How Much Is a 1940 Ford Pickup Worth in 2025?

Most 1940 Ford pickups trade between about $20,000 and $75,000 in today’s market: drivers often fetch $20,000–$40,000, well-restored originals bring $45,000–$75,000, show-quality examples can reach $80,000–$95,000+, and high-end restomods routinely sell from $70,000 up to six figures. Project trucks typically land in the $5,000–$15,000 range. Actual value depends on originality, condition, provenance, and the quality of any modifications.

What Drives the Price of a 1940 Ford Pickup

Values hinge on a mix of authenticity, condition, and how the truck has been built or maintained. Collectors pay premiums for correct, steel-bodied examples with strong documentation, while custom builds can command more if the craftsmanship is exceptional.

• Originality and correctness: Stock, period-correct trucks with original-style flathead V8s and proper trim typically command stronger prices.
• Condition: Rust-free sheetmetal, straight panels, quality paint, and solid mechanicals matter greatly; frame-off restorations score highest.
• Quality of modifications: Restomods with pro-level work (modern V8s, upgraded brakes/suspension, clean wiring) can outperform stock values.
• Documentation and provenance: Receipts, photos of restorations, ownership history, and matching numbers where applicable build confidence.
• Market timing and venue: Online auctions broaden exposure; high-profile sales can set the tone, while private sales may be lower but quicker.
• Regional demand: Coastal and Sun Belt markets often see stronger prices due to buyer density and weather-preserved trucks.

In practice, two trucks that look similar in photos can be worlds apart in execution and originality; scrutinizing details and paperwork is critical to understanding value.

Current Price Ranges by Category

While each truck is unique, the following bands reflect typical asking and sale prices seen across dealer listings, online auctions, and private-party transactions in 2023–2025.

• Project/parts trucks: $5,000–$15,000 (non-running or incomplete, visible rust, needs major metal and mechanical work).
• Driver-quality originals or older restorations: $20,000–$40,000 (usable trucks with cosmetic wear, older paint, and serviceable mechanicals).
• Good to very good restorations: $45,000–$75,000 (solid metal, quality paint, period-correct details, sorted running gear).
• Concours/show-quality restorations: $80,000–$95,000+ (fresh, highly correct, professional frame-off restorations with documentation).
• High-end restomods: $70,000–$140,000+ (modern drivetrains, upgraded brakes/suspension, custom interiors, and top-tier finishes).

Expect overlap: an exceptional driver can breach the next tier, while a dated restoration can slip downward; restomod values scale sharply with build quality and component choices.

Recent Market Signals (2023–2025)

Activity since the pandemic surge has normalized, but prewar Ford pickups remain resilient thanks to cross-generational appeal and strong parts support.

• Stabilization after 2021–2022 highs: Driver-level prices softened slightly in 2024, then held steady into 2025.
• Quality gap widening: Best-in-class restorations and professional restomods continue to outperform middling builds.
• Online auction dominance: Well-presented trucks with thorough photo sets and documentation sell more predictably and closer to retail.
• Originality premium: Period-correct restorations draw strong interest from marque purists and concours buyers.
• Cost-to-build reality: With restoration and custom-build costs elevated, finished trucks often trade below replacement cost—supporting values for high-quality examples.

The net effect: clean, well-documented trucks sell briskly at realistic reserves, while average examples take longer and may require price flexibility.

How to Estimate the Value of Your Truck

A grounded valuation starts with documentation and an honest condition audit, followed by comparison to recent, verified sales of similar trucks.

1. Document identity: Verify VIN/frame numbers and any tags; gather titles, registrations, and historical paperwork.
2. Assess body and frame: Inspect cab corners, floor pans, lower fenders, running boards, bed wood, and frame rails for rust or repairs.
3. Check originality: Note steel vs fiberglass panels, correct grille and trim, period-correct engine and components, and factory-style interior.
4. Evaluate mechanicals: Engine compression, cooling (flathead heat management), transmission and clutch operation, brakes, and steering.
5. Review paint and chrome: Quality, age, orange peel, overspray, and plating condition; show-level finishes materially increase value.
6. Electrical and fuel systems: Wiring neatness, fuse protection, lighting, gauges, and fuel delivery reliability.
7. Document work: Compile receipts and restoration/build photos; buyers pay for proof.
8. Find comps: Compare to recent sales from reputable auction platforms and dealers, matching condition and build type.
9. Adjust for venue and region: Prices vary between private sale, dealer retail, and auctions; factor fees and transport.
10. Consider a professional appraisal: Especially for insurance agreed value or high-end sales.

