Fully-restored and ready to show off, this big F5 is sure to win over even non-truck enthusiasts.
New Life
There's just something undeniably charming about old Ford work trucks that has endeared them to so many over the years. That includes us, of course, and we quickly found ourselves head over heels for this 1949 Ford F5 that recently crossed the block at Mecum Auctions' Houston sale. While it was obviously once used as a reliable workhorse, the big Blue Oval truck is now ready for a new life as a show rig, or perhaps the ultimate parade vehicle.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Restored Rig
This big rig has been with its current owner since 2010 and was treated to a full restoration at some point during their ownership. The results quite literally speak for themselves, as this F5 is in pretty amazing condition today, with red paint that's sure to appeal to anyone who lays eyes upon it.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this 1949 F5 right here in the forum.
Nicely Stitched
The interior is likewise a nice mix of contrasting red, white, and black, with painted metal surfaces complimenting some cool stitched black vinyl seats with custom cloth inserts. There's no radio inside this cab, but that's because it's all business. However, there is heat in case your next parade takes place on a chilly winter's day.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this 1949 F5 right here in the forum.
Power Upgrade
Lift the hood, and you won't find some old fashioned, underpowered engine, but rather a Ford V8 from the early 1970s. It's backed up by a four-speed manual transmission and provides a pretty big upgrade over the original engine's paltry but adequate output.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this 1949 F5 right here in the forum.
Big Roller
The engine resides underneath a full-tilt fiberglass front end for easy access. The big rig rolls on a set of red and off-white wheels that look fantastic, and the bodywork is protected from debris they might kick up with some mud flaps. The 2.5-ton truck also features a hydraulic tilt bed to make loading and unloading much easier.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this 1949 F5 right here in the forum.
Irresistible Combo
Throw in some giant mirrors and wooden stakes for the bed, and you've got one seriously cool vintage medium-duty truck. We can't imagine anyone looking at this thing and not liking it, but then again, not everyone out there in the world has good taste.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this 1949 F5 right here in the forum.
Solid Value
Despite its many positive attributes, this awesome classic F5 sold for just over $23k, which seems like a pretty solid deal. Obviously, no one is going to daily drive a big truck like this, but we're sure they'll get a pretty nice return on investment by just enjoying it on the occasional nice weekend.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this 1949 F5 right here in the forum.
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