The result of Henry Ford's exhaustive trial and error, the Flathead motor was ultimately a success in both cars and trucks.
Clean Shirt, New Shoes
The 1930s were a time of robust innovation for the Ford Motor company. If it can be said that multi-cylinder engines were Henry Ford's specialty, it can also be said that the Flathead V8 was his most triumphant model. This maroon marvel's Flathead V8 powerplant has been completely restored, and it's just one of many fascinating facts about the truck that has made automotive collectors and pickup truck historians alike swoon.
Photos Courtesy of Motorious
Silk Suit, Black Tie
A revised cooling system and an improved distributor were only a couple features that set the Ford Flathead V8 apart from the competition back in the day. These single-piece, "side-valve" engines also operated smoother at lower operating speeds than the bolted-together V8 engines being produced by Ford competitors like LaSalle and Lincoln. Largely unbeknownst to the consumer, they were also simpler and less expensive to manufacture, which is a big reason why so many were sold.
Photos Courtesy of Motorious
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Sharp Dressed Man
The gorgeous maroon paint of this restored 1940 Ford truck is accented by sparkling chrome work and black side mirrors. The truck’s wide whitewall tires make it immediately recognizable as a throwback, while its waterfall grille and rolling fenders harken to a time gone by. It’s amazing to think that trucks designed in such a regal Art Deco style were once commonplace on American roads.
Photos Courtesy of Motorious
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Cufflinks, Stick Pin
The vehicle’s side-mounted spare whitewall tire also brings back memories of a generation of American automotive travel that’s long since passed. Restored Ford emblems on both the hood and each individual hubcap pay homage to the rig’s famed flathead V8 powerplant. That engine is mated to a fully-restored 3-speed manual transmission as it was the day it rolled off the assembly line.
Photos Courtesy of Motorious
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Topcoat, Top Hat
Inside, the creamy golden baseball glove style leather bench seat reminds one of simpler times, as do the detailed Art Deco gauge clusters and chrome Ford logo affixed to the front dash. A two-spoked steering wheel, manual window cranks, and dual plated, split windshield round out the truck's classic look.
Photos Courtesy of Motorious
>>Join the conversation about this classic 1940 Flathead 1/2 Ton right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
Lookin' Sharp Forever
While early Ford flathead block engines were troubled by frequent overheating and the potential to develop cracked valve ports, by the time the 1940 Ford Flathead V8, the engine had become one of the most reliable of any on the road. It's not uncommon to see completely rusted out trucks and cars that featured Ford Flathead engines auction for several thousand dollars, even in derelict condition. That's all the more reason why this fully restored truck —and living piece of American automotive history —is quick to become the apple of any automotive historian's eye.
Photos Courtesy of Motorious
>>Join the conversation about this classic 1940 Flathead 1/2 Ton right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
For help with service of your truck, check out the how to section of Ford-Trucks.com
