If you are looking for a great F-1 driver or a clean project truck, this could be the one.
While searching through the Ford F-1 pickups for sale on Classic Cars, we came across this nicely restored 1949 model and we couldn’t stop staring. The history of this gem is almost as compelling as its iconic design and badass build.
The Original F-Series
The Ford F-1 was the first F-Series truck, introduced way back in November of 1947. This truck would eventually become the F-100 and that truck became the F-150, so this original F-Series paved the way for America’s best-selling truck. Due to the history of the model line and the smooth lines, the F-1 has become a popular project vehicle for someone who wants to stand out in the car-heavy show crowd.
Of course, most of the trucks sold in 1948 through 1952 have long rusted into the ground, but with some hunting, Ford fans can still find a clean, unmodified Ford F-1. This is a great example, as this truck has been restored, but there is still plenty of room for improvement.
Flat-Head Power
This 1949 Ford F-1 received a “cosmetic restoration” four years ago and the result is a great looking antique pickup. The truck is a brilliant dark metallic blue with bright chrome trim that could be brand new. The truck has era-correct wheels with white-wall tires and the wood in the floor of the cargo box is likely cleaner than it was when this truck rolled off of the assembly line in the late 40s.
From the outside, this 1949 F-1 is gorgeous from every angle, looking good enough to claim car show trophies, but when you open the hood – it isn’t quite a pretty. This antique Ford truck is powered by the original 239-cubic inch flat-head V8 engine. The engine has been rebuilt and fitted with an aftermarket four-barrel intake manifold and headers, so it likely makes a bit more than the 100 horsepower that came standard from the factory.
Based on the sole engine bay picture, this old school engine could use some tender loving care to finish the show-truck-treatment, but with some paint and elbow grease, this could be a simple project truck that turns into an overnight truck-show superstar .
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
