1937 Ford Pickup Custom
Ford’s prewar pickups represented practical utility with their 112-inch wheelbase, side-opening hoods, and sturdy construction.
The 1937 model introduced more rounded styling compared to previous years, with a distinctive V-shaped grille and non-integrated headlights that differentiated trucks from passenger cars. Most were powered by Ford’s reliable 221 cubic inch flathead V8 producing 85 horsepower.
This particular example took a different path entirely. Originally a four-door sedan, it underwent a remarkable 13-year transformation by Oakland Lincoln-Mercury service manager Ray Nish, who cycled through eight different engines, four transmissions, and five rear axles before settling on the final specification.
The build eventually featured a 368 cubic inch Lincoln V8 mated to a Ford-O-Matic transmission from a 1957 Thunderbird, mounted in a modified 1956 Mercury chassis.
Hot Rod magazine documented the project in September 1963, noting Nish’s initial motivation was simply hauling landscaping dirt before the truck evolved into a show circuit competitor.
Awards followed at the 1961 and 1962 Oakland Grand National Roadster Show, with the Pearl and Byzantine Gold two-tone paint scheme (chosen by Nish’s wife Sally) complemented by period-correct custom touches including 1961 Thunderbird gauges and 1953 Mercedes-Benz bucket seats.
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