How many 1936 Ford pickups were made?
About 60,000–80,000 1936 Ford pickups were built.
The 1936 Ford pickup stands as a notable example of Ford's early small-truck line, but exact production totals by model year are not publicly published by Ford. Historians and collector catalogs offer range estimates rather than a single definitive figure. This article examines what is known, what is disputed, and how researchers approach early-1930s production data.
Context: the 1936 Ford pickup in Ford’s lineup
The 1936 model year introduced updates to Ford’s light-truck lineup that carried over from the previous years of the–then-still-growing–pickup market. These vehicles shared engineering with contemporary Ford passenger cars but were marketed and documented differently within dealership and press materials. Understanding the 1936 pickup requires distinguishing between what Ford labeled a “pickup” versus other light-truck body styles in the same era, and recognizing that records from the period often combined light trucks in production tallies.
What counts as a 1936 pickup?
In historical sources, “pickup” can refer to several closely related light-truck configurations, including standard two-door cab pickups and similar open-bed models produced by Ford in 1936. Because factory records from the era rarely itemize by exact body style in public-facing documents, researchers typically rely on production summaries that group light trucks by year and model line, then cross-reference with catalogs and period advertising to approximate the pickup subset.
Production estimates and sources
Industry catalogs and historical compilations consistently present a range rather than a single number for 1936 Ford pickups. The following estimates reflect the best-available synthesis from reference works and collector research.
- 60,000–80,000 pickups produced in 1936 (commonly cited range in collector catalogs and reference books).
These figures stem from a combination of Ford’s era production summaries (when available in archival form), the Standard Catalog of American Cars and similar reference works, and retrospective reporting in automotive history publications. Ford did not publish a by-model-year, by-body-style tally for this period in a way that is readily accessible today, which is why ranges rather than exact totals are typically cited.
Why the numbers vary
Several factors contribute to differing totals among sources, including how a “pickup” is defined, whether export and special-order vehicles are included, and how production was counted in the factory ledger versus dealer or registry tallies. In the 1930s, record-keeping practices and publication norms differed from modern standards, which is why researchers present ranges and explain their methodology rather than a single precise figure.
Data sources and verification
For readers seeking deeper verification, these are the primary kinds of sources researchers consult when estimating 1936 Ford pickup production:
- Ford archival materials and factory production summaries (where accessible via corporate archives or museum repositories).
- The Standard Catalog of American Cars (various editions by authors like Beverly Rae Karslake, John Gunnell, and colleagues).
- Period trade publications, dealership catalogs, and contemporary press that reference light-truck production for model-year 1936.
- Hemmings Motor News and other automotive history outlets that synthesize archival data for collector audiences.
Because exact by-model-year totals are not widely published by Ford, researchers emphasize cross-referencing multiple sources and acknowledging a range rather than a fixed number.
Summary
The exact production total for 1936 Ford pickups is not published as a precise figure by Ford, and researchers converge on a broadly similar range rather than a single number. The commonly cited estimate places production in the tens of thousands, roughly between 60,000 and 80,000 units, reflecting Ford’s heavy involvement in the light-truck segment during the mid-1930s. As with many early-automotive production counts, the figure depends on definitions and source material, making a definitive tally elusive. For enthusiasts and historians, the takeaway is that the 1936 Ford pickup was produced in substantial quantities, solidifying its role in Ford’s early commercial vehicle lineup.
What is a 1936 Ford pickup worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $29,350 for a 1936 Ford Model 67 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
Is the 1936 Ford a good investment?
The value of a 1936 Ford Model 68 Standard can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $31,300 for a 1936 Ford Model 68 Standard in good condition with average spec.
What is the difference between 1935 and 1936 Ford trucks?
Key Differences: * Grille: The 1935 grille is more vertical, while the 1936 grille is slightly more slanted. * Hood: The 1936 hood often has a more pronounced peak in the center. Therefore, it's safest to say it's a 1935 or 1936 Ford Pickup.
How many 1936 Ford coupes were made?
There were two coupes available from Ford in 1936: the five-window with 107,472 produced in both Standard and Deluxe, and the Deluxe-only three- window, of which 21446 were produced. Total 1936 Ford production was 930,778.
