A Pockadacreek ( pronounced Pock - a - da - creak ) , is an name for an old - time vehicle from the early 20th century , that looks like a 1903- model Ford with a crank - like handle in front . It is called by the name , because of the rattling sound made by the engine . Today , the word is used to describe any type of old vehicle , that has a bad motor ( causing a rattling and kicking - like sound ) .