Detail Info for: Ford : Other Pickups 5 Star 1951 FORD F1 "5 STAR" PICKUP - BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED - FLATHEAD V8, 5 SPD. & MORE

Transaction Info
Sold On:
03/18/2013
Price:
$ 35540.13
Condition:
Mileage:
63
Location:
Pleasanton, California, 94566
Seller Type:
Private Seller
Vehicle Specification
Year Make Model:
1951 Ford Other Pickups
Submodel Body Type:
5 Star Pickup
Engine:
276c.i.
Transmission:
Manual - 5 Speed
VIN:
F1R1AT27369
Vehicle Title:
Clear
Drive Train:
Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard Equipment:
Optional Equipment:
Vehicle Detail
1951 Ford F1 Pickup Restored 1951 F1 with Celebrity Ownership History '51 Mercury 276c.i. Flathead V8, Offenhauser Heads & Other "Period" Modifications Fresh T5 5-Speed, Rear End, Engine (within 2,000~ miles) & Much More~ The "Best of Both Worlds" - Stock Appearance & Great Drivability!! ____________________________________________ PLEASE NOTE: EACH TIME WE LIST A VEHICLE ON eBay WE RECEIVE COMMENTS THAT THERE ARE NO PHOTOS OF THE INTERIOR, ENGINE, UNDERCARRIAGE, ETC. OF THE CAR. ACTUALLY, THERE ARE 100 PHOTOS OF ALL AREAS OF THE CAR BUT, WHEN YOU REACH WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE LAST PHOTO; YOU WILL NEED TO SCROLL TO VIEW THE REMAINING PHOTOS. IF YOU ARE STILL UNABLE TO SEE THE PHOTOS, PLEASE CALL US AT 925-846-1451 AND WE WILL PROVIDE A LINK FOR THE PHOTOS (IT IS A VIOLATION OF eBay POLICY TO LIST THE URL ON THE eBay LISTING). NOTE: Also, all of our photographs are taken in natural light and are not altered using Photoshop or other methods. THANK YOU! CLASSIC CARS LTD. 925-846-1451 ___________________________________________ FORD F-SERIES FORD TRUCKS - HISTORY For decades, the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. has been the F-series truck from the Ford Motor Company. This impressive record began with a truck that became a legend in the 1940's. In 1948, Ford introduced the Bonus, which was also known as the F-pickup. It was the company's first truck designed from the ground up rather than an adaptation of a car chassis. It represented an up to the minute design, with a one piece windshield and headlights smoothly fitted into the fenders. The bold grill was simple but made a dramatic statement. Produced from 1948 until 1952, it established Ford as a leader in the small truck market. The F-1 was also designed to make the truck more pleasant to live with (and in!). The cab, called by Ford "The Million -Dollar Cab" was 7 inches larger across than its predecessor's and offered additional head and leg room. The doors were wider and upon entry you found new features such as sun visors, an ashtray and easier to read, more prominent instruments. Individually padded coil springs in the now adjustable bench seat made it more comfortable and vent windows and a dashboard ventilator, combined with an available heater and defroster now made the F-1 ready for all types of weather. The F-1 was offered with two engine options, a 6 cylinder and the familiar Flathead V8 engine. The ½ ton rated F-1 had a 4,700 lb. gross vehicle weight rating. The entire production series was manufactured in Ford's Highland Park, Michigan factory. INTRODUCTION TO THIS PARTICULAR 1951 FORD F-1 This F-1 Ford is special for a number of reasons. Let's start with the fact that this car was been previously a part of Max Weinberg's collection. While you may not know the name Max Weinberg, his professional career and body of work will certainly be familiar to you. Nicknamed "Mighty Max", Max Weinberg is an American drummer and television personality most widely known as the longtime drummer for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and the band leader for Conan Obrien and the Tonight Show. Like the other cars in Max Weinberg's collection, this Ford F-1 truck had a personal connection for him. As he said "My father owned and operated a summer camp, so farm vehicles always appealed to me. Trucks, dump trucks, Jeeps, the whole thing." Another influence was television. Growing up in the fifties, an era when TV was a "destination" with 4 or 5 channels, he was addicted to the program "Lassie." On that show, the father drove a 1951 Ford Truck and the memory of that truck stuck in Max's mind. Of course, it didn't hurt that the featured truck was a '51, the same year as Max's birth year. "Over the years, I had a number of beat-up '51 trucks but they really didn't do it for me." When I learned of this truck, I had to have it." VIN DECODING VIN # F1R1AT27369 The VIN of this F1 Ford breaks down as follows: F = Ford conventional 1 = Half-ton pickup R = V8 engine 1 = Identifies the truck as a 1951 ("1") AT = Assembly plant Atlanta, Georgia 27369 = Production sequence DETAILS - THIS PARTICULAR 1951 F1 Unlike what some have