1952 Ford F-1 pickup with small-block V8, power steering and 12-volt already done
Street-truck F-1 with the V8 swap and 12-volt work done, bid at $5,500 against $17-30k custom sales.
1952 Ford F-1
Ended Why we picked it
This 1952 F-1 half-ton already has a GM small-block V8, power steering, a 12-volt conversion, a GM tilt column, dual exhaust and aftermarket gauges. It has a clean Tennessee title and was previously registered in Washington. Black paint with flames, Cragar SS wheels and a cloth bench give it an older street-truck look.
Recent custom F-1 sales range from $17,600 to $30,000. The bid was $5,500 when we checked, with the auction ending October 12. Reserve status is not stated, and Hagerty bids often jump at the end (a 1964 F-100 went from $7,500 to $18,500 this week), so expect this one to climb. It is still a sensible restomod base because the costly drivetrain and electrical swaps are done.
The value check
When we found it, the bid was $5,250. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $17,600–$30,000, so the middle of the market is about $23,800. That put this car 78% under.
Custom and modified F-1 pickups sold for $17,600 (Mecum) to $30,000 (BaT) in September 2026, and a refurbished 1964 F-100 brought $18,500 on Hagerty on October 8. The $5,500 bid is about 77% under the $23,800 midpoint, though bids will rise.
- CLASSIC.COM Ford F-Series 1st gen sold results
- 1952 Ford F-1 custom, BaT, sold $30,000 (Sep 2026)
- 1948 Ford F-1 custom, Mecum, sold $17,600 (Sep 2026)
What to check
- The listing says automatic, but the options code decodes to a 3-speed manual; confirm which transmission is in it
- The listing does not clearly say it runs and drives; ask for a cold-start and driving video
- F-1 cabs rust at the cab corners, floors, door bottoms and rear cab mounts; check the bed sides and front fender bottoms too
- Check how the small-block was mounted and whether the brakes were upgraded to match the V8
- The tires are over 20 years old, the headliner needs replacing, and the chrome wheels show rust
Making it drive like new
With the V8, power steering and 12-volt system in place, the next steps are a Mustang II-style front suspension or bolt-in disc brake kit, a dual-circuit master cylinder, an overdrive automatic, fresh radials and a new wiring harness. Seat belts and a fuel tank moved out of the cab are worth adding for safety.
4 builders make a complete chassis for the 1948–52 F-1 pickup. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.
How it ended
Bidding reached $12,750 but the car didn't sell (ended Oct 12, 2026). Unsold cars often get relisted, so it may turn up again.
What 1948–52 F-1 pickup cars sell for
| Condition | Sales | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project | 1 | $12,000 | $12,000 | $12,000 |
| Driver | 23 | $7,600 | $27,500 | $44,000 |
| Collector | 1 | $37,000 | $37,000 | $37,000 |
Recent sales
| Car | Condition | Result | Date | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 Ford F-1 | Collector | $37,000 | Oct 7, 2026 | Bring a Trailer |
| 1950 F-1 | Driver | $40,700 | Sep 26, 2026 | Mecum |
| 1952 F-1 | Driver | $7,600 | Sep 23, 2026 | Cars & Bids |
| 1949 F-1 | Driver | $27,500 | Sep 23, 2026 | Mecum |
| 1948 F-1 | Driver | $9,900 | Sep 10, 2026 | Barrett-Jackson |
| 1951 F-1 | Project | $12,000 | Sep 8, 2026 | Hagerty Marketplace |
| 1950 F-1 Project | Driver | $10,000 | Aug 31, 2026 | Hagerty Marketplace |
| 1949 F-1 | Driver | $36,000 | Aug 31, 2026 | Bring a Trailer |
