This Ford Pickup 1937-1939 got away, but there are more like it here.

This 1938 Ford Model 81Y One-Ton Express pickup is said to have been first used as a dealer demonstration model before it was sold to its first owner in Nebraska. It was moved to Kansas in 1957 and was purchased by the seller as a non-running project out of South Carolina in 2014. It subsequently underwent a multi-year refurbishment that was completed in 2019. The truck is finished in black with yellow fenders and pinstripes, and power comes from a 221ci flathead V8 paired with a four-speed manual transmission and a rear axle with a 4.11:1 final drive. Features include a chrome front bumper, turn signals, a split rear window, dual taillights, green vinyl upholstery, and a heater. This Model 81Y pickup won Best in Class at the 2019 Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance, and it is now offered with factory literature, tools, refurbishment records and photos, a truck cover, car show awards, and Connecticut registration in the seller’s name.

1938 Ford One-Ton Express Pickup

Ford updated its truck and commercial car lineups for 1938, with updates including the introduction of the Model 81-Y One-Ton Express. This example is said to have received replacement sheet metal in the cargo bed, rear wheel wells, and rear fenders before the truck was refinished in its factory black with yellow fenders using single-stage paint. Equipment includes a chrome front bumper, grille, and windshield frame as well as a hood ornament, a single-piece rear-hinged hood, turn signals, a single windshield wiper, a driver-side mirror, a split rear window, running boards, and dual taillights. The cargo bed features a Ford-stamped fold-down tailgate and a wood floor.

1938 Ford One-Ton Express Pickup

The 17″ yellow-painted steel wheels wear chrome Ford V8 hubcaps and are mounted with Tornel bias-ply tires. A matching spare wheel is mounted on the left bedside. The One-Ton Express rode on a 122″ wheelbase and features a front transverse leaf spring with hydraulic shock absorbers along with a live rear axle and leaf springs. Stopping power is provided by mechanical drums at all four corners.

1938 Ford One-Ton Express Pickup

The cabin features a bench seat trimmed in green vinyl along with matching door panels. Black rubber mats line the floors, and a heater is mounted under the dashboard.

1938 Ford One-Ton Express Pickup

The three-spoke steering wheel frames a 100-mph speedometer and a combination gauge with readouts for fuel level, oil pressure, amperage, and water temperature. The five-digit odometer shows over 72k miles, approximately 500 of which were added under the seller’s ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

1938 Ford One-Ton Express Pickup

The 221ci flathead V8 is equipped with a single Stromberg downdraft carburetor and was factory rated at 85 horsepower. The engine was overhauled during the refurbishment, and an oil change was last performed in 2022.

1938 Ford One-Ton Express Pickup

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission and a rear axle with a 4.11:1 final drive.

1938 Ford One-Ton Express Pickup

The frame stamping is shown above, and the VIN on the Connecticut registration is listed as 4440203.

1938 Ford One-Ton Express Pickup

Refurbishment photos and records are included in the sale.

The car does not have a title, as it is registered in a state that does not issue titles for a vehicle of its age. It is being sold on its registration.

Auction Result

High Bid USD $41,000 (Reserve Not Met)
Auction Ended April 3, 2023 at 2:10PM PT
Bids 8
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BaT Essentials

Seller: 38Tonner
Location: Collinsville, Connecticut 06019
Listing Details
  • Chassis: 4440203
  • 72k Miles Shown, TMU
  • 221ci Flathead V8
  • Four-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Rear Axle w/4.11:1 Final Drive
  • Black Paint w/Yellow Fenders
  • Green Vinyl Upholstery
  • Chrome Front Bumper & Grille
  • Turn Signals
  • Split Rear Window
  • Dual Taillights
  • Heater
  • Factory Literature
  • Tools
  • Refurbishment Records & Photos
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #102919