referred to as "Pigs with Lipstick" (Trucks that look OK at first glance but have been re-done just to sell) this 1951 Ford F1 represents a wonderfully restored truck with the perfect blend of original appearance coupled with period style modifications that improve performance without affecting the appearance, collectability or desirability of the truck. In reality, this 1951 Ford F1 has the appearance of a stock '51 F1 "5-Star" pick-up. However, the truck has a stance that suggests it isn't 100% stock although the entire truck is '51 Ford steel! It sits perfectly albeit slightly lower in the front than in the rear. As a 5 Star model the "high end" truck of the day and included dual windshield wipers, sun visors and arm rests (still in place) for both passenger and driver, interior done light, adjustable seat and special hood molding with the chrome "F1" bars on the hood. A turn of the key and it becomes apparent that subtle but impressive upgrades have been performed to the truck's engine (and other drive-line components). The engine has just the right note; not too loud and not too quiet with a lope that suggests a well-built street engine. Opening the hood reveals one of the best features of this '51 5-Star F1. Resting in the immaculate engine bay is a fully detailed Mercury 276c.i. Flathead that, according to the trucks previous owner (and documentation) was been completely rebuilt within 2,000~ miles. The previous owner of the truck is a Flathead "Guru" and has had extensive experience in the proper rebuilding of Flathead V8 engines. He utilized high quality internal components (listed above) and it shows in the way the truck runs and performs. It has excellent power and does not leak or smoke. We are the first to acknowledge that it doesn't take much encouragement to open the hood at every opportunity to show fellow enthusiasts the Flathead and the beautifully detailed engine compartment. No shortcuts were taken and any upgrades were very subtle (more on that later) and made to increase the Ford's performance, drivability and reliability. The F1 remains largely stock in its appearance and retains a 100% steel body. The Ford F1 is painted in a deep blue with black running boards that nicely contrast with the body color. The interior is minimalist and very tastefully done to be consistent with the way a very well maintained '51 F1 would have looked in the 1960's. The dash is stock with the exception of some very simple gauges that were added to monitor critical engine functions. The original switches and knobs still adorn the truck although the entire cab metal surfaces received fresh paint when the Ford pick-up was restored. The cab has like new rubber mats in the front and the stick shift is stock although attached to a recently installed T5 Ford 5-speed transmission. In our opinion the overall appearance of the truck is the "Best of both worlds" when it comes to a virtually stock appearance with mechanical improvements to enhance the driving experience. The following are worth noting: -All steel body -All steel running boards -Beautiful wood bed -Vintage Ford trunk mounted in the bed (can be removed) -High end 5 Star Model with upgraded trim -276c.i. Mercury Flathead (Detailed for a wonderful look, not to mention the sound!) -4 inch crank -Holley 1-100 cam -Solid Lifters (Grind, Lift, Duration & Valve timing specs. Included) -4 inch crank -Offenhauser 425 heads - Offenhauser intake (polished) -Holley 390cfm 4bbl -Isky valve springs -MSD ignition -Chrome coil -Full flow oil filtration -Red's headers -Dual exhaust - Smithy's mufflers -Engine gauges to monitor engine readings -Optima battery -Detailed engine bay -Fitted with a T-5 (with an overdrive) retaining the stock shift lever in the cab for a stock appearance - Allows running at highway speed with no problem and low RPM (Completed 2010) -Ford 9" rear end -New springs, shocks brakes and wide whitewall tires -Posies super slide springs - Power brakes -Converted to 12 volt (Chrome alternator) -Third brake light -Wide whitewalls -Scripted hubcaps - Dice valve cover stems -Blue dice in the cab (included!) -Rear axle specifications -Literature on F1 specifications / dimensions Within 100 miles the Ford was inspected and will be delivered with a "Passed" safety inspection. The car has fully functional lights, turn signals, brake lights, running lights and dash lights. COSMETIC CONDITION The F1 finished in lovely shade of deep blue with black running boards. Adorning the running boards are Ford scripted "step plates" at the entrance to both doors. The Ford shows very well in these understand elegant and "period" colors as opposed to the often seen bright red, bright yellow, etc. The appearance of this Ford is exceptional and many would be proud to have the truck entered in