As Rare as a Cord! Only 216 were ever built. See the letter from the Edison FordMuseum,Curatorof Special Collections, David R, Crippen.
Theoriginalletter is included in the sale.
NADA has no listing record for this rare truck. Mecum records shows no listing for a 1933 Ford Short Bed. In 2007 Mercum had recorded an offer of $15,000 bid on a 1934 less rare, 157 inch wheelbase of which 1689 were manufactured That offer was turned down. Call them and confirm.
Why So Rare?
The rarity is due to the effects of the Great Depression. The US was broke. Grown men were selling apples on the streets tosurvive.Because of few sales due to the Great Depression which hit hardest in 1932 and 1933,earlyin the 33HenryFord, shut down the line ending production of these trucks. When times got better, Henry restarted the line toward the end of 1934. Only 216 of the 1933 1 1/2 ton short flatbed truck were built. That same year 15,000 pickups were built. These trucks were known as watermelontrucks because theydrove in muddy fields well.Production numbers prove this truck was built at the end of 1932. It was during those hard times that Ford tried to persuade Harley Davidson to allow him tomarketthe Harley Davidson Servi Car. Harley turned down Ford's offermarketingthe Servi Car themselves.
With a future, 100% restoration in mind all original parts even the smallest screw was labeled and saved. The headlight glass has an amber tint and is Ford script andoriginal. Mechanically in 100% condition. The engine was rebuilt, it is tight with no smoke and really pushes at theexhaustpipe. Break rods were replaced and the steering is tight.Originallyit was restored to be used for billboard advertising along the famousNew Jersey Shore where it met with great acceptance.Includedwith the sale are many rare parts. Water pumps which are the short ones made the C Block which only was produced for two years. New Zenith carburetor, generator, newwiringharness and a lot more parts.Truck had a cab of in 1989. It looks good but could use a professional restoration.A rare Ford parts manua, " The Bible", whichdetailsthe smallest screw and even tells the type of steel or plating. Also included in the sale is thecompletehistory andlibrary.
Do not let this one get away. Contact me to inspect and for a test ride.
Thank You
Michael Yaccarino