War-Era 1945 Ford Truck Represents Rare Find

Military Truck

Most Ford truck historians already know that the automaker, along with most other manufacturers, were forced to shift their efforts to support our nation's military during World War II. During this time, the buying public simply couldn't buy a new truck. Only the military and military contractors could purchase them, and there certainly weren't many produced during this time. But at least one of those few is still standing tall, as we spotted this gorgeous '45 up for grabs over at Hemmings. 

War-Era Beauty

According to the seller, a friend offered to sell him this gorgeous pickup and he simply couldn't refuse. And who can blame him, given the immaculate condition of this fully restored war-era beauty?

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From the Ashes of War

World War II was finally winding down in 1945, and companies like Ford were just beginning to ramp up production for the buying public. Steel was still in short supply at the time, but Ford managed to hammer out a handful of new trucks, the first civilian vehicles to make a comeback post-war. 

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Lasting Reminder

Why prioritize trucks post-war, you ask? The thought behind this decision was that the new, peacetime economy needed workhorse vehicles to help rebuild our nation. Today, these trucks are a lasting piece of history that still fascinates us after all these years. 

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No Frills

Not many of those surviving workhorses look as good as this dark green beauty, however. With a host of yellow/cream accents in lieu of chrome, this old Ford pickup is the perfect symbol for a no-frills, roll up your sleeves era in our history. 

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Original Parts

Much of the body on this pickup is original, including the grille, hood, fenders, running boards, and cab. Lots of other little pieces remain as well, including things like the windshield wipers and side mirror. 

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Pure and Simple

The dark green motif carries over to the inside, where you'll find a splash of chrome on the door handles and window cranks, among other places. Like all other trucks from this era, it's a purely simple cabin, but a beautiful one nonetheless. 

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Flathead Power

Pop the hood, and you'll find the original L-Head Flathead engine that came with this truck back in 1945. Almost every component here is original, though the carb has been rebuilt and everything repainted. 

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Post-War World

Today, we doubt that there are many 1945 Ford pickups left in the world. But that just makes nicely kept examples like this one that much more special. And we hope that it continues to serve as a reminder of our post-war world for many decades to come! 

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