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1952 Ford F1 Packs Surprising Performance

By Steven Symes Jul 25, 2019

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By Steven Symes Jul 25, 2019

Owned by a master mechanic, this truck runs wonderfully.

Just because this 1952 Ford F1 pickup truck wears a heavy patina, some people might judge it prematurely. Many would think it probably doesn’t run well, as if the condition of the paint is any indication of how well the mechanical systems operate.

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["1952 Ford F1 Packs Surprising Performance"]

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The reality is this Ford truck runs strong, so you don’t need to worry about performance. A Ford 302ci V8 has been well cared-for and has some nice additions. Among them is an Edelbrock carb combined with an Edelbrock RPM air gap intake. Also included are Ford Racing spark plug wires and a modern electric engine fan. The AOD automatic transmission takes the work out of driving this truck. And you get an amazing symphony out of the headers, MagnaFlow mufflers, and custom drag pipes with header caps. Everything on this truck, including the brakes, works great.

Back to that patina. The original Ivory paint is still clinging to those straight body panels, and there’s a lot of character in that weathered appearance. People are paying big money these days to have this kind of effect airbrushed onto their freshly-painted classics, only it doesn’t look nearly this good. You’ll note the wood bed is new and that all the brightwork is in excellent condition. Underneath everything, the frame and suspension are in fantastic shape, so you can take this truck on the highway without issues.

Impressive details abound for the cab. For starters, the factory dash is uncut, plus all the instruments are working properly. Fresh red upholstery for the seats and door panels really dresses up the space, as does the new tan headliner.

1952 was the final model year for the first-generation Ford F1, which began in 1948. It was the beginning of a legend, with the Ford F-Series going on to become a dominant force in the market. Trucks like this one were used as everyday work horses, so finding one in solid mechanical condition like this is wonderful. Volo Auto Museum is offering this truck to a lucky future owner.