1932 Ford Model 18 Pickup
"Henry Ford gets the credit for both the first factory built pickup truck and for coining the term "pickup". The 1925 Model T roadster with pickup body was created when Ford saw an opportunity to cash in on the fact that many farmers were either modifying the famously simple and rugged Model T automobiles for work in their fields, or just using them as is. By the time the pickup version arrived, the venerable Model T was approaching obsolescence, and it was replaced by the larger and more powerful Model A." Car and Driver, History of the Pickup Truck, March 2016
For consignment, a 1932 Ford Model 18 pickup, a lowered street rod in tones of black and gray with a potent powerplant, unique bed treatment, and a modernized interior that brings this 92 year-old truck into the 21st century. Model 18's would follow the production of Model A's and included Ford's new Flathead V8.
Exterior
A few shades lighter than a battleship, the Model 18 is coated in a two stage jacket of gray paint which presents uniformly clean. This truck has traded its tall, wire-wheeled shoes for 14 and 15-inch black spoked American Racing Torque Thrust wheels on which it hunkers down, lowering the center of gravity and rendering the ride more car-like. Cross tires off your shopping list because the set here has a date code from late 2022. Black and gray themes continue on the bed stakes which are charcoal and the headlight casings, running board, grille, and tail light housing all are dressed in black. But bling lovers can rejoice as the lightbar and crossbar that houses amber turn lights are glistening chrome on this bumper-less truck. Side mirrors on both sides are polished metal as is the rain gutter and of course, door handle, hood trim, and outer rims of the wheels. In lieu of tandem planks, a single sheet of lumber fills the bed, highly polished and wearing a Ford and flag graphic. Imperfections included some paint run over some filler and an area of thin paint, otherwise the exterior is in great shape.
Interior
Body colored metal inner doors keep things clean and simple and a reminder of the utilitarian nature of these vehicles when produced. Bucket seats fill the front with diamond stitched patterned inserts over robust foam padding. Rimming the steering wheel is wood with finger grooves for extra grip. Some simple toggles on the gray dashboard share the space with the center instrument cluster with five Dolphin gauges under a metal plate. A B&M shifter sits on the floor and a rubber mat provides grip underfoot. Instead of a fancy headliner, the truck is pleasant barren up top with only painted metal between you and the sky.
Drivetrain
The very attractive engine onboard is a 350ci bored .060 over and wearing 462 heads with roller tip rockers and stainless valves. The fuel delivery is done through a Holley 4-barrel carburetor over an Edelbrock aluminum intake and the V8 is married to a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission with shift kit that sends power to the Ford 9" axle in back. Disc brakes are found on all four wheels to keep this power in check. Headers help the engine exhale.
Undercarriage
So clean, we would have no problem bringing some ground mirrors to the car show to exhibit the underside! The dual exhaust flows through Cherrybomb mufflers and dumps under the truck. Suspension consists of a transverse leaf spring in front and ladder bars with coil overs in back. There's no surface rust, no errant fluids, and no dirt or grease on components. In the words of Borat, "Very nice, I like!"
Drive-Ability
The comfortable, cozy cabin provides an upright driving posture with good visibility as the 350 roars to life and we roll this ground hugging truck onto the test loop where it handles well, tracks straight, and provides substantial power and acceleration. Disc brakes provide confidence, and a slew of gauges keep checks on the engine systems. Other than the horn not being in place, hence, not working, all other functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
We all go gray with age, but this turnkey hotrod has been to the fountain of youth and came out with a clean muscle truck that's ready for show and go. This is a fantastic build with all the right ingredients and would easily fit in at car shows and truck shows alike! It's about to become a centenarian and yet could have rolled off the showroom floor yesterday. Come check out this thrilling '32!
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. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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