1946 Ford F1 Pickup 
 
Because steel was in demand Ford stopped production of civilian vehicles in 1942.  The Ford F1 truck became the first vehicle back in production after the war in 1946 and since it picked up where the '42 left off, there are many shared parts in a '46 from '42.  Did Ford pick the truck to produce first to get America back to work, free from focusing on war efforts and capable of becoming the productive and victorious nation it turned out to be?  If so, this truck represents more than just a brand.  

For consignment, a 1946 Ford F1 Pickup in burgundy metallic paint.  They say don't judge a book from its cover and this truck is a bit of a sleeper as we'll learn.  It has a very nice stock appearance but has been altered to be a reliable driver.  Old Ford trucks adorn everything from garden flags to greeting cards and now you can have one to photograph yourself…and drive it capably to whatever setting you want as the background.  It's also the right truck for your town's Memorial Day Parade and car shows but would make a fine grocery-getter too! 

Exterior
Burgundy metallic paint and clearcoat cover this truck giving it a “shinier-than-new” appearance but not over the top restoration level.  “Dynamic maroon” was an original color option back in '46 and this may be close.  The paint is beautifully contrasted by the black running boards, tires and cream-colored wheels with dog dish hubcaps.  We do note some cracks, chips, and scratches in areas of the paint.  Silver side steps match the metal bar over the hood vent and the silver gas fill cap completes the classic look.  The front looks like a freight train and we're happy to see the waterfall grille in chrome rather than war-time paint.  It blends nicely with the substantial hood ornamentation.  The chrome bezels of the headlights and marker lights complete the personality of this truck…it definitely looks like eyes and a big smile coming your way and it's all in fine condition.  It lacks the optional passenger windshield wiper, (optional!), but does have the optional passenger side taillight.  The one wiper that is present was noted to be inoperable.  Side mirrors appear on both sides and are manually adjustable.  The bed is diamond plate textured over wood planks and the side walls have been rhino coated.  The black rear bumper keeps things dark in the back and along with the black tailgate chain covers, it's a nice appearance.  A third brake light fits well into the rear window while two tailpipes hint at what might be lurking under the hood. 

Interior
Well, this is a very pleasant environment indeed.  Tan leather seats are custom jobs from Wise Guys Seating and are bench style with slight bolstering for two and a pull-down armrest.  The customization continues on the matching doors; two-tone tan with pleated pouches, billet window cranks and door actuators, and mixed material armrests and pull handle.  A tan leather shifter boot and brake cover flows nicely into the lower leather dash trim and upper dash pad.  Tan carpet continues the theme and is in excellent condition.  Ron Francis gauges are surrounded by rich woodwork and a modern Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit is mounted in front of the passenger.  Look up and see a custom padded leather headliner in the same tan color.  A thick Grant wood-rimmed steering wheel matches the dash and looks right in place.  This is one spectacular interior…very nicely done! 

Drivetrain
The truck would have originally come with an inline six or 239ci V8…and the most you would muster from the two was 100 horsepower.  Today we find a consignor-stated “GM Crate 350HO” which is likely good for more than 100hp.  Other goodies under-hood include an Edelbrock intake, Holley carburetor, MSD ignition and a Comp Cams camshaft, (CS-24S-10).  Power is transferred to the rear via a TH350, 3-speed automatic terminating at 3.42 gears in a 10-bolt rear end.  Power brakes from Engineered Components are here, with disc in front and drums out back.  

Undercarriage
Headers lead to dual exhaust, an H-pipe, and a pair of Flowmaster mufflers.  Leaf springs on front and rear help keep things smooth.  The Cooper Cobra tires (235 rear, 215 front) are turned so that the blackwalls face out and the lettering in…the preferred method for classic cars (and just about all the rest!).  Everything seems to be in good order underneath with some surface rust on the leaf springs, steering components, axle, and outside of the brake drums. DriveabilityHopping into the finely appointed interior, we had high hopes for this beauty.  The electronic ignition did not fail and she started right up with the proper rumble.  Into gear we went and the 350 cubes delivered nice linear power as the automatic transmission shifted smoothly through the three gears.  The newer tires provided a smooth ride and steering felt precise.  Power brakes bring this thing into the 21st century and offer good stopping power the only flaw we found was the earlier mentioned wiper not wiping. 

This is a turnkey piece of Americana that is a great find.  We can't say enough about the interior, while the outside is more driver-quality and takes the anxiety out of taking this truck anywhere!  Of course, you have the option to bring the exterior and engine up a notch if you're so inclined, but if not, you've got a great truck that's not been overdone and is a comfortable, good-looking runner from a time gone by. 

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

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