With all the renewed interest in classic pickup trucks, especially among the younger generations of collectors, it’s become worthwhile to fully restore former farm and work trucks into showpieces.
The Pick of the Day, a 1952 Ford F1 pickup, is a perfect example of a truck restored to much-better condition than new. This stylish workhorse looks as handsome now as it did back in the mid-20th century, and this one has been subtly upgraded to make it more comfortable on today’s highways.
“This ‘52 Ford short-bed truck has had a meticulous frame-off restoration completed 2 years ago and has 1,100 miles since,” according to the Knightstown, Indian, dealer advertising the truck on ClassicCars.com. “It is the Deluxe model with flathead V8 and pepped up with a Mercury crank, headers and dual exhaust. Its original-type 3-speed manual and rear end, but the gearing has been changed so you can easily do 70 miles an hour plus.
“This is a class-act truck built by the owner of an automotive machine shop and his special friends. A concours job, although it may not place well in judging since he made some personal upgrades like the gearing, no spare tire, headers and duals, and the FM conversion with speakers under the seat.
“The deluxe model got you things like dual horns, chrome trim around windshield and added chrome on side of hood. Also, chrome hub caps and rings.”
The clearcoat Burgundy paint is in excellent condition, the seller says, as are the glass, gauges and interior. The seller is comprehensive in the ad description, mentioning a single flaw in the paint and the procedure for cold starting the classic flathead V8. An extensive gallery of photos are included with the ad.
Vintage pickups that are in great condition have flown up in value in recent years, and it’s nice to see one like this that was kept in essentially original fettle instead of being hot rodded or restomodded.
The asking price for this nicely turned Ford F1 is $39,500, which is less than you’d have to spend professionally restoring one to this condition.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Very nice ’52 Ford truck. Is that a firm price?