1939 Ford Pickup for Sale With 84,000 Miles ShownAutoblogKyle EdwardThu, September 24, 2026 at 4:12 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Prewar pickups that still run on flathead power are getting scarce, and this Ford was one of the many that sat for decades before somebody took it on. The seller bought it as a non-running project in 2023, rebuilt the generator, starter, and fuel pump, converted it to 12 volts, and has since used it for local errands. Bidding stands at $5,100 with four days remaining and nine bids placed.1939 Ford PickupBring a TrailerWhat it's worth right nowListings on ClassicCars.com show 1939 Fords starting at $2,500, with restored and customized examples running far higher. Original-leaning pickups that run and drive but carry cosmetic wear trade well below fully restored trucks, which command a premium for paint, chassis, and documentation.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis truck sits in the driver column. The mechanical revival, fresh wide whitewalls, and refinished bed help, while paint cracks, corrosion underneath, oil leaks, inoperable gauges, and a likely non-original engine hold it back. Fair value lands between $12,000 and $20,000, with $15,000 most likely. The current bid of $5,100 has four days to run.1939 Ford PickupBring a TrailerCondition and detailsThe mechanical revival is the main work. In 2023 the seller installed a Stromberg carburetor and an E-Fire electronic distributor, rebuilt the generator and fuel pump, replaced the head gaskets, cylinder head studs and bolts, ignition coil, plugs, wires, battery, and brake cylinders, and fitted Coker wide whitewalls. The water pumps and voltage regulator followed in 2026 along with a starter rebuild, and a 12-volt conversion has been completed.1939 Ford PickupBring a TrailerThe engine question needs understanding. The listing describes a 239ci V8, and the seller states in the comments that the heads are 59AB castings he believes date from 1946 to 1948, meaning the engine is likely not original to the 1939 truck, though he believes the transmission is. He adds that the truck's prior history is unknown and that it appears to have sat since the 1980s or 1990s.1939 Ford PickupBring a TrailerSeveral faults are disclosed. Scratches and paint cracks mark the black finish, the bottom of the windshield frame is pitted with rust, there is corrosion underneath, and the transmission drain plug and oil pan leak. The amperage, coolant temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure gauges do not work, and an auxiliary oil pressure gauge has been added. A pre-purchase inspection should check the frame and cab mounts.1939 Ford PickupBring a TrailerAdvertisementAdvertisementThe offerSpecificationDetailMakeFordModelHalf-Ton PickupYear1939Mileage84,000 miles shown, total unknownEngine239ci flathead V8, which the seller suspects is a later 59AB unitPower95 horsepowerTransmissionThree-speed manualDrive typeRear wheel driveExterior colorBlackInterior colorBlack vinylCurrent bid$5,100 with four days remainingInterested in this truck? View the listing here.What makes the 1939 Ford pickup uniqueBrakes made 1939 a turning point for Ford trucks. After years of resisting, Ford adopted hydraulic brakes that year, giving its pickups stopping power that matched the flathead V8 Henry Ford had put within reach of ordinary buyers in 1932. The styling, with its prominent grille and separate fenders, remains one of the most recognizable truck shapes of the era.1939 Ford PickupBring a TrailerSurvival in running form is what gives these value. Most prewar pickups were worked until they were worn out, then either scrapped, left to rot, or turned into hot rods, which means an intact truck still running on flathead power is increasingly uncommon. That scarcity supports prices for honest drivers, even when the engine under the hood came from a later year.My takeAt $5,100 with nine bids and four days to run, my call is $15,000, with $20,000 possible if the flathead and the original look pull two bidders. What makes it appealing is the work already done, since the seller turned a truck that had sat for decades into one that runs and drives, with a 12-volt conversion, rebuilt components, and a refinished bed. What holds it back is originality and wear, because the engine appears to be a later 59AB unit, several gauges do not work, and there is corrosion and leakage underneath. Inspect the frame, then enjoy it as the driver it is.AdvertisementAdvertisementDisclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
