Highlights
- Comprehensively restored by the previous owner
- Powered by the legendary ‘flathead V8’
- Smart interior - true to its utilitarian origins
- Upgraded to an alternator
The Appeal
Introduced in 1948, the F series trucks were the first Ford commercial vehicles to feature a chassis unique to those of the company’s passenger cars.
This 1949 example retains a ‘flathead’ V8 engine under the bonnet and has been comprehensively restored by its previous owner. The vendor reports that it is in very fine condition mechanically and cosmetically, making it a fantastic example to use and take to shows. Owing to the hard lives they live, pickup trucks of this vintage rarely survive, making this a particularly good opportunity to acquire a fine example.
The History and Paperwork
- Restored by the previous owner
- French F.F.V.E certification
- Some invoices from previous work carried out
- French registration documents present
The Interior
- Restored to a high standard
- Remains utilitarian
- Very original dashboard and controls
We think the restoration of this interior was done just right. It is highly restored to match the outside of the truck but crucially, it retains a number of original features and remains spartan - as a commercial should be.
The bench seat is finished in the traditional colour scheme of red and white. It appears to be in very good condition and we were unable to see any excessive wear or damage besides a few small seam cracks that the vendor points out. There are of course no carpets, but there is a rubber mat to protect the floor. Lining the top of the cab, there isn’t a headlining as such, just a vinyl skin which presents well and offers a little soundproofing.
The painted steel dashboard retains all of its bakelite appointments and really looks the part. The vendor informs us that the switchgear works as it should and, with the exception of the odometer, so does the instrumentation.
The Exterior
- ‘Opaque Blue’
- Wood-lined bed
- Smart chrome work
This Ford has evidently been repainted to a high standard and the colour really makes it stand out at a car show. The vendor points out that there are very few blemishes in the paintwork and it doesn’t seem that this truck has done any hard work following the restoration.
Inside the pickup bed, there is a little weathering occurring to the wooden slats but this is nothing to worry about and there is no indication that it has carried any goods in a while. For a commercial vehicle, the bodywork is remarkably straight and we were unable to see any corrosion in the usual trouble spots such as the cab corners. The rubber grommet that surrounds the fuel filler has perished somewhat but remains serviceable. Underneath, all looks to be excellent, displaying only a smattering of surface rust on the leaf springs.
The Mechanics
- 5.5-litre ‘Flathead’ V8
- Very tidy engine compartment
- No reported leaks or smoke
This particular F-1 benefits from a 5.5-litre ‘flathead’ V8 engine which provides ample torque for load lugging and makes a great noise.
Under the bonnet, this example looks to be in very good order, with evidence of numerous new parts. The vendor informs us that it drives exceedingly well, pulling strongly in all gears and producing no leaks, smoke or untoward noises.
Recent expenditures include the fitting of an alternator in lieu of its original dynamo, new headlights, making the fuel gauge functional again as well as adjustment and lubrication of the steering box.
Recent expenditures include the fitting of an alternator in lieu of its original dynamo, new headlights, making the fuel gauge functional again as well as adjustment and lubrication of the steering box.
Summary
This 1949 Ford F-1 really is in remarkable condition when you consider its age and the nature of the work many of these trucks carried out.
Having been subject to a very high quality restoration in recent years, this is a very usable example which the vendor informs us attracts a great deal of attention out on the road.
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