Ford 218T 1.5ton 3.9L V8

[Larry Hayward]

Who used this vehicle in WW2

Was it exported to the Russians or did the British and Commonwealth Armies get some too?

When was it first produced; prewar?

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Larry

Is this the critter you are talking about? http://www.milweb.net/classifieds/classpics/59364s.jpg

According to what I've read they where militarized versions of commercial trucks sold to the military, from various sources, I've seen photos of vary similar vehicles by most Common Wealth Nations. A visually identical truck was also used my most if not all US Forces.

As to lend lease to Russia I don't know.

Cheers Phil

[cliff]

Originally Posted by Phil Waterman

Is this the critter you are talking about? http://www.milweb.net/classifieds/classpics/59364s.jpg

the Ford pictured by Phil was built from 1942 to about 1948. I believe that they were also lendleased to the Soviet Forces as well.

[John Mackie]

Larry .
Is your truck right or left hand drive ?
If it is RHD the model should be 218TF ( F for foreign ). This number should be stamped on the firewall near the voltage regulator .
I thought these came out with the smaller 221 CI. (3.6 L ) engine. The chassis number may shed some light on the matter.
I have a similar truck and also the specific parts book.

John.

[Larry Hayward]

Sadly the truck is not mine

However it is left hand drive - so does that make it a truck for home use in the USA or would the Russians have had this version rather than the UK

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Larry Hayward

Sadly the truck is not mine

However it is left hand drive - so does that make it a truck for home use in the USA or would the Russians have had this version rather than the UK

Larry,
I am sure this Ford was around in the early 1980's and belonged to an IMPS member from North Kent area. Cannot recollect its history, but think it had been found in this country, and was not a recent import. The person who would know was a friend of the then owner and I have not seen him for a few years.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Phil Waterman

Is this the critter you are talking about? http://www.milweb.net/classifieds/classpics/59364s.jpg

According to what I've read they where militarized versions of commercial trucks sold to the military, from various sources, I've seen photos of vary similar vehicles by most Common Wealth Nations. A visually identical truck was also used my most if not all US Forces.

As to lend lease to Russia I don't know.

Here are better pictures of the Ford 218T offered for sale on MilWeb: http://www.milweb.net/webverts/59364/.
The 218T is the 1942 model of the 158" wb 1-1/2 Ton Truck with V8 engine.

Please see the thread on the Ford 2G8T 1½ Ton Cargo Truck and note the differences.

H.

[Richard Farrant]

After seeing the better picture link that Hanno has posted above, this is the truck I was describing and I thought it was a late Forties registration. Quite possible it was used on a US airfield or army base over here for domestic use and that is how it was demobed in '47.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

This truck is for sale again, see Ebay Item number: 221065079044.

I saw it in the metal at Beltring a few years ago, must say it is a beautifully restored truck.

1942 Ford 218T Stake & Platform Truck, WW2, Flathead V8, USA, Jeep.
Starting bid: £5,950.00
Item location: Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom
Seller information Member ID v8simcat ( Feedback score of 463)

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, which is all working correctly. 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. I am situated about 7 miles from the War & Peace show, so should it sell, any purchaser could collect it then. Truck is available for viewing any time except on Sunday 8th July.

This is a realistic price for well sorted truck, there is no reserve!

Any questions email me, thanks, Stuart.

Paypal deposit of £250 within 48 hours, balance in cash please on collection.

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

[Richard Farrant]

Hanno,
I remember this truck coming to local events nearly 30 years ago, and from the photos it still looks the same as it did then.

[Larry Hayward]

Quite a strange arrangement for the tail gate. Not the usual kind you would expect on a GS mil truck that needs to cater for a wide variety of loads. No doubt it was designed that way for a purpose but looks like a truck used to load livestock?

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

This truck is for sale again, see Ebay Item number: 221065079044.

I saw it in the metal at Beltring a few years ago, must say it is a beautifully restored truck.

Auction ended with 0 bids.....

[Hanno Spoelstra]

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

Does anyone have pictures of Ford trucks in stake and platform configuration in military use?

Recently found this one, in service in CONUS most likely (source: http://forum.armyairforces.com/quotB...t-m192150.aspx)

[Les Freathy]

I may be wrong but i think the original owners name was Roy ????? and he was a good friend of Mark Farmer who at the time had purchased a rare Ford RO1T van. I think Roy came from the Dartford or Medway area in Kent
cheers
Les

[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.
.
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