[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

This Ford is back up for auction on EBay: item no 221078637963

After being relisted (several times?), this truck is "NOW SOLD" (as per Oct. 2012):

1942 Ford 218T

This civilian pattern truck, used by US forces as a General Service Truck, was the forerunner to the G8T (a later contract truck with a more standardised military specification, instrumentation and equipment etc)

158” wheel base, 3.9L side valve V8, original 1947 'demob' registration number, taxed, new red V5C present, MOT exempt.

This truck received a full nut and bolt restoration in the hands of the previous owner, who was well known in the Kent military vehicle preservation world in the 1980s/90s. He used as many new old stock parts as he could find, many being genuine ex MOD stock supplied by Nordian Services, well known to Ford V8 collectors.

The chassis, springs, steering and driveline were all fully rebuilt, and a post war Ford 5.14:1 ratio ring and pinion set were fitted inside the original 1942 Ford axle case. This allows the truck to keep up with modern traffic without effort, and gives an easy 60mph cruising speed.

The brakes were fully rebuilt and silicone fluid used, for trouble free service. The truck has a set of Michelin X radial tyres fitted, all with excellent tread.

The cargo body was built from scratch using hardwood throughout, the stake sides are fixed, but could be removed should a new owner prefer a flat bed. There are two steel tool lockers mounted under the bed at the rear of the body.

The truck has original NOS instrumentation. Currently running its original 6 volt electrical system, always starts first time hot or cold.

During restoration the truck cab required minimal repairs, see photo of underside of cab floor, and door bottoms. Many new rubber parts, glass weather stripping, cab floor mat etc, were obtained from specialist reproduction parts suppliers in the USA, the seat was also reupholstered, and a new headlining card fitted.

This is a rare truck that is in very good usable order, and drives really well, just as a flathead Ford V8 should! As the truck was restored several years ago, and extensively shown, there are a few minor cosmetic issues that a new owner may like to address, such as repainting the engine and ancillaries.

I have owned this truck for 13 years, and have thoroughly enjoyed owning and driving it. However I’m now working on a new Ford truck project, and need the room.
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Any questions please contact me, either by email via 'ask a question' or on 07835 068 376 (Stuart)

Dimensions: Length 21’ Width 7’ Height 7’ 6”


I have been asked if this truck is the same as a regular civilian version. Yes it is, so if you wanted to paint it a gloss colour, perhaps also sign written, then it would be perfectly in keeping. Immediately after the war many ex WWII trucks were pressed into civilain use, as new lorries were almost impossible to come by for the smaller operator.

NOW SOLD