MODEL 77. 221 cu. in. L-head V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 112"

Ford’s 1937 trucks were mildly redesigned with new frontal sheet metal, a divided windshield, and revised instrument panel. More significant was a four-inch longer cargo bed on the Style 830 half-ton pickup. Underneath was a new X-member frame of the type used on passenger cars and cable-operated brakes. Trucks received the same engine upgrades as the passenger cars: revised cooling with water pumps at the bottom and new cylinder heads, as well as an improved ignition system. 1937 was a good year for car sales, the best since 1929, and Ford trucks achieved first place in the United States commercial segment, with 189,000 light trucks built.

Only the bright spyder wheel trim hints that this is not a completely stock pickup. Painted in Vineyard Green, it looks much like the archetypal farm truck or tradesman’s transport. Once the hood is open, however, its secrets are revealed. The flathead engine has received a triple shot of adrenalin, with Offenhauser aluminum heads, twin carburetors, and Fenton exhaust headers.

An older restoration, this pickup shows some aging to the paint and some blemishes on the brightwork. The right rear fender has a vibration crack at the top of the wheel arch. Nevertheless, the overall effect is tidy, composed, and very presentable. Inside, the truck is correct and clean, with tan artificial leather seating and a black rubber floor mat. The headliner is correct brown cardboard. Glass is all very good, and the odometer shows fewer than 16,000 miles.

All in all, this truck represents the best of both worlds, a completely original face with the heart of a hot rod. Seldom do we find such pleasure in a pickup.