Restored 1951 F-1 was Born to Burn Rubber: Two Tone Tuesday Presented by Dupli-Color Premium Truck Bed Coating

Ford F-1 is one cool cat with a bent eight that packs a punch.

Every week, we try to bring you a variety of exceptional Ford trucks that exemplify the incomparable style of two tone trucks. We’ve seen a number of models and decades represented on Two Tone Tuesday. But we haven’t seen many that pre-date the second-generation F-Series in 1953, when Ford initially introduced the color scheme.

So, when we found this rare 1951 F-1 truck, we knew it was something special. Not only has this chrome chariot undergone a frame-off restoration, it sports a professionally done paint job. Silver and green make this half-ton ’51 F-1 especially easy on the eyes.

We came across this vintage truck at Specialty Sales Classics. There are a number of custom touches that give this ride a touch of hot rod attitude that blends effortlessly with its original beefy fat fender style.

The first-generation F-1 was produced from 1948–1952. It earned the name “Sharknose,” and looking at the grille, it is easy to understand. We really like the way this restoration added design elements on the tonneau cover and hood, giving it texture and accentuating those thick Ford curves.

Under the hood is a 350 cid V8 engine with 4 duel carburetors and a 350 automatic transmission. Additionally, there are some nice upgrades such as  power steering, power brakes (front disc and rear drum), cold air conditioning, power windows, power seats, and more.

We don’t know who “Shirley” is, but she is immortalized under the hood.

Inside, there are some cool modern tech mixed with classic touches such as the gauges.

We love the custom details, and the true-blue Ford badging. Modern seating in gray leather is a welcome upgrade, and the custom work done on the dash and glovebox is meticulous and very cool. Plus the two-door, two-seater has  A/C, and an upgraded kickass sound system.

Since the glow up, it has only a little over 600 one the ticker. As you can likely tell, this restoration took years.

Certainly, we understand that this first-gen F-1 may not be for some purists. However, we love it; actually, we want it. This big, bad Daddy-O was lovingly brought back to life by someone who clearly appreciates and understands what made vintage Fords amazing.

Photos: Specialty Sales Classics

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.