Modified 1951 Fargo B Series Pilothouse Pick-Up Truck

Available on Collector Car Canada is a special truck, a modified 1951 Fargo B Series (B3B) Pilothouse Half-Ton Pick-Up Truck.  We say special because not only was it made in Canada, the name “Fargo” was marketed by the Chrysler Corporation only on trucks sold in Canada.  While there are Dodge-branded near-equivalents, the Fargos are considered more valuable, particularly in Canada, because of their relative scarcity – yet with a plentiful supply of Dodge parts.  The Fargos were offered at Chrysler Plymouth dealerships from 1936 – 1972 so that these dealerships had light trucks to sell while the Dodge DeSoto dealerships moved the Dodge-branded trucks, long before RAM was even a thing.  Original powertrain for this truck was a 218 cubic-inch straight six-cylinder engine producing 95 horsepower, though we set out below the details of the updated powertrain this truck provides.

Powered by a 1984 318 cubic-inch small block V8, the truck’s engine features ported heads from a 360 while exhaust exits via dual side pipes finished in polished tips – the owner calls it a muscle car under the hood.  The truck was professionally restored 15,000 miles ago in 2006 and rides on a Dodge truck chassis.  It comes with an automatic transmission, a move away from the truck’s original three-on-the-tree, sending power from the 318 to the rear wheels.  More modernity is on hand in the form of power steering and power brakes.  The name Pilothouse is to play up the open greenhouse of the car, with plenty of visibility for the period – fronted by a split two-piece windshield.  Under previous ownership, the truck was used as a dragster.  Under current ownership beginning in 2006, it was streamlined to be the street machine you see here.

The bed features wood planks alternating with chrome slats, planks are finished and show some wear.  It is in an enclosed step side box, backed by a custom vented tailgate.  Finished in yellow, this Fargo catches the eye at shows and cruise nights, where onlookers taking a closer look will not be disappointed – though paint possesses imperfections as shown in the gallery and the driver’s door is slightly misaligned.

Hood is clamshell style with hinges for each of the two opening panels mounted in the centre.  The trademark Fargo hood ornament remains in place, fronted by a circular globe which is matched by another in the custom grille.  Polished period dragster racing wheels are skinned in blackwalls all around, installed 2017 – BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A’s in the rear, P235/75R15, and Michelin Greens in the front for a smoother ride than the Mud Terrains would provide, sized P215/70R15.

Inside, the truck is very clean and presentable – primary colours are black and green, to complement the metal facings painted in the same yellow as the body.  Headliner, sun visors and door cards show a neutral green which complements the yellow, door windows power-operated.  The bench is equipped with three lap belts and was refinished in black vinyl in 2020 while fresh air enters the cabin from a vent fore of the cowl.

This Fargo is equipped with an AutoMeter 120 MPH speedometer mounted in the opening provided by the custom three open-spoke steering wheel.  There is a four-in-one accessory gauge set mounted mid-dash – readings for Fuel, Oil Pressure, Water Temperature and Volts are provided there.  An original-style chrome-trimmed Electrohome radio remains in place, though its function has been replaced by a modern Sony head unit (with remote), mounted in the glove box – where two USB inputs are also installed, and supported by speakers in the dash.  Ignition and headlight controls are also in the centre (remaining switches are blanks) and front the automatic shifter topped with a chrome knob.

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Under the hood, the package is also impressive.  Chrome appointments are in abundance, particularly on the air cleaner and oil filler cap.  Mopar valve covers on the 318 broadcast the Chrysler Corporation heritage of this now-defunct marque.  Wires and hoses appear soft and flexible.  The battery is equipped with a “kill switch”, for disconnecting without tools before longer periods of non-use.

Select details of the build are as listed below:

• Engine – 1984 318 small block Dodge / 360 ported head at 0.060

• MOPAR performance row timing chain

• MOPAR performer oil pan

• Transmission – Dodge 904 with lock on converter (Dexron oil)

• Rear end – 1977 Maverick with 2.79 ratio 8-inch rear

• Steering – Mustang, rack and pinion

• Suspension – Brickwell Racing AFCO 20032-1 upper ball joint and AFCO 20038-1 lower ball joint

• Lower control arms – BRD 5162 Brickwell Racing, as above

The underside presents as free of corrosion, with several suspension parts painted to match the body colour.  Frame is strong and undamaged.  Dual exhaust side pipes are accented by polished tips.  Past maintenance records, inspection certificates and documentation will be provided to the new owner – they are plentiful enough to need a box.  In terms of needs, the seller reports that there is no gear indicator on the shifter; Ontario bidders – he otherwise expects it to pass safety as it sits.  He also suggests that this truck can be daily-driven and is quite at home in the passing lane on a divided highway.

This Modified 1951 Fargo B Series Pilothouse Pick-Up Truck is available with documents and an indoor cover from the owner in Oakville, Ontario.

More videos and Photo Gallery appear below the bidding section. 

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