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Throughout the '30s Ford and Chevy vied for the pickup buyer's dollar. They did it with plain-Jane, utilitarian, inexpensive vehicles that may have been short on luxury, but were long on rugged service. In 1940, the Depression firmly behind us, Ford introduced its more modern-looking pickup, with styling that mirrored Ford's standard coupe and even Lincoln's Zephyr. The humble Ford pickup was entering a new decade of style and service.
THIS is the 1:24 scale version of FM's '40 pickup to get. Painted in gleaming, all-over black, this image looks striking and belongs in any die cast collection of working vehicles. Though this older vintage die cast isn't feature rich, the detailing is crisp and abundant. The dashboard is nicely done, as is the under-the-hood replication of Ford's famous flat-head V-8. The tailgate drops down, supported by its miniature chains. The undercarriage detailing is also up to par. What little chrome there is provides just the right amount of accent to the no-nonsense, gloss-black paint job. FM has re-worked this set of dies big time. With three versions of Christmas trucks ('96, '97 & '99), and three other versions to boot, I still don't think we've seen the last of the '40. Of all the versions, however, this one's the cleanest looking.
Ford's faithful '40 has become a classic, as well as a custom hot rod builder's basic platform. It was forged from out of the decade of America's national anguish, and heralded our recovery as a nation. It's earned its place in our collective hearts. The issue price is $90. (04/06/2000)
(04/06/2000)
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