Ford F1
Built: 1950-1952 · Series: F1
More machines from model year 1950
Ford F-1 – the first half-ton pickup of the F-Series, 1948 to 1952: flathead V8 up to 74 kW, unladen weights from 1,410 to 1,500 kg, lengths from 4,801 to 4,980 mm
The Ford F-1 is the half-ton pickup of the first F-Series, which Ford introduced in 1948 as “Bonus-Built” and built until 1952 at Dearborn and other North American plants. It replaced the previous pickup generation derived from the passenger-car body and was the first to receive a standalone cab designed specifically for commercial vehicles; the 1 in the type designation marks the lightest payload step of the new range, above which the F-2 and F-3 followed. The F-1 was powered by the side-valve flathead V8.
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The register lists here 7 versions with 70 to 74 kW from the V8 engine of 3,900 to 6,400 cm³, unladen weights from 1,410 to 1,500 kg, gross weights from 1,875 to 2,135 kg, lengths from 4,801 to 4,980 mm and widths from 1,820 to 1,970 mm.
With the first F-Series, the F-1 established the naming scheme of Ford's pickup range that continues to this day, and in the US and Canada was the direct rival of Chevrolet's Advance-Design range; today it is regarded as one of the most sought-after American collector vehicles of the post-war era.
On a used example, rust on the running boards, load bed and frame, the condition of the flathead V8 including cooling system and valve clearance, the originality of cab and chrome trim, and the condition of brakes and steering count; parts are supplied by the broad Early Ford V8 collector community.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Ford F-1, Ford Motor Company (manufacturer)
Technical data
Engine
| Power | 70 kWcorrect |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 8correct |
| Displacement | 3,900 cm³correct |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 4,801 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,929 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 2,880 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 1,460 kgcorrect |
| Gross vehicle weight | 2,131 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Gears | 3.5correct |
|---|---|
| Wheels | 4correct |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 47.9 kW/t (70 kW / 1.5 t)
Stronger than 29% of the vans in the register — out of 7,144 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Ford F1 have?
The Ford F1 delivers 70 kW.
How much does the Ford F1 weigh?
The unladen weight is 1,460 kg.
What is the gross vehicle weight of the Ford F1?
2,131 kg.
What engine does the Ford F1 have?
8 cylinders, 3,900 cm³ displacement.
What are the dimensions of the Ford F1?
4,801 mm × 1,929 mm.
When was the Ford F1 built?
Production years: 1950-1952.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 13 individual figures for this model. They come from 2 recorded sources; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
The technical data on this page comes from official vehicle registration records (RDW/Traficom), not from the manufacturer.
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Other models in this series
Sources: RDW — Dutch national vehicle register (retrieved August 2026) · Traficom — Finnish vehicle register (retrieved August 2026) · How we check the data
Van in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
