For more than 60 years, the Ford F-Series trucks have been one of the best selling vehicles in the world, with more than 30 million sold, second only to the Toyota Corolla in total vehicle sales. No other truck has produced more loyal customers over that period of time as has the Ford F-Series. The truck that started it all was the 1948 Ford F-1 Pickup.
The Ford F-1 Pickup was revolutionary, and caught the competition by surprise. Know at the time as the Ford Bonus Built, the F-1 Pickup in 1948 replaced the company’s car based pickup trucks that had come previously. It was a modern-looking truck with a flat, one-piece windshield and integrated headlights. Options were the "See-Clear" windshield washer (operated by foot plunger), passenger side windshield wiper & sun visor, and passenger side taillight. The F-1 truck was also available with additional chrome and two horns as an option. The F-1 Pickup was a half ton pickup, which means it could hold up to a half a ton of materials in its bed (the area behind the cabin.) The F-1 Pickup came with a flat head 6 cylinder engine and a larger 6-cylinder and two flat head 8-cylinder engines were options at the time.
Ford did little to mess with the success of the F-Series Pickup, changing it little from 1948 to 1952. From 1948–1950, the grill was a series of horizontal bars and the headlights were set into the fenders. For 1951 and 1952, the headlights were connected by a wide aerodynamic cross piece with three similarly aerodynamic supports. The rear window was wider in the later trucks and the dashboard was redesigned.
In 1953, Ford redesigned the F-Series with a more incorporated look. The pickups also acquired their now familiar names that we have today: The F-1 became the F-100, the F-2 now became the F-250, and the F-3 now became the 1 ton F-350. Starting on the 1956 models, Ford offers the very rare "Low GVWR" versions of each model. Interior amenities were new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, and sun visors. On March 13, 1953, "Ford-O-Matic" automatic transmissions became an option.
1954 saw the introduction of the new 239 CID overhead valve Y-block V8, dubbed "Power King." Canadian models, however, (including the Mercury M-Series), retained the flathead. The inline six was increased in size, and power steering was introduced as an option.
Here’s what National Motor Museum Mint, the company who is offering the Die-Cast replicas are saying about the offer:
Attention Collectors, truck enthusiasts, and Ford fans. Here’s an automotive first that became an all-time favorite. The 1948 Ford F-1 Pickup. The first in the revolutionary F-Series of trucks that became the best selling vehicles in the world. To honor its 60th anniversary, Ford has authorized the National Motor Museum Mint, to release the exclusive die-cast masterpiece as a collectors item. This showroom perfect model includes all the amazing Bonus Built features, which made it Star-Spangled new back in the day. Not a single detail is overlooked, with its stylish horizontal grill, to its authentic hardwood sandwich stamped metal front bed. Both doors open to reveal its million dollar cab. The hood opens wide to show off its powerful V8 engine. Underneath there’s a spare tire, and rugged new engineering features. You’ll love the look and heavy duty feel of this impressive collector’s treasure. And when you act now during this special anniversary offer, this prized die-cast collectors piece, a regular $30 dollar value, can be yours for only $10, and that’s not all. As a free gift you’ll also receive this beautiful, classic 1956 Ford F-100 pickup. According to many, the best looking Ford pickup ever built. Modernized with the new wrap around windshield and stylish front it also features full movable parts and the impressive new three man cab. Another $30 value, its yours free (just pay shipping and processing.) Don’t miss this incredible collectors opportunity. Ford’s 1948 F-1 pickup and Ford’s 1956 F-100 pickup, two of the most popular Ford trucks ever. Both come with certificates of authenticity. A $60 value, all for the special anniversary price of only $10 plus shipping and handling.
This offer won’t last long as these are some of the most popular Ford trucks ever built.
Copywrited 2009 Mr. As Seen On TV