1949 Ford F-1

Description

On the surface, building a truck as amazing as this 1949 Ford F-1 pickup may seem easy, but when you look at the details that make it so seamless, you realize that a lot of talent and a big pile of money were required. You could probably build one like this yourself, but since it would take years and cost a big pile of cash, why not just take this one home instead?

That two-tone black-over-copper paint is a great look on a vintage pickup truck and while it was done a few years ago, it still looks great thanks to the many virtues of two-stage urethane. On the curvaceous Ford sheetmetal, the design seems to emphasize every little detail and has a cool period look. Note the subtle eyebrows over the wheel openings, the shoulder that extends the hood line all the way around the cab, and the embossed Ford script on the tailgate, all details that often get overlooked with ordinary paint. The steel is all factory-issue, with no modifications, and aside from a few of the usual signs of use, it still looks fantastic. The running boards were painted to match the bodywork and the bed is beautifully finished with a diamond plate floor and spray-in bedliner on the sides, so it's still very usable as a pickup. Nice chrome trim accentuates the best parts of this truck, including the clean, smooth bumpers, wrap-around grille, and vents on the nose of the hood that double as the latch.

A full luxury interior was stuffed inside the pickup's cab, including a nicely upholstered black and tan bench seat that's stylish yet appropriate. Simple black painted door panels made it easy to get everything to work together and putting black carpets on the floor helps to control noise and heat. The original dash remains, augmented by a custom insert full of Dolphin gauges and a Pioneer AM/FM/CD/iPod/Bluetooth/USB stereo where the original AM radio might have lived. They created a custom lower panel that follows the curves of the dash, so it looks OEM and houses stuff like the A/C vents and controls, but largely stays out of sight. A polished steering column and 3-spoke wheel makes it easy to get comfortable in the driver's seat where you'll quickly forget you're in a 60-year-old pickup truck.

A lot of credit for the high-end feel has to go to the 302 cubic inch V8 under the hood, whose effortless power makes this truck a true pleasure to drive. It's been rebuilt to a substantially stronger spec that includes a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, aluminum intake manifold, MSD ignition system, and long-tube headers. With about 250 horsepower on tap, it feels like it could pull all day without breaking a sweat, and looks like a million bucks doing it. A few dress-up pieces like the finned valve covers and matching air filter make it great to look at, and with a big 4-core aluminum radiator, it never gets cranky in traffic. Underneath, the chassis offers a modern front clip including power steering and disc brakes, as well as a great-sounding exhaust system with tips that exit just behind the rear wheels. An AOD 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission makes it a fantastic highway cruiser and the lowered stance is just wicked. Flashy Ridler wheels and staggered 205/45/17 front and 245/45/17 rear radials help with the high performance look.

This is the kind of truck that few guys get to own, but everyone wishes they could. Well, now's your chance, so call today!