Classic 1939 Ford flathead V8 truck: From coalfields workhorse to showpiece

Bryan’s parents had Valiants, a Ford flathead truck and a Bedford truck.

Bryan’s Ford flathead truck was bought from Brown Bros (NZ) Ltd in 2013.

A mechanic gave him the heads up that it would be for sale.

The owner knew Bryan would keep it standard and not rip it to pieces to make a hot rod.

Bryan Southall has owned his 1939 Ford flathead V8 truck since 2013. Photo / Catherine Fry

“This particular 1939, 3-tonne Ford flathead V8 was imported from the United States and known as the barrel-nose model due to its distinctive front grille shape.

“They were made for two years, in 1938 and 1939.”

Dual rear wheels. Photo / Catherine Fry

The petrol engine offers 95hp and has a four-speed crash gearbox, which requires double-clutching to change gears.

The front axle has two wheels, and the rear axle has dual wheels.

Bryan Southall prefers to keep as much of his Ford flathead truck in original condition only restoring where he needs to. Photo / Catherine Fry

“Brown Bros used the truck right up until 1984,” he said.

“That was the last rego, which is still stuck on the windscreen.

“It had sat in a shed for nearly 30 years.”

The truck was used as a support vehicle for Brown Bros water well drilling activities, and it was part of the early coal exploration for the Huntly coalfields.

The truck worked from 1939 to 1984, and the cab is still in original condition. Photo / Catherine Fry

Bryan has no plans to carry out a full restoration.

He appreciates the truck’s history and loves the patina of the bodywork and original signwriting.

Once he has done necessary restoration work, Bryan and his wife Viv will take their Ford flathead truck to truck shows. Photo / Catherine Fry

“I’ll just do the bare minimum to get it going again and compliant with modern requirements so we can start taking it to truck shows.

“I want to keep everything as authentic and original as possible.”

Bryan and Viv’s son Ken enjoys tinkering on old vehicles and has two cars of his own in the shed.

The Southalls hope Ken’s son continues the family passion for classic vehicles further down the track.