A candy red Ford pickup that you might spot on the roads of the North Coast has a fascinating history.
Manufactured shortly before the start of World War 2 when Ford halted the production of 1942 Ford pickups, this one was found in pieces by local Ford enthusiast Poobal Govender and lovingly restored to mint condition.
Poobal, who owns a farm slap-bang in the middle of Seatides and Westbrook, picked up the iconic truck for R120 000 – even then a hefty price as the truck was in pieces.
With trucking in his blood, the retired trucking transport Ford owner who dabbles in the restoration of tractors spent 3 years restoring the Ford to an almost original condition, with the exception of some chrome work and a lick of paint.
What makes this Ford stand out is the 99.9% original engine, with the only exception being a modern alternator.
It even sports its original carburettor which is in near mint condition.
Poobal added custom 76mm stainless steel exhausts to highlight the already flamboyant pickup which originally hails from Rhodesia.
According to Poobal, he originally intended to buy a Mini Minor, which he enjoyed restoring at the time, from a Durban car dealer in 2013.
By chance he spotted the pickup and it was love at first sight.