1932 Ford Model B Pickup
Rather than just updating the Model A, Ford launched a completely new vehicle for 1932. The V8 was marketed as the Model 18 in its initial year, but was commonly known as the Ford V8. It had the new flathead V8 engine. The Model 18 was the first low-priced, mass-marketed car to have a V8 engine, an important milestone in the American automotive industry. The 221 cu in V8 was rated at 65 hp, but power increased significantly with improvements to the carburetor and ignition in succeeding years. The V8 was more popular than the four-cylinder, which was essentially a variant of the Model A engine with improvements to balancing and lubrication. Model B was derived with as few technical changes as possible to keep cost low. Other than the 4 cylinder engine, and badging on the headlamp support bar, and hub caps, it was virtually indistinguishable from the V-8. Its intention was to be a price leader, and as it offered more than the popular Model A, this should have been a winning formula. In fact, the new and only slightly more expensive V-8 stole the show, and finally made it obsolete.
For consignment, and right out of 1932, a Ford Model B pickup. A rare find, being that the original purchaser opted for the trusted 4 cylinder over the new to the market V8. The beneficiary of an older restoration and built to be driven, our consignor has done such with various farm duties, short trips to town, and an occasional night out at a restaurant. This truck presents nicely but shows some aging, but for an 90-year-old truck, it's in very good condition.
Exterior
A much smoother design but still with its utilitarian body design, mostly straight panels bathed in green with dinged fenders covered in more green it all comes together as a pickup. Overall paint has its faults with some cracking, fading, scratches, surface rust and touch ups, but it is classified as good driver quality. An older restored wooden bed, painted green with metal strapping has aged nicely with only minor chipping of the paint on the metal and the bed has been lined with astroturf and has a custom made wooden storage box. Simple 17" black wire wheels can be seen through to drum brakes painted black and chromed hub cover. A green metal visor is seen mounted to the front of the new for 32 full steel roof.
Interior
Black steel with various bead rolls make up the door panels and have shiny window cranks and door pulls to brighten them up. A saddle vinyl bench stretches across the small cab. In the center of the black painted metal dash is an oval style gauge cluster, and to its stage left is the original steering wheel which presents with some cracking and holds the integral headlight switch. On the floor is a simple rubber floor mat that is fairly clean with the shifter and parking brake level centrally located.
Drivetrain
Under the cowled hood is an updated for 1932 and patina riddled 4-cylinder in the 201ci form pumping out 50hp. A 1-barrel carburetor is on the side, and a 3-speed manual transmission is on the back. 4.11 gears are in the banjo style rear axle.
Undercarriage
All nicely preserved with only minor surface rust in sight on the black painted steel frame and suspension components. Green paint is on the underside of the bed boards and the wood is still good! Some road dirt and patina shows for this well-done undercarriage that is meant to be used. An intact single exhaust system is installed. We note transverse leaf springs on both ends for suspension as well as mechanical drum brakes all around.
Driveability
A quick set of the choke, a turn of the key, a press of the foot starter and she cranked to life. This truck drives like, well, a truck! No power steering, power brakes, and simple suspension, which is part of its charm, and is certainly not meant to be negative. A pleasurable drive was had around the Classic Auto Mall test track.
Overall good condition and meant to be driven and enjoyed. Today, the 1932 Model B, although always a little bit in the shadow of the V8, is a highly collectible car and people will pay thousands of dollars to restore one to original specification, which is ironic, as they were once cheap "throwaway" cars popular with hot rodders who would tear them apart and use them as the basis for a "build", which is partly why it is so hard to find an unaltered specimen today. A survivor truck by early Ford manufacturing, now offered here in all its glory at the Classic Auto Mall.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
