1948 Ford F6 COE Is Baddest Big Rig on the Road: Modded Monday
One-of-a-kind, this custom build combines a solid classic Ford F6 cabover truck with some clever fabrication to make a monster hauler.
A lot has changed since Ford rolled out their first major trucks. What hasn’t changed is their utility. Classic Ford trucks are still putting in work everyday. And this 1948 Ford F6 COE (cab over engine, or cabover) is a testament to why. These older trucks are as tough by today’s standards; and they can be modified to take on new tasks.
We spotted this gorgeous F6 COE at Streetside Classics and knew this big rig was something special … and a perfect choice for Modded Monday.
This era of the larger working trucks like the F6 also was called Ford’s C-Series. Built mainly for commercial use, it shared much of its DNA with the F-series pickup trucks.
Massive and hardcore, these were the trucks that did everything. And they were a popular choice for hauling. Built to bring back that classic, vintage appeal; it also happens to make a very cool highway (not-so-) big rig.
To get the necessary muscle to carry the load, the F6 was built on a motorhome chassis. This always allowed the builders to add custom pieces including the attached sleeper cab with built-in cargo doors.
This is no novelty Ford truck, this baby can go. It was been fitted with spacious bed, a lockable cargo box, and everything to tow, haul, go anywhere. Adding large side mirrors and big rig wheels with duallys in the rear just makes it all the more bulletproof.
Oh, and we love how sharp those dual exhaust stacks look. Which, the ad says, “Can even be configured to be flame throwers!” What?!
It all ties together in clean fabrication and sharp white with Ford inspired metallic blue. Blue carries to the cabin, as does new leather seating and creature comforts.
Inside classic and modern flow together with vintage instrumentation and HVAC and stereo. Comfort is improved greatly from 1948. Now, the F6 is more driver-friendly with features including: power windows, tinted glass, tiled steering column, modern buckets seats. Settle in for the long haul, and a sleeper in back is at the ready.
Under the sleeper is the engine bay housing 454 cubic-inch big block V8 with an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor on top. A lotta power and torque at the ready, and mated to a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
All added about 30,000 miles ago, this big, bag daddy also has power steering, power brakes, front discs, and the comfort of an RV-style for long-distance trips.
Details such as extra cargo space, lighting, pinstriping and more make the 1948 Ford COE F6 stand out. We’d be happy to hit the road in this bad boy. Flamethrowers and all….
Photos: Streetside Classics
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