For Sale: 1948 Ford F1 in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania

THE TRUCK

This 1948 Ford F-1 is a restomod built to be driven, not babied. It keeps the shape and presence of a first-year F-Series truck - one of the most recognizable American pickups ever built - but underneath it's been brought into the modern driving world with a V8 swap, updated brakes, power accessories, and air conditioning. If you've wanted a classic truck that looks the part at a show but won't punish you on the drive home, this is the kind of build people are after.

Power comes from a 305ci GM small-block, topped with an Edelbrock AVS2 four-barrel carburetor, Edelbrock intake, and Edelbrock valve covers, with a chrome alternator finishing off the engine bay. It's a familiar, easy-to-service combination - parts are everywhere and any shop can work on it. The truck has power steering and power brakes, so it drives far easier than a stock '48 ever did, and it's backed by a Ford 9" rear end, one of the most respected and durable rears you can put under a vehicle like this.

WHAT IT HAS

The brake setup runs front discs with rear drums for confident, modern stopping. Out back, it sits on rear leaf springs with a pair of shocks mounted mid-frame between the springs and the differential. Exhaust is a dual system, and the battery has been relocated under the bed to keep the engine bay clean. It rolls on American Racing wheels, and the cargo area is finished with a classic wood bed.

Inside, this truck is built for comfort. It has power bucket seats, power windows, a tilt steering wheel, and air conditioning - a combination you rarely find in a truck this age. The gauges are VDO units with an aftermarket tach, and there's a headliner overhead, clean carpet underfoot, and seat belts in place. The seats are in good shape with no rips or tears. A radio with a CD player is tucked into the glove box, the truck has wing windows up front, and there's custom pinstriping inside for a personal touch.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

This is a built truck, not a factory-original restoration, and it should be viewed that way. The drivetrain is a GM 305 small-block in a Ford body - a very common and reliable swap, but worth stating plainly for anyone expecting a Ford engine. As with any restomod that combines parts from different makes and eras, we always encourage buyers to come see it in person or arrange a third-party inspection so you know exactly what you're getting.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The 1948 F-1 marked the launch of Ford's all-new F-Series - the bloodline that became the best-selling truck in America. The first-year styling, with its bold grille and rounded cab, is some of the most sought-after in the vintage truck world. Building one as a restomod the way this one's been done - V8 power, disc brakes, power steering, AC, and a Ford 9" - is exactly what makes these trucks usable and enjoyable in modern driving while keeping all the vintage character that draws people to them in the first place.

HOW TO BUY IT

This truck is located at RT 61 Classics & Toy Barn in Orwigsburg, PA. We're a licensed Pennsylvania dealer and we're happy to send a walk-around video, take additional photos, or set up a time for you to come see it in person. Third-party inspections are welcome. For out-of-state buyers, we can help coordinate transport, though the choice of carrier is yours. We don't charge documentation fees on top of the sale price. Call or email through the listing to set up a time.