This 1936 Ford Model 51 stands out with a slightly revised radiator shell and wheels, distinguishing it from the earlier 1935 1/2 models. The paint and trim are in excellent condition, with the chrome front bumper fitting tightly to the body. The cargo bed, with its beautiful oak floor, is particularly striking and adds a touch of craftsmanship to the truck.
The truck rides on Coker Classic wide whitewall tires, size 6.00-16, at all four corners. These tires are mounted on red-and-gold factory wheels, complete with chrome center caps. On the passenger side of the cargo bed is a full-size spare tire and wheel. The spare is an Atlas Grip-Sure wide whitewall, size 6.00-16, mounted on a factory wheel. Both the tires and wheels are in good, original condition. This Model 51 rides on a 131.5-inch wheelbase, offering a solid and stable platform for driving.
Under the V-shaped hood is a 221 CID, 21-stud Flathead V-8 engine that breathes through dual exhausts. The engine is paired with a three-speed sliding gear manual transmission. Ford equipped the engine with an automatic ignition retard/advance system actuated by centrifugal force, which is driven by the camshaft. It also features two water pumps driven by a belt, the same belt that powers the generator and cooling fan. The engine uses a single Solex 30 LFFK two-barrel downdraft carburetor, fed by a mechanically driven fuel pump mounted on the intake plenum.
The engine’s torque is sent through a dry single-disk clutch to the three-speed sliding-mesh transmission, which lacks synchronization due to its design. This configuration gives the truck its vintage, mechanical charm but requires a bit more finesse to operate compared to modern transmissions.
Inside, the truck boasts a gorgeous red cloth bench seat, and the headliner is in excellent condition. The dashboard is red metal, with gold-faced gauges that complement the aesthetic. The black, three-spoke "banjo-style" steering wheel adds to the vintage vibe of the interior, and the felt or cloth inner door panels are in very good order. The truck does have inoperative wipers, and a floor-mounted shifter rounds out the interior setup.
In 1936, this Model 51 faced competition from Chevrolet’s Model FB, Dodge’s D100, GMC’s T14 half-ton, and Plymouth’s P2 pickup trucks. Despite this competition, the Ford Model 51’s combination of classic design and durable engineering makes it a sought-after example of American automotive history.
