One of Ford Motor Company’s many innovations was its Cab Over Engine, or COE, design that debuted in 1938, the first of its kind offered on a factory production heavy-duty truck. This layout allowed for a shorter wheelbase and therefore a much smaller turning radius compared to a conventionally designed heavy truck, ideal for use in America’s growing big cities. Many companies purchased COEs with no bed or rear bodywork. The cargo area was a blank canvas for coachbuilders, who created many one-off and low-production bodies custom-designed and built to the customer’s specifications.

Reflecting the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styling trends of the era, this award-winning, beautiful COE is fitted with an equally stylish rear body that complements the factory design brilliantly. COE trucks were special-use vehicles made in small numbers compared to a standard pickup truck and very few are known to survive today—especially in this condition.

This rare survivor was lovingly restored some years ago to a very high standard seldom seen on a COE truck. More specifically, it was thoroughly restored to factory specifications, with the previous owners avoiding the urge to modify and hot-rod it, as is popular with these eye-catching trucks. Among its notable features are the famous Ford flathead engine, chrome front bumper, tilt-out windshield, roof-mounted chromed horns, and a beautiful red, cream, and black paint scheme with period-correct dark green mottled vinyl seat upholstery. The highly stylized custom bed is impressive, with its artfully crafted sides that blend into heavy tubular bed rails offset by rich oak wood in the floor and a fold-down tailgate with Ford script. Rear fender skirts, adorned with stylized Ford “V8” badges, blend seamlessly with the Art Deco-style character lines in the side body.

A truly unique and interesting design that is enhanced by the quality of its restoration, this Ford COE is said to have been honored with an Antique Automobile Club of America Senior National First Prize in 2002, as well as the Dearborn Award from the Early Ford V8 Club of America. Both prestigious awards validate the quality and authenticity of this rare truck. Carefully maintained under current ownership and beautifully presented, this spectacular and unusual Ford COE would be an exciting addition to any collection of commercial vehicles or Americana, or a bold and unique choice for business promotion.