Ford had no idea that it was kicking off a line of trucks that would become best sellers worldwide for decades when it introduced the F-series in 1948. The F-series was situated on a purpose-built truck frame and offered the option of a V8 engine. For the first time, an automaker designed a truck’s cab with its occupants in mind. Ford was broadcasting to the marketplace that its new trucks were more capable than competing car-based haulers. Buyers could choose among several weight ratings ranging from the F1 half-ton with a 6.5′ bed, the bare-chassis F3 ready for a custom box, or the heavy-duty F8 – and everything in between. Here on craigslist is this sympathetically restored 1951 F1 pickup, priced at $18,000 and located in Vero Beach, Florida. The seller lists age and health as reasons for the sale. Thanks to Jack M for finding this fine example of an early F-series!
In the engine bay sits Ford’s 239 cu. in. flathead V8, original to the car but likely overhauled along with everything else. Research shows Ford’s truck engines through 1961 were painted red, while its car engines of the same era were green. No matter the color, output was 100 hp, with power brought to the rear wheels by a three-speed manual. By 1951, the gear lever had moved from the floor to the column. The bed was restyled, introducing a new tailgate, though its floor was still hardwood with steel strips between each board.
Ford spent $1 million toward developing its early F-series cab, earning it the nickname “million-dollar cab.” Its dimensions were significantly larger all the way around; accommodating three across on the bench seat was no problem. Outward visibility vastly improved, and in ’51, the rear window was enlarged as well. Like the condition of the rest of the truck, the example’s interior finishes show all the signs of a well-kept restoration. The color-keyed vintage heater adds a dash of charm. A nicely refinished four-spoke steering wheel frames a raised nacelle containing the speedometer and a multi-function gauge. As part of Ford’s “three-way ventilation system”, vent windows in each door had replaced the crank-out windshields that saw their last days in the late 1930s. A defroster was optional.
In 1951, the Korean War started, putting nickel inventories at a premium. Nickel, used in chrome plating, was either left out of the process, used minimally, or manufacturers substituted painted parts for brightwork. Ford’s new bumper style for ’51 received paint until the war ended and shortages disappeared. The tall cab and strong fender lines make these trucks classics. Original examples of the “Bonus Built” first-generation F-series can sell north of $20k, but most tend to sell in the high teens. Resto-mods can sell for far more, depending on the build and its appeal. What do you think of this 1951 F1?
I really like to see a classic vehicle restored to original condition.
I attended a car show briefly last weekend where not a single car of the 100 entries was original or restored to original condition. Well, I guess the C8 Corvettes were original, just not classic.
I agree – why does it seem that all of those Corvette owners
think that everyone will be impressed?They seem to up in
numbers to almost every show I go to,& many of them seem to
think that we’re all impressed when they do burnouts leaving the
events (I’m not).That’s how the original Cars & Coffee in Irvine,CA
got shut down.
I hear similar comments. I wonder how many Cars & Coffee events have shut down, or at least had to move, because of moronic behavior.
What an excellent truck!!! And write up, Thank you, Michelle. I think you are getting the hang of trucks. Keep up the good work. This truck is reasonably priced for anyone interested in an antique / historical vehicle to get involved in the hobby with. It is NOT a vehicle to get out on the interstate with, BUT a very desirable vehicle to drive to cruise ins, shows and Cars & Coffee mornings. It is almost TOO NICE to use a hauler.
Thanks, Brocky, hey is that a Diamond T next to your name!?
Michelle, Yes that is my show truck. Heading to Bushnell FL this Week for the ATCA Southern National show.
Brocky, you have an amazing Diamond T pickup. Absolutely beautifully restored. Its nice to know you drive it regularly and enjoy it, as everyone should enjoy their older vehicles. ( At least to me anyways).
This is one great truck! I can see Howard turn a shade of green. Truth be known, there’s a shade of green in my camp too…
I own a survivor pickup of this vintage, though a GMC. You’re right, these vehicles aren’t suitable for interstate driving. But every summer for the past five I’ve used mine for local runs around town, and I’ve enjoyed every minute.
