1930 Ford Model A Speedster Pickup

NASCAR introduced the truck series in 1994 and it was an instant hit. After all, some of the best selling cars in history have been pickup trucks, and 1994 was at the height of the sport truck movement, so it just made sense. Fiberglass bodied trucks ran at high speeds and their pickup beds were suggested by body lines, not actual cargo holds that simply wouldn't work for aerodynamics at speeds that routinely reach well over 150 mph.

For consignment, a Ford speedster, the racy version of the Model A, turned into a pickup truck. It combines the unique shape of the speedster and a usable little bed and lots of new parts for reliability. Coming to our Hallowed Halls with a Rootlieb body, new wiring, and a host of other small upgrades, this one is a unique build that is definitely not run of the mill.

Exterior
The body comes from well known vintage sheet metal crafter, Rootlieb Incorporated out in the central valley of California. It's finished in matte black and looks very period correct. The bright red 19-inch wire wheels in open wheel configuration are the next thing you notice, and they give this truck some vertical lift. A red side mirror picks up that color and the bed is walled with steel framed planks of wood. The front bumper is pure antique and is as simple as a 4”x4” hardwood post bolted on to the steel frame. Wide Ford running boards provide a boost to the seat. The windshield is custom and the headlights and taillights appear to be period recreations. There's an antique railroad red light to enhance visibility mounted below the bed. Contents of the bed are held in through the use of wood planks and string while the floor of the bed is composed of diamond plate aluminum.

Interior
In the open air cab, the plaid cloth covered bench seat is lightly padded and simple, much like a stagecoach. The early Ford steering wheel leads to a simple wood dash and floorboard. Three gauges in the center include a SunPro temperature gauge, and earlier versions of an ampere meter and DC volt indicator from EMICO in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. All wires lead through a single hole in the wooden firewall and our consignor states it has new wiring and fuses. The floor is lined with more of the diamond plate aluminum and a square piece of mirror serves as the rearview mirror.

Drivetrain
A 201ci 4-cylinder engine is present and visible through the side cover free cowl. It is routed through a 3-speed selective sliding gear manual transmission and sent to the rear axle and 3.78 gears. Mechanical drum brakes are present at both ends. Our consignor states the battery and cables are new, as is the radiator. The starter has been rebuilt as well. Visually, it looks authentically 1930 without any of the modern bling or plastic pieces of today's cars.

Undercarriage
A driver quality underneath with definite patina in the form of some surface rust and missing paint. The wood base attached to the frame appears to be in good condition and the wheel components are free of sludge or road grime. The single exhaust enters a Cherrybomb style muffler and immediately dumps under the truck. Transverse leaf springs are found at both ends with wishbone suspension in front. There is some residual oil on the oil pan and transmission drain and some moisture at the rear differential.

Drive-Ability
With 40 horsepower at our disposal, we weren't going anywhere quickly. Nor were we hitting the backroads of Morgantown, where in 1930 this speedster would have been right at home, especially with a truck bed in the back. It rolls along on those big wheels just fine and provides a fun open air experience, albeit a little bit louder than expected. The mechanical drum brakes are to be applied early and work as they should. We welcome simplicity, where the only music you'll hear is your own humming and the temperature gauge is a wet finger in the air.

A Ford Model A Speedster with a bed? I think we found the original Ford Lightning! Here's a novel vehicle that would be ideal for parades, retail display, or antique and truck shows. Its early American craft like construction is its appeal and it's sure to garner waves wherever you take it.

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.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!