1938 Ford 350-Powered Pickup
With the kind of grunty purring only a V8 engine can muster, and an eye-catching paint job, this pickup has plenty of charm.
- 1938 was the first time Ford’s cabs and front sheet metal were all-new since 1935; and the nose was given a distinctive oval grille, resulting in this year’s vehicles being dubbed Barrel Front
- Unfortunately, 1938 marked an atrocious year for the automotive industry and Ford’s truck production sank to a new low
- In turn, vintage Ford pickup trucks hailing from 1938 were scarce then – and scarcer still now
Most restomods have new life breathed into them once they’ve gone under full restoration, complete with modern appointments in interior comfort, technology, and performance. This 1938 Ford pickup truck, however, has come a long, long way from the version of itself that rolled off the production line nearly one hundred years ago. Have no fear, however —its transformation from puttering pickup to full-fledged hot rod was well worth it.
This 1938 Ford Pickup was modified and is powered by a 350ci V8 paired with an automatic transmission. The truck has been repainted metallic, and equipment includes a wood-lined bed, Mustang II-spec independent front suspension, power-assisted steering and brakes.
Polished 15” Cragar alloy wheels are mounted with BFGoodrich Radial T/A white-letter tires sized 235/70. Stopping power is provided by power-assisted front discs and rear drums. The truck features Mustang II-spec independent front suspension. Recent maintenance is said to have included replacement of the rear brake drums and shoes.
The cabin houses a bench seat trimmed in two-tone black and gray vinyl with matching door panels and black carpets. Lap belts are fitted for both occupants, and the truck is equipped with power-assisted steering. A three-spoke banjo-style steering wheel is mounted to a tilt steering column and sits ahead of a body-color metal dashboard housing Ford-branded instrumentation that includes a 160-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary displays.
A new design for Ford in 1938, with its distinctive round grill became known as “ Barrel-Front “ or “ Barrel-Grill ” trucks. Pre war vehicles are hard to find, in this type of condition and built with this driveability you could say this car is a needle in a haystack.