their car show / club event. Since the restoration, the car has been used as a weekend "Occasional use vehicle" and always garaged when not being used. The paint is in fantastic condition with a bright shine and is totally "flat", devoid of "orange peel", over-spray and all but the most minor imperfections. Minor flaws are difficult to identify and require close critical inspection due to the high quality of the restoration and in no way detract from the overall appearance of the truck. When restored, the F1 received a total and complete first quality re-paint, and is shows. The trim was removed with virtually all of the cars exterior chrome was replaced or replated / refinished as deemed necessary. Only minor exterior upgrades from stock were performed including the addition of chrome bumpers and quality wooden rails on the rear pick-up bed. The classic white grill was painted white and remains in virtually perfect condition. The independent inspection found the Ford to be free from any signs of rust and rot in the floors, rocker panels, fenders, engine bay, trunk and other typical rust prone areas. The frame was also found to be totally straight and free from current and previous signs of accident damage. Please refer to the detailed photographs of the underside of the car. The doors fit very well as does the hood and rear bed. The doors close solidly, line up well and close with a solid "thud" and are totally free from the "sagging" that can exist on early 50's vintage trucks. The hood is well aligned and opens and closes easily and seals tightly. The hood stays open as a result of proper ongoing maintenance. The front windshield is in very good condition with no cracks, stars or chips. Close inspection reveals the car is fitted with the old style (correct for the era), aluminum windshield wipers and arms. The remaining window glass is excellent with no major damage, cracks or stars and the windows roll up and down freely. The vent windows are also fully operational. MECHANICAL CONDITION The Ford pickup is a truck that has the appearance of being been very well cared for its entire life. The restoration was completed on a dry straight platform and the comprehensive mechanical restoration & improvements were just recently completed. Our file contains receipts supporting some of the work on the engine, transmission, upgrade to the Ford T5, 9" rear end and other engine enhancements that were completed within the past few thousand miles. Also in our file are copies of manuals, engine specifications and additional information that document the restoration of the truck. Some of the items (a list too long to outline in detail) of what has been completed includes the following: -Complete engine rebuild (machine receipt included for work) -Quality internal & external engine components -Fresh T5 5-Speed conversion -New clutch -Rebuilt 9" rear end -Cooling system -Recent Springs & shocks -Recent brakes -Functional parking brake -New tires - New mufflers / exhaust -New battery During the previous 100 miles the car was inspected by an independent mechanic who's overall assessment of the Ford revealed that it is an excellent build and a very nicely restored had excellent "Bones" is an excellent example of original truck with some very nice "Period" upgrades. This particular F1 truck runs and drives extremely well, indeed. Of all of the older trucks that we have driven, from a mechanical standpoint, this particular pick-up is as good as any that we have had in recent memory. The recent mechanical rebuild is certainly the reason for the cars strong performance. The Ford does not have the typical leaking that we see on so many 50's vintage cars & trucks. The Ford runs cool, sounds great and starts immediately whether warm or cold. In fact, a turn of the key and she comes to life almost before you can fully engage the ignition! The floor mounted 4-speed transmission make the Ford great fun to drive in addition to giving the car additional performance. The transmission shifts smoothly and without slippage and a receipt in the file documents a complete rebuild. There are no unusual noises in the transmission, rear end, or drive-line. The change to a 5-speed is a significant improvement and makes driving the car on the highway a pleasure in addition to improving the truck's low end performance. The tires are a matching set in excellent condition. Older Ford's (and other collectible vehicles, for that matter) are often times plagued with a variety of "Gremlin's" that can result in some items being nonfunctional. Our experience tells us that a car with a number of non-working items has not been well cared for by its owner and repairs can be costly. It is refreshing to see a 1951 Ford where everything works. The Ford's engine compartment is very