Daily Slideshow: 1953 Ford F-250 Marmon-Herrington Stands Above the Rest
Slammed, fat-tired '50s F-Series trucks are a common sight these days. So how about a converted 4x4?
Not Your Average F-250
1953-1956 Ford trucks are, without a doubt, some of the coolest pickups ever built. Even today, decades later, collectors and hot rodders alike can't get enough of these amazing, curvy machines. But while we see more than our fair share of slammed and fat-tired F-Series pickups from this era, we rarely see 4x4s. And there's a good reason for that, obviously.
Successful Partnership
That reason, of course, is that Ford didn't build four-wheel drive trucks in-house back then. Instead, they farmed the conversions out to Marmon-Herrington, a company that builds everything from military vehicles to trolley buses. M-H and Ford enjoyed a long and successful partnership for many years until the Blue Oval decided to start building 4x4s themselves in the '60s.
>>Join the conversation about this 1953 F-250 4x4 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Unnecessary Luxury?
Despite their success, you don't see a ton of M-H converted Ford trucks on the road today. Four-wheel drive trucks were considered a bit of a luxury back then, so not a lot of people bought them.
>>Join the conversation about this 1953 F-250 4x4 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Something Different
So we wouldn't be surprised if you feel like this gorgeous 1953 Ford F-250 Marmon-Herrington conversion looks a bit off. We see plenty of converted '50s utility haulers and commercial grade trucks, but not many normal pickups like this one.
>>Join the conversation about this 1953 F-250 4x4 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Rust-Free Beauty
The rare and unique F-250 popped up for sale recently in the Hemmings Classifieds, and it's easily one of the nicest examples we've ever seen. Even though it's since received a full restoration, the seller claims that it was rust-free to begin with.
>>Join the conversation about this 1953 F-250 4x4 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
All the Goods
Adding to the mystique is the rare long bed option, which you rarely see from this time period. And all of the documentation is in place, including the original placard.
>>Join the conversation about this 1953 F-250 4x4 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Fresh and Clean
The seller claims that everything was replaced or refurbished on this F-250, and it's hard to argue that fact. The mint interior features new glass, rubber, and everything else you'd want from a '50s F-Series.
>>Join the conversation about this 1953 F-250 4x4 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Dream Driver
Likewise, the brakes, tires, and oak bed are also brand new. We can just imagine tooling around in this beauty now, bouncing over every little bump and wrestling with the wheel on our way to do some farm chores.
>>Join the conversation about this 1953 F-250 4x4 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Extra Parts
The M-H F-250 is equally clean underneath, perhaps more so than when it originally rolled off the factory floor. It's pretty fascinating to see the extra mechanicals under here as well, especially when you're used to staring at two-wheel drive models from this era.
>>Join the conversation about this 1953 F-250 4x4 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Truly Unique
Lift the hood, and you'll find the original Flathead V8 ready to do work. This old four-wheeler reportedly runs and drives excellent. Hopefully at least as good as it looks, anyway. Because you won't find many trucks cooler or more unique than an original, converted Marmon-Herrington F-250!
>>Join the conversation about this 1953 F-250 4x4 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
For help with your repair and maintenance projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.