1936 Ford Model 68 Pickup
Long before trucks had a style of their own, they would simply borrow the front end of the common sedan then add a bed on the back. Case in point, the Model 68 which was essentially a modified V8 Deluxe version of the Model 48 in 1936 and served as the platform for the pickup truck. If the Model 68 pickup was coming straight at you, you wouldn't at first be able to discern it to be a Deluxe sedan or a truck...until it got close. By the way, get out of the road!
For consignment, a hot-rodded '36 pickup with an aggressive stance and inky black paint. Some modern upgrades along with some old school additions, and this truck represents a great little package that is a real looker. Here's one you can drive without worry and also hang with your buddies at the car show...and as always, you have the option of adding your own personal touches to it.
Exterior
This is the Johnny Cash of trucks...dressed in black on black on black. Save for a few imperfections, (which we'll mention later), the black is a mile deep. At 10 feet, the reflected surroundings are detailed in depth. The distinct vertical grille of the Model 68 is painted black and surrounded by a thin, chrome trim piece. The chrome-cased headlights stand tall over the fenders, accompanied by small amber marking lights. The awesome V8 hood ornament flows from a chrome detail specific to the model. The spare tire is covered with a black vinyl cover and we love how it blends with the truck. A single windshield wiper, single driver side mirror, and door handles add more bits of bare metal trim. The 15-inch American Racing wheels, with their argent-colored cut-outs, carry staggered width tires and along with the suspension drop, give the truck a somewhat raked look. The bed looks great in amber oak planks divided by aluminum strips. If you're behind this truck, you'll be able to look at your own car in the reflection of the tailgate. Two small tail lights are low on the valance in line with two chrome, downturned exhaust tips below them. Thankfully, a third brake light is in the rear window. Imperfections include a chip on the bottom of the leading edge, some paint cracking, an obvious patch job, and some bubbling on the tailgate.
Interior
The black vinyl bench is simple and unobtrusive. The red-velvet covering on the door panels and interior walls adds some color and pop, but the material is loose in some areas and would benefit from some restoration or personalization. The mottle-patterned rug on the floor is in fine condition and also provides an opportunity for personalization. The banjo steering wheel is tied to a more modern steering column leading to the vintage gauges in a glossy black dash. A trio of Sunpro gauges are under the dash for some read-outs not available in 1936. A modern shifter stands tall, topped by a billet knob. The red velvet headliner and red sun visors appear to be in good condition.
Drivetrain
A 302ci V8 is behind the hood panels topped by a 4-barrel Edelbrock carburetor sending fuel and air through an Offenhauser intake manifold. Finned Cobra valve covers are a nice touch, and the headers accept the exhaust in an organ-like design. All of this is reflected in a chrome cover on the firewall for some added bling. Power is harnessed by a C4 3-speed automatic transmission spinning back to a Ford 9" rear end. Power brakes are a nice addition with discs up front and drums out back.
Undercarriage
The frame is painted bright red, giving the underside a showy look. The wood planks look good on this side too, and the overall condition of the undercarriage is very good with only minor spots of surface rust. Dual exhaust flow to stainless bullet mufflers then snake over the rear axle and out past the rear valance. The transmission is painted red as are the front springs which are part of the Mustang II suspension assembly. The rear has leaf springs.
Drive-Ability
We hopped into the compact, but tall, cab and enjoyed the view out of the non-chopped windshield. Pointing the big nose of the car northward, we head out on the test loop and are loving the sound of the 302's throaty voice through headers and dual pipes. Unencumbered by a lot of weight in the back, this truck has some giddy-up and the low-profile ride is car-like. Turn-in is good, even with this seriously staggered tire set-up, (195/60/15 front, 275/60/15 in rear), three cheers for Mustang II! Meanwhile, braking is more than adequate to halt this hauler.
This truck has a lot to offer. Great looks, good paint, the right suspension, and an engine with a proven track record. The 30's design on a more modern stance and width creates a striking visual composition that will delight show goers, fellow grocery getters, and your neighbors as well. So, join Johnny and walk the line to become that "man in black" (or woman....)!
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.
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