clean with some upgrades to monitor engine performance and protect the engine. Some engine "Dress up" items were also added to give the Flathead engine and engine bay a spectacular appearance. Specifically, the following have been added: -Full flow oil filtration - Chrome air cleaner -Chrome cooling ducts -Oil pressure gauge -Baby Moon Oil temperature gauge -Overflow tank -Chrome alternator -Chrome coil -Polished nail head Flathead V8 Of course, as a pre-1975 vehicle the car is not subject to smog inspections in California and is exempt in most states in the U.S. Please check your local smog requirements. This Ford will clearly be of interest to collectors / enthusiasts that are looking for a rare, 5-Star Ford F1 pickup that can be used, enjoyed and brought to shows where it will be admired and universally accepted. The truck is completely and totally reliable, probably in large part due to the care that it has received from its previous owners. With continued care it is certain to provide the new owners with the same kind of reliability and pleasure for many, many more miles. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / COMMENTS We are often times asked if we would drive a particular car a long distance. Personally, we would not hesitate to drive this Ford F1 across country (and enjoy every minute of the trip on Route 66!) Please note the requirements listed below for out of state buyers / drivers. We encourage telephone calls to discuss in greater details the condition / specifics of this highly unique Ford convertible. It is difficult to fully describe but hopefully, the photos (along with the description) provide the prospective buyer with an idea of its condition. However, we ask that you call us for a "walk around" telephone discussion to review the condition of the truck in greater detail and answer any questions that you may have. We can be reached at 925-846-1451 during normal business hours in California. California buyers will, of course, be subject to the license, registration, documentation, tax and transfer fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for only the sale amount of the vehicle and any transport costs (tax, license & other fees may be charged by your local State authorities). NOTE: According to California law any vehicle driven on California roads is to be taxed and registered by the new owner. If a prospective out of state buyer is planning on purchasing a vehicle and NOT having it shipped, PLEASE talk with us before you bid. Thank You! We enjoy excellent relationships with a number of transport companies and, as a result, can often times obtain preferred pricing for vehicle shipping. Please give us a call and we will be glad to refer you to suitable transport companies. This Ford will make an excellent, affordable weekend "cruiser" or even a regular use vehicle. As nice as the truck is, it is a used vehicle and, as such, normal, minor imperfections can be found on this (and virtually any used vehicles). Imperfections may include, but are not limited to, minor paint flaws, minor wheel scrapes, and other defects that may not detract from the overall appearance of the vehicle, but do exist on virtually any car that is driven on the street. We have; however, done our best to describe the car as accurately, and completely as possible and ask that you discuss the car with us should you have any questions or doubts about purchasing a vehicle on a long distance basis. PURCHASING A COLLECTOR VEHICLE - THINGS TO CONSIDER -As always, we recommend that you carefully review the seller's background of any collector car being sold over the Internet. We believe that it is important to ask yourself a number of questions including, but not limited to: -How long have they been in business? -How much experience do they have with collector cars? -How many positive collector car vehicle sales have completed (positive eBay feedback)? -How detailed/complete is the description of the vehicle? -Do the photos show details of the interior, exterior, top, chrome, etc. or are they simply "Glamour Shots" taken from a distance? -Does the seller have a surety bond to protect the financial transaction? -What about insurance, licensing by the state, and a local business license? -Does the seller (if a business) have any DMV (Motor Vehicle) complaints and/or other history of legal action, grievances? -Do they enjoy a favorable local and national/international reputation? -Are they able to assist with funding sources, transport and out of state/country sales? ABOUT CLASSIC CARS LTD. -Classic Cars Ltd. has been in the same, small, California town for 20 years. We operate a small, indoor showroom, and specialize in the sale, consignment, and purchase of sports, high performance and specialty vehicles of all types. We