Favorite Fords from the Mecum Gone Farmin’ Fall Premier
Ford’s greatest hits took the spotlight at the Mecum tractor division’s first-ever vintage truck auction in Iowa.
Back in early November, as the crew at Ford Truck Enthusiasts were in Las Vegas to check out the cool Fords at SEMA 2019, I flew from my home in Virginia all the way to the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa. There, too, were casinos for me to visit, but my focus was on the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport, Iowa. The fairgrounds were the perfect backdrop for the Mecum Gone Farmin’ Fall Premier tractor auction, where hundreds of vintage tractors were up for bidding.
Not only that, but this auction would host the brand’s first-ever vintage truck auction. Around 100 classic trucks were ready to roll down the green carpet before the RFD TV cameras, including some spectacular Ford trucks. Here’s all of my favorites from the four-day gathering, which took place from November 6 through 9.
Let’s begin with this 1930 Ford Model A Standard Oil Roadster Wrecker. Motivated by a 40-horsepower L-head with a three-speed manual, the truck was already a rarity before given its Standard Oil tribute livery. The top folds down, though I’d have it up to keep out as much of the chilly Iowa weather as possible. This little truck would certainly be fun to take out on warmer days, though.
Up next is a truck whose cab will keep out the cold, a 1940 Ford 1.5 Ton Flatbed. The bright red beauty was fully restored from an already excellent foundation, the steel flatbed with wood posts and bed slats the only aftermarket part added. The flathead V8 sounded wonderful as it passed by my post at the front of the auction, where I watched it carefully make the turn to exit back out into the cloudy late fall day.
Looking like a rolling can of Coca-Cola Caffeine-Free, this 1949 F1 warmed up the gathered bidders during its brief time on the green carpet. The truck had a lovely red cloth bench inside, no doubt making for a cozy ride into town to sell goods at the farmers market.
Meanwhile, this plain red 1948 F1 showed off its whitewalls and understated classiness with aplomb. With its gorgeous wood bed and flathead V8 power, this Ford is too good to get dirty with farm work.
Finally, this 1964 Ranchero stole my heart with its winged red pinstriping across the sides of the steel gray paint. The red interior boasts a modern stereo system, and an aftermarket steering wheel, but everything else looks like it did when it left the factory all those decades ago.
There’s truly nothing like a classic Ford truck, and it only makes sense to have these and other Fords at the Mecum Gone Farmin’ Fall Premier auction among all of the tractors up on the block (including a few Ford tractors). Fords go hand in hand with the farming lifestyle, and will continue to do so for the long haul.
Photos by Cameron Aubernon for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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