While the All Ford Day in Geelong, Victoria, is rightly thought of as a car show, this annual event isn’t just about cars. Held at Eastern Gardens, only a short distance from the birthplace of Ford Australia on Geelong’s waterfront, the All Ford Day also welcomes all manner of Ford-badged commercial vehicles, from utes and panel vans to larger pickups and tray trucks - even prime movers.
Ford may not be thought of a manufacturer of military commercial vehicles, but the rare utility featured shows that they did.
Certainly one of the rarest vehicles on display at this year’s 35th Anniversary All Ford Day, this 1939 ute would be rare anywhere, as it’s believed to be the only complete and running example in Australia.
Officially designated as a “1-ton heavy utility,” this vehicle was built at Ford’s Geelong plant in the early years of World War II – specifically for use by the Australian Army’s artillery regiments - before British and American trucks became more readily available.
Combining the familiar “beer barrel” 1938/39 Ford truck grille and front end with a ute-style tub, heavy-duty truck axles, heavy-duty suspension and a 122-inch wheelbase, a quirk of this vehicle is its convertible roof for the cabin. This was a request from the army’s artillery units at the time. In the back, there’s troopcarrier-style seating for four, along with space to store the communications and operations equipment relative to 25-pounder gun batteries.
Power comes from a 221ci flathead V8, matched to a four-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.
This genuine ex-army vehicle was purchased by the current owner, Jack, in 2009. A 15-year restoration brought this super-rare roadster ute back to life, with three different vehicles stripped to provide all the panels and parts needed. Jack remade the rear section from scratch and fully rebuilt the engine. Since the restoration was completed, this unique ute has been displayed and driven at many events, including the ‘Corowa Swim In;’ an annual gathering for military vehicles.
Currently for sale, the asking price is $70,000 ono. For more details, call Jack on 0421 975 001.
For JUST CARS’ report from the 2026 All Ford Day, click HERE.
