939 Ford truck from its predecessors?
A2: The 1939 model stands out with its unique oval grille, a departure from the cars of that era. Unlike its predecessors, these trucks maintained their 1935 looks until a styling update in 1938.
### Q3: How did the 1939 truck survive 65 years of abandonment?
A3: Despite being exposed to the elements, the 1939 truck remained surprisingly intact, with minimal rust and well-preserved exterior features. The recent discovery and revival by “Jennings Motor sports” added to its remarkable story.
### Q4: What engine powers the 1939 Ford truck?
A4: The 1939 Ford truck is equipped with a Flathead V8 engine. Ford had shifted to exclusive V8 offerings by 1937, with a lineup that included a base 136-cubic-inch unit and an optional 221-cubic-inch powerplant.
### Q5: How did “Jennings Motor sports” revive the 1939 truck?
A5: The revival involved cleaning and installing a new battery, showcasing the enduring resilience of Ford’s V8 engine, which fired up after 65 years of dormancy.
