Harley Denim: 1952 Ford F-1 Pickup – SOLD!

February 1, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Of the various reasons given when current caretakers decide to sell their classic car, one of the emerging trends is the desire to take either their kids or grandchildren for rides.  In our latest example, the seller of this Harley Davidson denim-paint scheme, flathead V8-powered, 1952 Ford F-1 pickup originally listed in November 2020 on Craigslist in Jackson, New Jersey needs a classic with a back seat.   Hoping to get “around” $35,000 for their F-1, researching the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the private seller has their vintage Ford priced between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $25,000 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $40,100.  Similarly, the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool as a second data point confirms this private seller has his full-size Ford priced between the #3 “Good” estimate of $20,200 and the #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $38,900.

Hagerty Insurance provides this nice synopsis of the ’48-’52 Ford F-1 vintage trucks in their price valuation guide:

“Showroom rivals to the GM Advanced Design trucks, Ford’s first all-new post-war vehicle (preceding the all-new 1949 Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln car lines) not only saw the start of future sales success but also the start of an easily identifiable nameplate that has evolved into the F-series Ford uses today.

Unveiled in January of 1948, Ford’s new postwar pickup line started off with the F-1 half-ton. Labels read F-2 for ¾-ton trucks, F-3 for 1 ton, and so on. Numbering ran all the way up to F-8 for the biggest rigs. Promotional people didn’t call these machines “Bonus Built” for nothing. Ford reportedly spent $1 million to give buyers more truck for their money than ever before. Increasing driver and passenger friendliness was the main goal; the wider, taller “Million Dollar Cab” offered a “living-room” feel, and its improved seat delivered “easy chair comfort.”

From 1948 through 1950, the F-Series trucks were all but cookie-cutter identical, available either with a flathead V-8 or flathead inline-six under the hood. The 1951 model year saw a restyle, focusing primarily on a new large bar grille, which became a styling theme for Ford throughout the rest of the decade in two subsequent platforms. Under the hood was a new overhead-valve inline-six (beating every other Ford product to market with an overhead-valve engine design). That hood saw the only changes for 1952, with some mild trim shuffling and the OHV six beneath it increasing in displacement.

Nearly as popular as the Advanced Design, but coming in second place in overall sales when new, the Ford F-1 had been under most enthusiasts’ radar over the last few decades, playing second fiddle to the 1953-56 “Effies” for Ford fans. Not so of late, however, as more and more have been surfacing on the collector market, and owners have dedicated serious time and money to high-quality restorations.”

Here’s a 1960s vintage US Commercial highlighting how durable and long-lasting Volvo’s 122S was compared to other cars of the period:

If you have an hour to fill and want to learn the history of Ford’s V8 engine, then this video currently posted on YouTube is a must-watch:

The orange and black denim paint scheme makes this vintage Ford the perfect truck for any Harley Davidson enthusiast. We love how the current caretaker performed only this and several other very subtle modifications while keeping the original numbers-matching flathead V8 stock.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1952 ford f1 pickup flathead v8, 3 on the tree trans, with 83k original miles numbers matching, fully restored and garage kept, this is a 2 owner new jersey truck that was used on a local farm in sea girt, NJ I have the 52 farmer plate that was used on the truck. Looking to get around $35k
call to further discuss at 732-551-1098

trades I’m looking for are 1960’s mustangs, shelbys, camaros, impalas, corvettes
newer ford diesel 4door only pick-up trucks. No junk, no projects, need something with back seats as I have little kids and can not enjoy my 52 anymore.”

What, if anything, would you change on this F-1 to make it yours?  Comment below and let us know!