Driveway Icons: Preserving a 1947 "Jailbar" Pickup with Lanoguard

In this standout episode of Driveway Icons, we feature a vehicle with serious presence, a rich history, and a whole lot of charm — a 1947 Ford Jailbar Pickup, affectionately kept in its original, patina-rich state by proud owner Nick Everitt.

Nick is a lifelong car and motorsport enthusiast who’s now retired and finally has the time to indulge his passion for all things on four wheels. His Jailbar pickup is powered by a throaty 4.7L V8 engine from a Mustang, combining vintage style with raw American muscle.

Originality, Character, and a Love for the Drive

Nick’s approach to classic vehicle ownership is all about authenticity and enjoyment. As he puts it:

"Where my wife sees rust, I see patina! It’s only original once — and I do use it as intended."

This Jailbar truck was imported by a friend and has been left largely untouched apart from safety checks — exactly how Nick likes it. He’s a familiar face at car meets, Goodwood events, and classic gatherings across the country.

Together with Lanoguard’s founder, Nick takes us on a tour of the truck, sharing stories of Brands Hatch in the F1 days, and exploring the engineering simplicity of the late '40s, when vehicles were built with purpose, strength, and style.

Protecting Patina Without Compromising Character

While Nick is all for preserving originality, he also understands the importance of keeping corrosion at bay — especially on a well-used classic like this.

In this episode, we show how Lanoguard Underbody Protection is applied to maintain the Jailbar’s structure without compromising its unique appearance.

✅ Chassis rails and underbody protected
✅ No paint, no mess — patina preserved
✅ Simple application with long-lasting results

Read the video Transcript:

Driveway Icons – 1947 Ford Jailbar

Featuring Nick and His Classic American Pickup

Welcome to another episode of Driveway Icons! In this instalment, we take a look at a 1947 Ford Jailbar—a striking American pickup owned by Nick. Let’s explore its story, character, and what makes it such a cherished classic.

Bringing It Down Off the Ramps

Usually sitting low on the ground, today the Jailbar starts off up on ramps. Nick kindly brings it down so we can get a closer look—inside, outside, and even underneath.

Inside the Jailbar

Once seated inside, it's clear this truck has presence.

Host:
"Doesn’t feel like a jail... though there's definitely plenty of metal!"

Nick:
“I got it from a friend who imports vehicles from the States. For me, it captures the golden era of American pickups—what I think of as peak pickup design.”

Nick’s fascination dates back to childhood cinema trips, where he saw American cars in the films. Returning home in his father’s modest company car only deepened his love for those big, bold vehicles.

Inside the cabin, there's a surprising amount of headroom and space, despite how compact it looks from the outside.

Nick points out a few charming features:

• “Spirit of ’47” – a phrase painted on the rear window and replicated on the door as a sticker.

• Names like “** and Norva”** etched in – possibly by the first owners, adding mystery and character.

Under the Bonnet

Popping the bonnet reveals:

• A classic V8 engine.

• A huge radiator – standard for this model, but something Nick had to flush to prevent overheating.

Nick remarks on the vehicle’s nickname:

“The gaol bars” on the grille are where the model gets its name—it almost feels like the heat gets trapped behind them!"

Despite some quirks, the engine has proven reliable. Cold starts can be a challenge, mostly due to the automatic gearbox needing to warm up. Once running, it cruises smoothly.

Originality and Patina

Looking at the paintwork, Nick believes it’s largely original. There's clear evidence of wear and time, but no signs of a full repaint.

“That might even be the original rust,” he jokes.

The patina is part of the appeal—this truck wears its history with pride.

The Body and Build

Nick highlights what he loves most about the design:

• The shape of the rear wings – curved and solid, with a military feel from its wartime-era design.

• Thick steel panels – the bodywork is heavy and sturdy, built to last.

• Oversized wing mirrors – functional and likely original (or at least period-correct).

There’s even a quirky air vent feature for cabin cooling—more suited to American climates than British ones!

Getting It in the Air

With the truck lifted, Nick inspects the underbody:

• Plenty of surface rust, but nothing structurally alarming.

• Still running on a simple, strong chassis with two I-beams and cross-members—classic, rugged engineering.

• Signs of age? Sure. But for a nearly 80-year-old vehicle, it’s holding up remarkably well.

A Look Back at 1947

Nick did a bit of research to get into the spirit of the truck’s era:

• In 1947, Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” was topping the charts.

• The Jailbar was designed pre-war and released post-war—a utilitarian truck built to serve a purpose, not just look good.

Preserving It for the Future

Now living in the UK after a life in sunnier climates, the Jailbar faces new challenges. Nick plans to apply a light coating of Lanoguard to help preserve the underbody and keep the rust at bay.

“Not too much—you don’t want it dripping. Just enough to protect the rubber, electrics, and frame.”

Life With the Jailbar

Nick uses the truck regularly:

• Collecting wood in Ashdown Forest.

• Giving lifts to friends—even taking someone to a wedding recently.

“No plans to sell. I love it, and maybe one day my son will too.”

Join the Driveway Icons Series

Got a vehicle you think is a Driveway Icon?
We’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s rare, rugged, or just full of personality, get in touch—we might feature your vehicle next.

And don’t forget to check out the other episodes in the Driveway Icons series. There’s plenty more to discover.

Thanks to Nick for sharing his Jailbar with us. It’s been a real pleasure.