1946 Ford 1/2-Ton Pickup 3-Speed

The first-generation of the Ford F-Series (also known as the Ford Bonus-Built trucks) is a series of trucks that was produced by Ford from the 1948 to the 1952 model years. The introduction of the F-Series marked the divergence of Ford car and truck design, developing a chassis intended specifically for truck use. Alongside pickup trucks, the model line included also panel vans, bare and cowled chassis, and marked the entry of Ford into the medium and heavy-duty truck segment.

This 1946 Ford ½-ton pickup is finished in red over tan vinyl upholstery and powered by a 239ci flathead V8 paired with a three-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes a four-barrel carburetor, 16″ painted-steel wheels with covers, chrome bumpers, a side-mounted spare tire, wood-lined bed, dual exhaust with electrically-controlled cutouts, and Sunpro tachometer.

Black-painted 16″ wheels wear chrome hubcaps and trim rings along with Bridgestone Ecopia EP02 tires showing 2008 date codes. Stopping is provided by front disc brakes and rear drums, the front calipers and brake pads are said to have been replaced under current ownership. The truck is equipped with a side-mounted spare tire.

The cabin features bench seating reupholstered in tan vinyl with a matching headliner and carpeting along with a body-colored dashboard and door panels. Equipment includes a floor-mounted gear shifter, rearview mirror, dome light, and glovebox. The two-spoke wrapped steering wheel wears a steering knob and fronts a Sunpro Tachometer along with a Dolphin 140-mph speedometer and combination gauge.

In 1946, a brand new design came along — lower, sleeker, and available. Somehow, it wasn’t the same, and countless fans were sorry to see the 1946 Ford 1/2-Ton Pickup go.