This process helps anchor a realistic range and supports negotiation with tangible evidence, reducing surprises during pre-sale inspections.

Red Flags That Depress Value

Several issues can quickly move a 1940 Ford pickup from the top of its bracket to the bottom.

• Hidden or extensive rust, thick filler, or poorly executed patch panels.
• Title/VIN irregularities, missing tags, or inconsistent documentation.
• Fiberglass body panels presented as steel, or hard-to-source original trim missing.
• Poor-quality restomod work: unsafe wiring, budget brake/suspension swaps, or misaligned bodywork.
• Mechanical red flags: overheating flathead, noisy gearbox, weak brakes, or steering slop.
• Mismatch between description and reality: “fresh restoration” with visible wear or shortcuts.

Correcting these problems is costly; buyers discount accordingly, and insurers may balk at agreed values without remediation.

Cost to Restore vs. Buy Finished

With labor and materials at post-pandemic prices, it’s often cheaper—and faster—to purchase a finished truck than to build one from a project.

• Body and paint: $15,000–$40,000+ depending on rust repair and finish level.
• Chrome/trim restoration: $4,000–$10,000+ for grille, bumpers, handles, and brightwork.
• Interior: $3,000–$8,000 for upholstery, dash, gauges, and hardware.
• Mechanical rebuilds: $5,000–$15,000 for engine, transmission, axle, brakes, and steering.
• Electrical and plumbing: $1,000–$3,000 for harnesses, lighting, fuel, and cooling systems.
• Labor rates: Commonly $75–$125/hour at specialist shops; complex builds escalate quickly.
• Restomod components: $10,000–$40,000+ for crate engine/trans, front suspension kits, disc brakes, wheels/tires, and EFI.

Total outlays for full restorations frequently exceed $40,000–$100,000+, and pro-level restomods can surpass $150,000—figures that frame realistic market values for completed trucks.

Insurance and Ownership Costs

Beyond purchase price, budget for protection and upkeep to maintain value and safety.

• Agreed-value insurance: Roughly $300–$900/year depending on value, usage, and storage.
• Storage: Indoor, dry storage preserves wood and sheetmetal; premiums for climate control.
• Maintenance: Regular fluids, brake checks, cooling-system attention (especially on flatheads).
• Parts availability: Strong aftermarket support, though original trim and correct hardware can be costly and scarce.
• Documentation: Keeping detailed maintenance logs sustains resale value.

These ongoing costs are modest relative to value preservation and can materially influence resale outcomes.

Summary

In 2025, a 1940 Ford pickup is commonly worth $20,000–$75,000, with exceptional restorations nearing $95,000+ and top-tier restomods stretching into six figures; projects usually sit under $15,000. The strongest prices go to well-documented, steel-bodied, expertly finished trucks—whether stock or professionally customized. To pinpoint a specific truck’s value, verify identity and condition, gather documentation, compare to recent, like-for-like sales, and consider a professional appraisal for insurance and negotiating confidence.

What is the most sought after old Ford truck?

1. 1997 Ford F-150. The 1997 Ford F-150 introduced a complete redesign with a more aerodynamic look, coil spring front suspension, and improved ride comfort. It marked the shift to a new design era, making it one of the most searched trucks among fans who appreciate its mix of modern features and strong performance.

How much is a 1948 Ford truck worth today?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $23,950 for a 1948 Ford F-1 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.

What is a 1941 Ford pickup worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $27,450 for a 1941 Ford Model 11C 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.

How many 1940 Ford pickups were made?

Just Your Everyday Pickup. ord Motor Company produced “only” slightly more than 45,000 pickups in 1940, making it one of the rarer Fords. That’s a shame, as all of us can see it truly is a good-looking pickup and one many a hot rodder would truly enjoy having as a daily driver.