1951 Ford F-1

Description

Ford probably didn't have any idea how cool their pickup trucks would be in the early 1950s, but today, machines like this 1951 F1 pickup combine the best aspects of the period: curvaceous lines, flathead V8 power, and more style than any mere commercial vehicle should have.

You know how it goes with black: if it isn't right, everyone can see it. Fortunately, the guys who did the work on this gorgeous F1 knew that better than anyone and made sure it was blocked, smoothed, then blocked again just in case before the paint went on. You can see the quality in the distortion-free reflections as well as in the deep gloss, and it's hard to believe that it was done almost ten years ago. That means the work was well done and it's been properly kept ever since. The stock sheetmetal was retained, as well as all that cool trim, including the chrome inserts on the sides of the hood, so it has a classic old truck look without being too modern. A few custom touches like the body-color bumpers and red pinstripes give it a custom look that respects the original design, which is one of the best-looking trucks of all time. And no pickup is complete without a beautiful wooden bed floor that's refinished like an NBA center court, too nice to haul anything except trophies.

Simplicity is why these trucks continue to endure year after year. The original bench seat was wrapped in red and gray vinyl, which adds a bit of flash but doesn't diminish the old truck's utilitarian vibe, and it gives you that classic driving position that towers over traffic. Rubber floors, basic door panels, and a steel dash were all useful for guys who got dirty for a living, but today it offers handsome gauges from Classic Instruments and an AM/FM/CD stereo for entertainment. Experts will note that the transmission tunnel has been subtly re-shaped, better to accommodate the 5-speed manual transmission that completely transforms this old pickup into a vehicle that can be used every day if needed. A few more red pinstripes, engine-turned brightwork, and that big steering wheel all successfully blur the line between working class and first class.

The engine is one of our favorites, a warmed-over 239 cubic inch flathead V8. If you've never driven one, you're missing out on one of motoring's great experiences, and if you're already in the know, then you'll spot the upgrades and smile. Twin carbs on an Offenhauser intake, Fenton exhaust manifolds, and a few chrome dress-up pieces give it a traditional hot-rod look. That generator is actually a 12-volt alternator cleverly disguised, and it's definitely the right choice on a vintage Flathead like this. The aforementioned 5-speed manual transmission means that you're no longer limited to 50 MPH, as this truck cruises like a modern car without apparent strain or effort. A Fat Man Fabrications front suspension smooths out the ride with tubular A-arms and modern shocks, while disc brakes add an important safety feature. A late-model rear end with 3.78 gears inside keeps the flathead in the sweet spot of its power curve but are easily tamed by the overdrive 5th gear. Dual exhaust with glasspack-style mufflers provides an old time sound and staggered wide whitewall radials on painted steel wheels keeps it period-perfect.

A wonderful old truck with thoughtful mods to make it practical without diluting everything that makes old flatheads and old trucks great. The fact that it's also beautiful is merely icing on the cake. Call today!