1934 Ford Pickup

Are you ready for the ultimate in retro speed?

Ever wonder just how fast a classic 1930s Ford Pickup can go?

Ready to help me clear out a bay in my friend’s garage?

This listing is for a custom 1934 Ford pickup that’s been given a hot rod makeover and has been lovingly hacked and mangled into a speed demon by my retired friend Marty (who currently has a few too many project cars).

Originally built by the auto shop at Fremont High School in the Bay Area, Marty purchased this California speed demon in 1998 and it’s been giving him thrills (and a long list of to-do’s) ever since. Its fully-boxed 1934 frame paired with the original cab survives, but its engine was upgraded to the legendary Chevy 350 small block and paired up with a four-barrel carburetor and aluminum cylinder heads retrofitted with 206 valves for extra flow. Two sets of custom-coated pipes channel exhaust with just enough growl to please. Channeling power to the rear is a silky-smooth 700R 4-speed automatic with overdrive (EASY to run with a smooth B&R shifter) and a 1955 F150 411 rear end.

The front drum OEM brakes were just not enough to stop this beast of an engine, so Marty upgraded them to disc (rears are still drum, though). A 7” underfloor power assist for the brakes means mammoth stopping power for the 15x7 wheels. All this, paired with a leaf-spring-and-shock front suspension and springs-with-ladderbars in back makes for both smooth driving at freeway speeds (or, ahem, above freeway speeds) and great times off the line and quick stops.

The original cab had a 2-inch haircut to reduce the profile (and drag) and make the truck just that much faster. The interior is cloth-and-naugahyde with a bench seat and (mid-century) lap belts for two. A remote-controlled Jensen CDH900 180-watt CD player under the driver’s seat powers four overhead speakers for maximum ear comfort while cruising. As you might guess, that means a retrofit to a negative-ground 12V electrical system and a variety of gauges and accessories.

One accessory added for safety is a remote-controlled pair of bearclaw door locks (added after a door popped open at speed, scaring the willies out of Marty’s wife), along with modern wiper servos and DOT-friendly lighting all around. Engine accessories include a powerful 12V starter and mechanicals powered via the serpentine belt typical of hot rodded trucks.

Speaking of trucks, the pickup bed was custom-made to fit, and its contents (including a 15” spare tire and various hubcaps) are included in the purchase price (as are the Moonies headlight protectors). Also included is a ton of driving convenience--this beast runs no problem on normal unleaded gas year-round (even with California’s winter blend); the automatic is easy-to-drive; and the California registration is current and there are no emissions requirements in most of the US due to its age (though obviously you’ll want to verify that with your locality).

Now for the condition of the vehicle, Marty has done a ton of work recently (brake line bleed with new fluid, rebuilt 1932 copper radiator and grille), there is always work to do. The OEM gas tank, for example, currently has a bad sender and therefore the gas gauge doesn’t work (for that matter, some of the other gauges need wiring, too, though the tach, oil pressure, and temp work fine). The mileage isn’t exact because the speedometer isn’t wired, either (though if you’re using this as your daily driver, you’re missing the point). While rust isn't a huge problem in sunny California, the bottom of both doors could use patch panels, and there is a crack in the passenger-side window (though flat glass is relatively cheap to replace and both side windows and the windshield open/close no problem). And, of course, there is always tuning and maintenance to do (for example, the bearclaw locks require occasional cleaning), but that comes with the territory...

Note that this is also a light, powerful rear-wheel-drive vehicle and can still be a bit challenging to drive (especially with manual steering). She’s also not a show-ready truck today (she has a matte primer finish at present from a rattle-can paint job). That all said, the “Bumblebee” (as Marty’s kids call her) is a blast to drive. She’s fast and has the potential to make the right owner extremely happy. She’s got it where it counts for sure!

If you happen to be in the Bay Area, you’re free to pop down to San Jose and check her out. If you don’t, we’re perfectly happy to sell her to you, but you’ll have to arrange transport.

The Bumblebee is an awesome starter hot-rod with all of the really tough fundamentals already worked out. You’ll be grinning from your first ride and cruising in a piece of American automotive history for years to come. Please Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have and happy bidding!

$500 Deposit within 48hrs of auction close. The remaining balance is required within 7 days of auction close.

Buyer is responsible for shipping and shipping cost. Will help load vehicle on trailer if need be.

This truck is being sold AS-IS and no warranties are implied by the seller.