Looks like a clean, attractive truck. Decent pics but minimal verbiage; it appears the seller would rather talk than write. Thanks Michelle.
Just a date correction: the Korean War began in June 1950.
Lamont! Lamont! What did they do to our truck? This is the big one – I’m comin’ for you Elizabeth!
https://youtu.be/_pVBEV6EfRo
The real Sanford son truck just sold at auction like 3 months ago. 👍
Thank you for that fine YouTube link to the 1952 Sanford and Son truck, similar to this one. Very strange, last night on MLK Day TCM had the movie “Malcom X” on at 10PM. I didn’t make it to end at 1:30AM. This video you provided links Redd Foxx, born John Sanford as good friends in crime with Malcom “Red” Little, later Malcom X. That made me think of “Shorty” in the movie as possibly “Red” Sanford, being much shorter than Red Little, the two Reds.
“Sanford and Son” is one of my all-time favorite TV programs. Red Foxx really cracks me up and Demond Wilson is the perfect straight man for him. The battered old F-1 truck is a perfect complement to them as well.
Unfortunately much of the humor used on the show would be forbidden today, and in recent reruns the more toasty parts of “Fred Sanford’s” humor are frequently censored.
Half the cost of a new truck, and if something goes wrong you can fix it! I like it!
Very good writeup, Michelle. Just one comment regarding engine color: Ford truck engines were primarily red through the early 50s although the light trucks (and the cars) got confusing.
I’ll just state a couple of examples here; otherwise I could ramble on for an hour. If you got an 8BA or an 8RT it was usually red. On the larger trucks (and Mercury light trucks in Canada) you could get the Mercury 8CM-CM1 which were painted off-white. The (Lincoln-based) 337 Big Job engine (F-7/F-8) was red.
Yes, this truck would look a lot nicer at my place. As far as a vintage pickup goes, any truck of mine will still likely haul the beer to the picnic but may have to do double duty, hauling a load of sheep dooey for the garden. But I will always clean it up after the latter chore. Any of my old trucks could pull double duty as the annual Christmas decoration…
Very nice truck and priced right, too bad I can’t buy all of them!
Thanks Michelle and Jack. I love trucks old, new, beat-up, restored, big, small, etc. As far as I can tell this one very nice.
I wish the seller would pull the truck out of the garage to get some good photos in the daylight like Brocky posted of his beautiful Diamond T.
A four spoke steering wheel? Looks like only three on this one.
This is beautifully redone. I’m really glad they went the stock route with the restoration too. The front end designs on this generation of Ford pickups are one of my all time favorites too. Michelle, you are seriously on a roll here!!! Great write up!!! And thanks to Jack M. For finding this too.
Thanks for the KUDO’s folks!!!! Not to hijack this thread of the beautiful 1951 Ford. It was restored by Tom Warren and his son in Amarillo Texas from 2006 to 2009. Original 236 Ci flathead Hercules engine, progressive 4 speed, and a damn slow rear end, on 7.50 x 16″ tires, 9 leaves in steering axle springs and 13 in the drive axle. Yes, it rides rough!!! I am sorry to say I do NOT drive it much. My 6’4″ 250 lb body does NOT fit in that small cab very well. Plus I do not trust the brakes to stop this 5000 lb beast. It has a top speed of about 45 MPH downhill with a good tailwind!! I have driven to to a couple of local shows but other than that I trailer it everywhere: Denver CO, Des Moines IA, Springfield MO, Macungie PA, and others. I did not take it to Yakima WA or Reno NV when I attended those shows as I do NOT trust the western states Ports of Entry!!! Especially with my Ram 3500 tow vehicle running on Farm Plates!!!!
Beautiful truck; I’m kinda partial because 51 is the year I came to Texas. As stated above, I really like keeping them original.