Ford f Series Classic Trucks
The 1951 Ford F series line of trucks was still a part of the first generation design, though it did incorporate some distinct design changes from the debut of the original F series platform in 1948. These changes included a redesigned front end that created a change in the look of the headlights and grille. Rather than the previous design of having the headlights made into the front fenders and separated by a grille of multiple, horizontally positioned bars that formed an inner partition, on the 1951 Ford F series the headlights were connected by a singular horizontal bar which was supported by a series of three equally spaced aerodynamic support members. This design slightly altered the front fenders, creating more of a recessed area in which to fit the headlights and supporting members. This additionally flattened the design of the front bumper and gave the truck more of a square appearance in the front rather than the softly contoured design of earlier years. The ornament on the front of the truck was altered as well and the company name could now be read clearly on the front lip of the hood.
The overall size of the truck remained the same as the previous years of production and included the same 226" inline 6 cylinder engine, the 239" Flathead V8, 254" Flathead V6, and the 337" Flathead V8. In addition to these engines was the 215" inline V6, which became the standard engine on the base model F-1. The 215" inline six cylinder power plant was rated at 101 horsepower and for its day was considered a rather efficient and economical engine design. Additional cosmetic changes were made to the dash of the truck, as well as an enlargement of the rear window, creating a greater range of sight over the rear corners of the truck.
The 1951 Ford series of trucks were available in eight models, ranging from the F-1 to the F-8, just as they had been during the first years of the design. The F-1 and F-2 were the common half ton and three-quarter ton pickup trucks, the F-3 was rated as the heavy duty model, and the F-4 was a one ton truck. Models such as the F-5 and higher were the commercial sized vehicles, most of which had a longer overall length in the back to incorporate flatbed capacity, use as a bus, or any large parcel or transport vehicle. The design changes would carry over into the next production year and were the only series of changes to be made to the first generation design of the F series trucks, which ended after the 1952 production period.
