1948 Ford F1 Pickup

This custom-built 1948 Ford F-1 pickup was the recipient of a frame-off restoration and features show-quality treatment including a louvered hood and tailgate, recessed antenna, and retrofitted taillights. The fuel-injected Chevrolet 350ci V8 received service within the last 2,000 miles and is housed in a detailed and dressed engine bay, sending torque to the ground through a Turbo 350 3-speed automatic transmission, an 8” rear end, and 17” Centerline wheels on newer Pirelli tires. The seller has garaged and covered the vehicle for 10 years and the pickup includes a matching cargo utility trailer. Finished in red with accent flames over a two-tone red and gray cloth interior, this first-year F-1 is now offered with the trailer, a custom cover, and a clear North Carolina title in the seller’s name.

The F-Series came to life in 1948 as a full-size pickup with a 7” wider cab when compared to previous Ford pickups. This F-1 coming from the first year of production features an all-steel, rust-free body that was the recipient of an older frame-off restoration totaling more than $30,000 spent in sheetmetal work. Fabrication involved the addition of recessed lights and an electric antenna, a louvered hood and tailgate, and shaved door handles. The cargo bed is topped by a tonneau cover and features replacement wood planks, stainless-steel hardware, and a spare tire. The perimeter of the body is dressed with a front air dam, a filled cowl vent, Jeep-sourced bumpers, a low-lid toolbox, a side-hinged tailgate with louvers, a recessed license plate, taillights sourced from a 1979 Ford van, and a dual exhaust system. This pickup was featured in an older issue of American Rodder magazine and still shows well, although the seller notes that there are some age-related blemishes upon closer inspection.

Polished aluminum 17” Centerline wheels are wrapped in newer Pirelli P7 tires sized 215/50 up front and 235/55 in the rear. The front suspension uses Volare components with a torsion bar and new brakes, while the rear is equipped with coilovers and a TCI four-bar setup. The shock absorbers were replaced with new QA1 units and the power-assisted braking system was upgraded with new lines within the past month.

The cab is fitted with reupholstered two-tone red and gray cloth bucket seats and accent piping, matching vinyl door panels, and a Frenched dash. Amenities include a B&M shift lever, a Lokar handbrake, stainless-steel kick plates, an AM/FM radio, power door locks, and air conditioning. The seller notes that the air conditioning is due for a recharge.

Instrumentation is provided by replacement Classic gauges with a speedometer and auxiliary readouts. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 16k miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

Inside the dressed and detailed engine bay sits the Chevrolet tuned-port-injected 350ci V8 which underwent a recent major service within the last 2,000 miles and is said to perform well. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a floor-shifted Turbo 350 3-speed automatic transmission and an 8” rear end.

Additional undercarriage photos can be found in the gallery. 

The sale includes a custom-built, matching utility trailer and a car cover. The seller notes that the vehicle carries special identification in North Carolina as the recipient of a major restoration including engine replacement. Accordingly, there is no VIN present on the body or frame, although this pickup carries a clean and clear North Carolina title.