350 V8 / 700R4 / S-10 Chassis / Cold A/C

1940 Ford F1 Street Rod Pickup – Chevy 350 V8 / 700R4 / S-10 Chassis / Cold A/C

If you're after a classic pre-war Ford pickup that drives like a modern cruiser, this 1940 Ford F1 delivers the best of both worlds—timeless looks with proven small-block power, an overdrive automatic, and an S-10 chassis foundation for a comfortable, confidence-inspiring ride. Finished in a sharp two-tone look with deep maroon/burgundy paint over glossy black fenders, this truck has a clean, purposeful stance and the right upgrades to make it enjoyable on real roads—not just at shows.

Highlights
Chevrolet 350ci V8

700R4 automatic transmission (overdrive for highway cruising)

S-10 chassis swap for improved ride quality, steering, and road manners

Air conditioning – blows cold

Aluminum radiator with electric fans

Classic two-tone finish: maroon/burgundy body with black fenders

Black 5-spoke wheels with polished lip and white-letter “Sport HP” tires

Gray wood plank bed floor with hidden battery compartment

Upgraded Dolphin gauge cluster

JVC stereo discreetly mounted behind a flip-down panel

Exterior & Styling
This truck nails the classic '40 Ford pickup silhouette with a clean, glossy presentation. The deep maroon/burgundy paint contrasts perfectly with the black fenders, giving it that traditional hot-rod look without being overdone. Up front you'll notice the vintage-style grille and headlights paired with a chrome front bumper. The stance is spot-on—aggressive enough to look right, but clearly set up to be driven.

Rolling stock is a great match: black 5-spoke wheels with a machined/polished outer lip, wrapped in white-letter Sport HP tires for a period-correct performance vibe.

Interior & Cabin
Inside, the truck keeps a clean, driver-focused feel with tasteful upgrades:

Black pleated bench seat with a fresh, simple look

Wood-rim steering wheel on a sporty black center

Dolphin gauges, including a speedometer and multi-gauge readout (fuel, temp, oil, volts)

Column shifter (pairs perfectly with the 700R4 for easy cruising)

A/C controls integrated in the dash area – and the system blows cold

JVC head unit tucked neatly behind a flip-down panel for a cleaner, uncluttered dash

Drivetrain & Cooling
Under the hood sits a dependable Chevy 350 V8 topped with a traditional round air cleaner setup. It's backed by a 700R4 overdrive automatic, making this truck far more enjoyable on the highway compared to older 3-speed/4-speed setups.

Cooling is handled by an aluminum radiator with electric fans, and the engine bay shows a clean, functional layout that's clearly built to run and drive, not just photograph well.

Chassis & Undercarriage
The S-10 chassis is the cornerstone of this build, giving the truck modernized road manners while keeping the classic body lines everyone wants. The underside photos show a solid, driver-ready setup with:

Clean frame presentation

Dual exhaust routing

Rear-mounted fuel tank setup

A well-packaged drivetrain layout consistent with an S-10 based build

Bed & Utility Details
The rear bed is finished with a gray wood plank floor, and there's a clever touch: a hidden battery access compartment built into the bed floor, keeping things clean while maintaining easy service access.

Overall
This 1940 Ford is the kind of hot rod pickup that works on every level: classic looks, real comfort, and the mechanical combo that makes it fun and dependable—Chevy 350 power, 700R4 overdrive, S-10 chassis, cold A/C, and upgraded cooling.