Frame Off Built Pickup Street Rod 255 CI Flathead

In a world where smooth fiberglass street rods are a fact of life, finding a unique and authentic cruiser can be challenging. Some builds are dated and need to be modernized, while others are so thoroughly modern they'll be dated by next year. One of the best bets you can place is on a timeless creation like this all-steel Ford pickup. It's a fully-sorted masterpiece that was carefully planned and bolted together by someone who definitely knew their way around a garage. The parts list includes familiar pieces like a flathead V8, a smooth-shifting 3-speed, House Of Kolor paint and a thoroughly tweaked interior; but the execution of those items is what sets the truck apart. If you've been searching for a super cool hot rod that can be driven and shown with pride, this impressive truck is the perfect solution!

With its wind-swept design and classic good looks, the 1940 Ford has always been a rare and highly desirable line of cars. And not surprisingly, gearheads, customizers and 70 years' worth of fans have elevated it to one of hot rodding's greatest cultural icons. After sitting in a field for roughly 15 years, this awesome truck began a new life as a road-ready rat rod. And, with the help of a thorough, frame-off restoration, it was eventually transformed into a smooth-driving show queen. That restoration began with a quick call to the folks at Altered Motion in Ravenna, Ohio. Once the staff put their hands to the metal, a new bed was complemented with fresh cab corners, solid rockers and new lower door posts. That smooth fuselage was eventually sealed in an effervescent coat of House Of Kolor Root Beer. And today, this subdued street rod is one sizzling classic that looks better than pretty much every car at any show its owner chooses to attend!

As expected, this awesome Ford's first rate detailing highlights both its solid form and stunning paint. At the front of the truck, a stainless-trimmed hood rides above a chromed, 3-piece grille, which flows past a seamless, “V8” branded latch into a prominent pointed chin. At the sides of that grille, sculpted fenders center pristine, chrome-trimmed headlights between two-tone pin stripes and pristine, color-keyed running boards. Above those boards, like-new glass rides between traditional door handles and a small chrome mirror. Behind that un-chopped cab, Oak bed planks perfectly complement stainless skid strips. And behind that bed, a “Ford V8” branded tail gate rides between polished LED tail lights, a “V8” branded fuel filler and simple stainless exhaust pipes.

As the company's final Henry Ford-fueled innovation, the Ford V8 remains a durable, torque-rich powerplant that, thanks to solid engineering, has established an unmatched reputation in the classic and custom car community. And, in keeping with hot rod tradition, this stellar pickup is powered by a modified, 255 cubic inch flathead which, in factory guise, twists respectable 7.2 to 1 compression into roughly 125 horsepower. At the top of the sturdy iron mill, a trio of finned air cleaners funnel wind through a trio of Stromberg carburetors to a polished Offenhauser 3-pot. At the sides of that intake, aluminum Offenhauser heads, which are equipped with MQQN temperature gauges, seat 48 studs around black, stainless-sleeved plug wires. Below those heads, a traditional Maroon block centers a modern points distributor and Mallory electronic ignition between cast exhaust manifolds. Charge comes courtesy of pliable V-belts, which exchange an old school generator and 6-volt electricals for a fresh chrome alternator and 12-volt electricals. And cooling is provided by a factory-correct radiator, which is fitted with fresh hoses and polished coolant tubes. As with any expertly built custom, the truck's Root Beer bay is fully sorted and ready to go. And the clean motor features many impressive details such as: a color-keyed oil canister, color-keyed throttle linkages, stainless fuel lines, a liquid-filled pressure gauge and bright chrome ancillaries.

Every good street rod has a solid foundation. Flip this Ford upside down and you'll find a roster of mechanical improvements that mix classic looks with modern mobility. A 3-speed manual transmission, which was donated by an early 50s Ford, spins comfortably behind the rock-solid flathead. Naturally, that proven gearbox drives an authentic, banjo-style rear end. In front of that drivetrain, a beam axle and transverse leaf spring remain just as they would've looked back in 1940, save for chrome Chassis Engineering shocks. And the same holds true behind the drivetrain, where a second transverse leaf, a second solid axle and chrome Pete & Jake's shocks help maintain a 2-inch lower ride height. 4-wheel drum brakes, hydraulically actuated for the 1938 model year, are a welcome addition and big performance upgrade for early Ford fans. There's an impressive dual exhaust system that gives the flathead its traditional and unmistakable voice. Everything rides on a set of 15-inch painted, pinstriped and trimmed wheels, which spin fresh 5.60-15 Coker Classics in front of L78-15 Remington Cushion Aires. And items like stainless lines, painted brackets and a Carter electric fuel pump finish an otherwise impressive canvas.

Installed by Portage Trim of Ravenna, Ohio, this pickup's warm and welcoming interior looks straight out of a vintage Hot Rod magazine. At the front of the cockpit, a pinstriped dash perfectly centers art deco gauges between chrome-trimmed foot pedals and a Root Beer, “V8” branded steering wheel. In front of that dash, a bench seat, reupholstered in Persian leather, seems appropriate to the vintage feel of the truck's restoration. At the bottom of that seat, thick floor mats protect like-new carpet. At the sides of the passengers, clean leather panels are dotted with traditional chrome handles. And above those panels, a custom leather headliner frames a small rearview mirror.

40s Fords have aged with more grace than most, wearing a design that's still capable of turning heads in its basic factory form. The restorer's decision to leave those basics alone and make only time-tested adjustments is a huge part of why this truck works so well. With its polished flathead, smooth-shifting 3-speed, comfortable interior and vintage swagger, you'll never tire of finding this custom in your garage. Stop watching opportunity pass you by. Add this classic to your collection today!