Origin: Highland Park, MI
Engine: 6-Cylinder
Transmission: 3-Speed Manual
The “grandfather” to today’s F-150s, the Ford F-1 series started in 1947 with a complete redesign of Ford’s light-duty pickup truck (The ‘F’ in the name refers to the weight of the truck, with F-1s being the lightest and F-8s being heavy duty, commercially-used vehicles). World War II had come and gone, and the return of Ford to the civilian market meant a new style of truck with more cab room and a much more streamlined appearance. Dubbed the “Bonus Built” pickup, the F-1 featured a single-piece windshield, headlamps integrated into the fenders, and a masculine horizontal bar grille. Added features not seen on prewar trucks were a windshield washer (operated using a foot plunger), passenger side windshield wiper and sun visor, and dual tail lamps. The truck was a hit and was responsible for making Ford profitable in the postwar boom.
This F-1 was donated to the Rich Family in 1998 by family friend Bud Grane of Grane Transportation, a Chicago-based transportation and logistics services provider that’s been around since 1925. The company is still in existence today! Thanks to its cheery red color and old-fashioned looks, the pickup is often used in Rich Harvest Farms holiday displays.