The vehicle featured in this article is a restored and modified 1935 Ford Half-Ton Pickup. The modification job on this classic truck is excellent and the vehicle shines from front to back.
The Success of the 1935 Ford half-Ton
Ford’s pickup trucks during the 1930’s, a very difficult decade financially to say the least, were noted for their durability and relatively low prices. The 1935 Ford light trucks were a success. They sold very well. In fact, 1935 was a good year for Ford all around. Passenger cars and truck sales were high mostly due to improvements in both engineering and styling. Most collectors feel that the 1935 Ford had a more modern look.
Total Ford production for 1935 was said to be 820,200. This put Ford in first place in front of second place Chevrolet at 548,000 units.
1935 Redesigning
Ford has produced trucks since 1908. Their first model was the Ford Model TT.
Another interesting fact is that Ford Motor Company was known to outsource the body work to coachbuilders for about the first quarter century of it’s existence. As far a convertible tops were concerned, two firms, O.J. Beaudette and the American Top Co. of Jackson, Michigan were Ford’s initial suppliers. Starting with the Model A in the mid twenties Ford began to produce most of their automobile bodies.
The 1935 Ford light pickup was redesigned from the previous year. The 1935 Ford trucks borrowed some design ideas from their passenger car lineup. This included a redesigned grille and fenders as well as a raked windshield. The cab itself was improved where no longer would wood be used for the sub structure. The 1935 Ford Pickup cab was all one piece.
More Changes for 1935
As part of the 1935 redesign, the cargo bed length was also increased to 69.0 inches. A sliding rear cab window was also offered as an option with the 1935 models. Also in 1935, the spare tire was put along side the cargo bed.
An interesting side note is that the body shops and dealerships of the mid 1930’s had a tough time with the Fords bumper and fender arrangement. The front fenders actually had a hole in them for the bumper arms to be attached. The bumper arms had to be removed just to do a fender change. Complaints were made to Henry Ford regarding this and the issue was resolved in Ford’s 1936 model.
Another item for 1935 was the V-8 engine offered in the Ford Half-Ton Pickup.
The 35 Ford Pickup was also offered as a Duluxe and came with the Swan neck shaped shifter, and the “V” shaped passenger car bumper. The Deluxe models became available late in 1935.
1935 Ford half-Ton Pickup Specifications
Original engine was a 221 cu. in. L-head V8.
Transmission was a three speed sliding gear manual.
Wheelbase was 112.0 inches
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Collector Car Values
The 1935 Ford Half-Ton Pickup is a popular model for both collectors and hot rodders. If you’re lucky and find a 1935 to 1937 Ford Half-Ton for a restoration project you might pay something under $10,000. How much under $10,000 obviously depends on the non restored condition.
Automotive auction prices for restored 1935 to 1937 Ford Half-Tons are in a wide range. I have seen prices asked approaching $50,000 for a finely restored Ford 1935 model. As of this writing a finely restored 1935 Ford Half-Ton Pickup sold for $41,000. By the same token a highly modified 1935 Ford Half-Ton saw about $10,000.
In many instances a heavily modified 1935 to 1937 Ford Half Ton will see considerably less than a non modified expertly restored model. The selling prices climb when you have an expertly restored truck with as many original parts as possible. Not necessarily an easy truck to come up with but when they go to auction they can garner some very impressive selling prices.
(Article and photos copyright 2013 AutoMuseumOnline)