1940 Ford Custom Pickup Voted World's Most Beautiful Truck

America has always been a truck-loving nation. That's evident in the strong sales of pickups, the never-ending influx of special editions, and the multiple restomod options for old-school trucks. Classic examples now exchange hands for big money, becoming cherished collector's items.

And it's easy to see why once you clap your eyes on the winner of the O'Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Truck Show's "World's Most Beautiful Truck" award. This 1940 Ford pickup is gorgeous and perfectly combines two of America's favorite automotive categories: trucks and hot-rodding.

Owned by Greg Tidwell, the pickup - a predecessor to the F-150 we know today - was lovingly built by South City Rod & Custom. The custom sheet metal work, coated in shimmering Glasurit Ornament Green paint, looks new and radiant.

A subtle 1.5-inch chop gives the Ford more attitude, as do the louvered bed panels and hood. With its Claro Walnut finish, the raised bed is particularly classy. Chromed hubcaps and whitewall tires are the perfect embellishments on this tidy, fuss-free custom truck.

Sadly, there aren't any images of the cabin, but we're guessing it's just as beautiful as the exterior. There's some go to match all of the show, thanks to a 6.3-liter "Extreme" motor from Smeding Performance. With 450 horsepower on tap, this 83-year-old truck is as powerful as a V6-powered F-150 Raptor.

More than 17 custom trucks, from early models to the latest pickups, were in the running, but Tidwell's delightful Ford bested them all, winning a $12,500 prize.

"The response to this event was simply incredible. We were blown away by the variety of trucks, SUVs, and vans that turned out for this first-year event. It's clear that people love these trucks, and we couldn't have asked for a better way to kick off this new show. I'm already excited for next year," said John Buck, producer of the Grand National Truck Show.

Over 200 trucks and their owners attended the outdoor portion of the show, while 20 custom vans ( built in the 1970s and 1980s) were also on display. Aside from the trucks and vans, the event also attracted several older SUVs and off-roaders, which are receiving more attention from serious collectors and enthusiasts.

The show also raised $25,000 for the Volunteers for Veterans Foundation, thanks to the Pinstriper Charity Auction that sold off some of the best custom pinstripe art the community has to offer.