For when you absolutely have to own the most talked about vehicle on your street, in your town or at any show you go to, this is what you want. Ostensibly, it appears to be a 1941 Ford “½ Ton” pickup. Only it also very much isn’t that. It has been massively modified, cosmetically and mechanically, to produce a very driveable, capable and, quite frankly, gobsmacking machine.
Believed to have been initially used as a military ambulance during WWII, it may have been recommissioned as a snow plough at some point, as this is how the DVLA records it. After purchasing it in 2016, the current owner set about having the vehicle extensively customised to create one of the most staggeringly distinctive vehicles we’ve ever seen. Certainly not for shrinking violets, this truck is sure to become the centre of attention everywhere it goes.
The History and Paperwork
Believed to have been a 1941 model WWII military ambulance, before being re-registered for road use in 1948
Three registered owners from new
Previous owner since September 2010
Chevrolet 6.5-litre V8 turbodiesel installed by the last owner
Current owner since September 2016
Comprehensive bodywork and interior modifications carried out in 2018
Historic vehicle status – tax and MOT exempt
132,381 miles indicated – the current engine is believed to have covered just 17,000 miles in 2016
Registered with the DVLA as a grey ‘Snow Plough’ and as being petrol powered – something the new owner may wish to update
Retrimmed by Custom Trim Creations in 2018, at a cost of £4,500+
Diamond stitched brown leather to the front seats and rear bench
Fur headlining and leather coverings for the dash and door cards
Brown carpets throughout the cabin
Modern CD/radio system with USB and Aux connection
Extra 12V socket and two USB charging sockets installed
Electric windows
Integrated rear roll cage, painted satin black, in the extended cab section
Wood rimmed steering wheel
Many idiosyncratic design touches and unique styling treatments
The Exterior
Extensive custom work, carried out by Mike Riley Engineering Services in 2018
Base Ford “1/2 Ton” Pickup cab has been extended and modified to accommodate a rear bench
Chevrolet Silverado flatbed installed
All steel work has been weathered, treated and sealed to achieve a “patinated” look
Ammunition box modified to accommodate a fuel tank
Log bumper installed
Aluminium barrel fashioned into a battery box
New glass has been installed in the cab
Many unique design touches, included bespoke handles, side-mounted barbecue grill made from a gas bottle, split-screen and widened front fenders
Custom built snorkel exhaust
The Mechanics
Converted to run a 6.5-litre Chevrolet turbodiesel engine from a 1998 truck
4L80E automatic transmission
Power brakes and ABS fitted
Power steering
Four-wheel drive
Dana 70 front axle
Dana 80 twin wheel rear axle
Refurbished propshaft
Leaf springs all round
The vendor tells us that the truck drives well, and they report no mechanical issues
Summary
Quite unlike anything else on the road, this “Moonshine” style truck is a genuine one-off. And it’s not often you can say that.
If you’re in the market for something that will elicit grins, questions and “can I sit in it” comments everywhere you go, then this is definitely the vehicle for you…
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1948 Ford Pickup – Custom 4WD with Chevrolet 6.5-litre V8 Turbodiesel
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