have a particular interest in sports cars and unique vehicles. -The majority of our vehicles come from local, private owners and collectors, and many were sold new in California. We appreciate that rust free cars, with excellent documentation and history are especially attractive to our buyers both locally, and around the country. As a result, we do not purchase our collectible cars from "distressed" sales, such as wholesale auctions, salvage sales, or lien sales. We do not sell vehicles with salvage titles, or those that have a history of significant accident damage or repair. -Please review our feedback on eBay (user name Never22Many) representing close to 700 positive transactions to buyers all over the United States / World. -We are fully insured, bonded, and licensed for collector car sales all over the United States/World. -We have operated a "brick & mortar" business in the same small town for 20 years -We are fully insured and licensed for collector car sales - Classic Cars Ltd. carries a $50,000 Surety bond to cover financial transactions -We enjoy excellent relationships with a number of transport companies and, as a result, can often times obtain preferred pricing for vehicle shipping. Please give us a call and we will be glad to refer you to suitable transport companies. Needless to say, we would recommend a quality, enclosed transporter that is experience with moving high quality, collectible cars. -We frequently sell vehicles to out of state buyers / out of country buyers, and will be glad to provide references for buyers in your area, part of the world. Thank you, Classic Cars Ltd. 925-846-1451 MyStoreMaps improve local and international eBay sales. Specifications: Body Type / Style:Truck Exterior Color:Dark Blue Interior Color:Black Engine:Flathead V8 Transmission: T5 5-Speed Mileage:63 Drive:Rear Doors:2 Equipment: All Original Steel Body / Bed Body Off Restoration California Lic & Reg Dice Valve Cover Stems Dual Exhaust Fresh Clutch/Slave Fresh Complete Engine Rebuild Fresh Transmission Front Rubber Mats Full Instrumentation Holley 390cfm 4 bbl Holley Fuel Pump Literio 1-100 Cam Literio 1-100 Cam Lowered Slightly MSD Ignition Offenhauser "Nailhead" Offenhauser Intake Power Brakes Rebuilt Differential Remote Glove Box AM/FM Runs / Drives Very Well Steel Fenders Steel Running Boards Tremec 5 Speed - Stock Stick Wide Whitewall Tires Trunk can be Removed Or Used for Storage Radio remote Glove box mounted remote radio Original Vin - Fuse Locator Behain Rear Seat - Very Clean! Additional Photos Available.. Terms & Conditions Buyers outside of California will be responsible for a $195.00 fee for processing/administration. The charge will apply if the vehicle is purchased through ebay or before or after the auction, directly through Classic Cars Ltd. The vehicle is listed for sale elsewhere. We reserve the right to end the auction at anytime. We will be glad to discuss details of a "pre-auction" purchase (925) 846 1451. Inspections of vehicles are encouraged but (by appointment only) must be completed within 24 hours of the end of the auction. Out of state buyers are responsible for the high bid and any shipping costs. California buyers are subject to the appropriate sales tax, DMV transfer, and fees associated with the purchase of any used vehicle sale in the state of California. We mail, via Priority Mail, transferable documents within 48 hours of the transfer of funds to out of State buyers. While shipping and transportation costs (if appropriate) are the responsibility of the winning bidder, we can assist with locating a suitable transporter. We regularly ship cars all over the USA/World, and can often times locate very competitive rates for transporting vehicles door to door, to a local terminal, enclosed, open, etc. Please call us for specific information/rates to your location. We meet some great people and fellow enthusiasts, and only rarely do we have problems with non-paying bidders. Please be certain that you are prepared to buy the car if you bid, or call us at 925-846-1451 before the end of the auction if we can answer any questions. If you have a "sunglass" rating or fewer than 10 feedback ratings on eBay, please call us before you bid so that we can discuss the bidding process, etc. If we do not hear from you, we reserve the right to delete your bid. Thank You & Happy Bidding Classic Cars Ltd. On Mar-13-13 at 18:03:10 PDT, seller added the following information: Thank you for your interest in the F1 5 Star. We have had a number of 'off-line' discussions regarding the possibility of trades for the Ford F1. We will be glad to discuss trades of interest especially those involving unique vehicles, sports cars and muscle / high performance automobiles. Thank you again, Classic Cars Ltd. 925-846-1451