1948 Ford F1 Pickup

The first-generation of F Series pickup trucks Ford produced were introduced in late 1947 for the 1948 model year. Also known as bonus-built trucks, they were the first trucks built on a dedicated truck platform. Up to this point, Ford used a car chassis and merely put a different body on for a truck. This year also marked the ceasing of the post war production Ford had participated in for the war effort, and interestingly the truck design debuted before the car. This was planned to help with not only recognizing a new truck, but to honor veterans as well.

This 1948 F1 example is a daily driver and shows the years of its service in the patina that comes with it. It has just 37,000 original miles on it and shows that on the title. Not perfect, however a very attractive, user friendly truck that is now 70 years young. The consigner says it is a great truck that he and his wife would enjoy going to the drive-in movies in. That was all the further this writer dared go, but I will err on the side of innocence!

Exterior
A repaint of deep Forrest green is on the outside and is contrasted by the horizontal chrome grille, with cream surround. Black running boards connect the front and rear massive fenders, that give the truck the appearance of a wider stance, as well as add aerodynamic efficiency. A rubber bed liner covers a metal bed, and recently installed “stake sides” made from varnished oak sit atop the bed sides. This allows more hay to be loaded into the bed. The tailgate is in good working condition and has the stamped Ford logo in the exterior center. Some paint cracking, and rusting under paint is seen throughout the exterior, mainly the fenders. A look underneath shows that is indeed surface rust, that may not have been meticulously attended too during the last repaint.

Interior
Utilitarian meets Art Deco with a sparsely appointed interior cabin area. The interior including the headliner is all new. A full bench seat, covered in dark camel vinyl, stretches the width of the cabin. Ribbed rubber flooring, a long stick shift, an MW heating unit, and 1940's era round brake and clutch pedals finish out the cabin floor. The green metal dash and door panels show all working mechanicals, as well as an Art Deco gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. A vintage Motorola AM radio is in the center of the dash as well as an ashtray, and glove compartment in front of the passenger. Headliner is also green metal and is in good condition.

Drivetrain
A 226CI flathead 6-cylinder engine with oil bath air cleaner, and single carburetor make up the engine compartment. The standard 3-speed manual transmission drives a fixed rear with leaf spring suspension. 11-inch drum brakes are seen all around.

Even the sound of this truck idling and running and going through the gears will take you back to the 1940's. If you were not here at that time, you will recognize it as not anything newly made. A good working condition used truck, in mostly original condition, with a few blemishes here and there can be used as a daily driver. A working piece of history, that can be used another 70 years!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 100 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find collection is currently on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.