Wooden 1978 Ford Truck to Hit Mecum Auction

A 1978 Ford truck built entirely of oak is set to hit Mecum’s 2026 Dallas/Fort Worth auction. The article reports that the vehicle, called ‘Dolphus 78’, will cross the block at the sale later this month. Jim Parker assembled it from 307 separate pieces of red oak, a process that shows the patience needed to build a moving wooden car.

The truck’s body is not carved from a single block but stitched together from many panels. This method explains the intricate detail of the finished vehicle and makes it a conversation piece even before it starts rolling.

Under the oak skin the truck uses standard Ford parts: a chassis, a 302‑cubic‑inch V8 engine, a three‑speed manual gearbox and a steering‑column shifter. The cab is also wooden, with a dash and steering wheel made from oak, tying the interior design to the exterior craftsmanship.

The vehicle appeals to two groups. Classic Ford fans will appreciate the familiar V8 and manual gearbox, while woodworking enthusiasts will value the oak construction. The article notes that a life‑size wooden Ford GT replica, built by Olivier De Schrijver, was previously sold only for display, showing how woodworkers are pushing automotive boundaries.

The auction will reveal whether buyers reward the truck’s drive‑able capability. While the car offers more than a sculpture, the hammer’s fall will determine if the added function commands a premium over purely ornamental wooden vehicles.