1948 Ford F47 Pickup Truck (Canadian F1)

-Flathead V8
-3 Speed Manual Transmission
-Red Over Tan Leather Interior

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“1948 marked the beginning of Ford's 'F-Series' trucks that today represent the largest share of the American pickup-truck market.” Internal Ford history document

The 1948 model Ford pickup represented a major leap in Ford's truck development following World War II. The company's “Bonus Built” trucks, as they were marketed, were completely different from the car-based trucks they replaced. Improvements were made across-the-board. All-new front sheet metal featured integrated headlights, a one-piece windshield which increased visibility, and wider, longer, and taller cabs. Increased interior dimensions started with a seven-inch stretch in cab width. Door hinges were positioned three inches farther forward for easier cab entry. The steering wheel was more horizontal and mounted closer to the driver, and a three-person bench seat moved back and forward on roller bearings. To help isolate frame flex, rubber mounts were used between cab and frame. The 1948 model featured a 6-1/2 foot cargo box with 45-cubic-feet of load space. Many truck historians rate these trucks as among Ford's most beautiful automotive designs.

Offered here is a fully restored F47 Ford Pickup truck, the Canadian-made version of the F1. Beyond the addition of a steering assist system, the truck is completely stock. The exterior Vermillion Red paint has been reapplied to a very high standard; gloss across the entire body, including the classic hood, cab, and the cargo box, is uniform and bright. Chrome surfaces on the art-deco-design five-slat grille, bumpers, and trim are in perfectly restored condition. Exterior badging is complete and correctly located. The chain-supported tailgate features the embossed Ford script logo. Wide whitewall tires mounted on red-painted steel wheels with chrome, Ford-branded hubcaps and trim rings add a measure of flair. Even the slightly mismatched taillight lenses are correct. These trucks left the manufacturing plant with only a left-side taillight mounted, so inevitably, the right-side received a later part. The cargo box features a hardwood floor.

Inside the cab, the high-level restoration continues. The instrument cluster—another art-deco masterpiece—is beautifully rendered in correct cream color. The gauges feature correct-style lettering and offer the driver straightforward information on fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and battery charging. The large, round speedometer is offset to the left side of the gauge display. Simple pull levers operate heating and defrosting, and the choke. “Start” is just a button. A cream-colored grille adorns the center of the otherwise red-painted steel dash, while a pull-out ashtray and glove box are on the right. The standard 3-speed, floor-mounted, manual transmission shifter is in place. Upholstery for the bench seat has been upgraded to smooth brown leather.

Under the hood, the legendary flathead 226 cubic-inch V8, rated at 95 horsepower, has been fully restored. The entire engine bay is period correct and beautifully rendered. Seen from below, the chassis shows no damage and virtually no rust.

While the more than 145 high-definition photographs of this historic Ford truck, taken from every angle, including from underneath, faithfully represent its beautifully restored condition, a vehicle this special deserves to be inspected up-close. For that reason, we encourage in-person visits to our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom. We ask only that an advance appointment be arranged by phone or email. Our showroom is not open to the public, so your appointment helps ensure you have our full attention during your visit.

There was a time when it seemed like a red Ford pickup truck of this era was at work on every farm in the country. Today, they're a rare, but nostalgic part of American history. No wonder they draw a crowd wherever they stop.