It was the 1948 model year that Ford introduced its first F-Series pickup – the same truck line still sold in dealers today. The first-generation truck would last through the 1952 model year, with small changes happening along the way. This 1950 model carries all the trappings of an original F-Series, including a wood-floor bed, three-speed manual transmission, and the iconic 226 cubic-inch flathead V-8. It’s headed under the gavel at Mecum’s upcoming 2016 Monterey Auction in California.

Interestingly enough, this isn’t a typical Ford F1 pickup, though it’s completely stock. It’s actually a Canadian-spec model built in a Canadian factory, one of 16 F-Series factories back in the late 1940s. What’s more, Ford’s Canadian branch used a different nomenclature for the pickups back then. This would-be F1 is actually a F47.

This particular pickup underwent a full, frame-off restoration in 2015. Every nut, bolt, and wooden slat was restored or replaced to factory specifications. A truck of this age in this condition is rare, so the estimated auction price reflects the condition. Mecum suspects the truck will sell between $55,000 and $65,000. For the full, in-dept review, click “continue reading” below.

Keep reading for more information.

1950 Ford F47 Pickup

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 1950 Ford F47 Pickup
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 95
  • Transmission: Three-speed Manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 1950 Ford F47 is a classic pickup in every since of the term. Its front end features tons of chrome, round headlights, and vents. There are intake vents on the front of the hood, exhaust vents on the side of the hood, and the main opening with its five-bar chrome grille. That flathead V-8 is undoubtedly well ventilated. This particular example features amber fog lights, as well.

The flat windshield is a departure from other cars and trucks of the day with split windows. Ford offered an optional windshield wiper for the passenger side and the “See-Clear” windshield washer that was operate by a foot pump. This example doesn’t have those options, however. What it does have are color-keyed wheels with Firestone white-wall tires. The look is classic 1950s.

Around the side, a running board runs from fender to fender, allowing easy access to the cab and cargo bed. The stepside bed design was the only option in those days, regardless of brand. Chevy would be the one to break that mold. The fuel tank is located within the back wall of the cab, with the filler neck protruding on the passenger side.

Out back, the bed features beautiful oak wood planks, both above the bed rails and on the cargo floor. The tailgate features hand-painted pin-striping with the Ford scrip logo front and center.

Interior

It might not look too luxurious these days, but in 1950, the F47’s cab was high livin’. In fact, Ford called it the “Million Dollar Cab” thanks to its passenger-focused accoutrements. The three-person bench seat offered more room than other half-ton pickups thanks to the wider cab design.

Ford also offered its “3-Way Air Control” system for extra comfort. It includes wing vents on the side windows, an air duct that pulls air from the cowl vent, and the “Magic Air” heater and defroster, which uses hot coolant to heat an element much like modern car heaters work.

The gauge cluster includes a speedometer and gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage. Switches for lights, wipers, and other functions are scattered around the bottom of the dash.

Drivetrain

Powering the 1950 F47 is Ford’s legendary flathead V-8. This 226 cubic-inch engine made 95 horsepower when new – a powerful number in those days. It mates to a three-speed manual transmission with a floor-mounted shifter. A column-mounted shifter appeared midyear in 1950, leaving more room for the center passenger’s feet. Torque is sent to the rear wheels through a solid rear axle. 4WD was an option, and Ford used the Indiana-based Marmon-Herrington for the equipment.

The truck runs on a six-volt electrical system. This particular truck also includes a kill switch incase things go wrong.

Prices

The F47 likely sold for around $1,100 when new, but today, is worth far more. Mecum is estimating this particular truck’s selling price between $55,000 and $65,000. It all depends on the bidding, though. Someone could show up with a fat checkbook and a strong desire to win. In that case, prices could rise.

Competition

1950 Chevrolet 3100

The 1950 model year was at the height of Chevy’s “Advanced Design” pickup truck line. It featured a highly stylized front end with a large grille and rounded hood. The split windshield gave it a unique look, and had twin windshield wipers for better visibility. Ford definitely had Chevy beat on interior space, however. Three occupants would fit, but not as well as in the F1/F47.

Power came from Chevy’s venerable line of inline six-cylinder engines while either a three-speed manual or four-speed automatic did the shifting. Rear-wheel drive was standard.

Read our full review on the Chevrolet 3100 here.

Dodge B Series Pickup

Dodge’s B Series launched in 1948 and lasted through 1953, so in 1950, the Dodge truck was in its prime. The half-ton model carried the B1-B designation and came standard with an inline six-cylinder flathead producing 95 horsepower. A three-speed manual was the only transmission available.

Dodge advertised the truck as having a “high-visibility pilot house” cab with optional rear quarter windows. The gauge cluster was centered in the dash, with the speedometer closest to the driver. Opposite was a radio speaker, while ancillary gauges and switches consumed the space between. It wasn’t the most attractive dash in the segment, but it did the job.

Conclusion

This 1950 Ford F47 might be a rare bird, but it carries all the same features and looks as its U.S.-spec F1 counterparts. Its classic Ford look, the flathead V-8, and stepside bed solidify this as a timeless piece of automotive history. This example seems extremely well restored and cared for. Its detailed restoration appears to have been lovingly done to showcase what a factory fresh 1950 Ford F47 would look like. Whoever wins this bid will take home a finely restored pickup with a unique past.