Ford F-Series (first generation)

First generation
1949 Ford F-3
Overview
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
Also calledFord Bonus-Built
ProductionNovember 27, 1947 – 1952[1]
Model years1948–1952
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size pickup truck
Body style2-door pickup
4-door panel truck
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Related1948–1952 Mercury M-Series
Powertrain
Engine226 cu in (3.7 L) I6
239 cu in (3.9 L) Flathead V8
254 cu in (4.2 L) I6
337 cu in (5.5 L) Flathead V8
215 cu in (3.5 L) I6
279 cu in (4.6 L) Y-block V8
317 cu in (5.2 L) Y-block V8
Transmission3-speed manual
4-speed manual
5-speed manual[citation needed]
Chronology
Predecessor1942–1947 Ford pickup
SuccessorFord F-Series (second generation) (1953–1956)

The first generation of the Ford F-Series (also known as the Ford Bonus-Built trucks) is a series of trucks that was produced by Ford Motor Company from the 1948 to the 1952 model years. The introduction of the F-Series marked the divergence of Ford car and truck design, developing a chassis intended specifically for truck use. Alongside pickup trucks, the model line included also panel vans, bare and cowled chassis, and marked Ford's entry into the medium- and heavy-duty truck segment.

From 1947 to 1952, Ford assembled F-Series trucks at 16 facilities across North America. In Canada, the model line was also marketed through Lincoln-Mercury as the Mercury M-Series to expand dealership coverage in rural areas. This generation of F-Series pickup trucks is the only generation to use entirely Flathead engines (inline-6 and V8s).

  1. ^ Bunn 1998, p. 13.