Featured is a beauty of a 1954 Ford F 250. The Ford F 250 is a popular three-quarter ton pickup. The second generation of the Ford F-Series is a series of light trucks that was built by Ford from the 1953 to 1956 model years. The first generation ran from 1948 to 1952.
Ford’s F Series Trucks
A major change for light trucks came to fruition in 1948 with Ford’s first F-Series. Prior to the war, light trucks had been designed to be marketed to farmers and owners of commercial fleets.
The change was that Ford Motor Company would now begin designing light duty trucks to appeal to the buyer that desired a comfortable, stylish looking truck that could be used for both work and family. Thus, the beginning of the popular F-Series Fords.
The Ford F Series trucks starting in 1948 were built on a truck chassis as opposed to the prewar trucks built on automobile chassis. The F Series Trucks were truly new and different than those produced prior to World War Two and the changes were both inside and out. This was also the time that safety and fuel economy also emerged. Two years later in 1956 seats belts would be offered in both Ford trucks and automobiles.
The F Series trucks had features not found in other trucks. These included a one piece windshield, a wider cab for more comfort and headlights that integrated with the truck’s grille. With these changes which Ford claimed were not found with competitors trucks, Ford Motor Company advertising labeled the 1948 F Trucks “Bonus Built“. Ford was using this slogan to put up a challenge to General Motors who had pretty much dominated the truck market at that time.
The 1954 Ford F 250
Ford light trucks went through a redesign for the 1953 model year, the first year of the second generation. The design of Ford trucks changed significantly between 1950 and 1954 and Ford also took on the F-100, F-250, F-350 names to designated truck size. . These were the half ton, three-quarter ton, and one ton in that order.
There was a big change for the 1954 Ford F 250. The flathead eight was replaced with a 239 cubic inch Ford Y Block V-8.The Y Block got it;s name from it’s deep skirting that made the engine block look like the letter Y. This new engine was introduced in 1954 as a more modern replacement for the side valved Flathead V8 and was used in a many different Ford vehicles through the 1964 model year.
1954 Ford F 250 Specifications
Engine was the new 239 cubic inch Ford Y Block V-8. The engine was given the name of “Power King”.While the new OHV V-8 had the same displacement as the flathead eight it replaced, the power was now up to 130 HP.
Ford still offered the Mileage Maker Six with some changes.
Transmissions included a four speed manual and a three speed Ford-O-Matic automatic.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums.
Truck dimensions included a 118.0 inch wheelbase and an overall length of 189.1 inches.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below…
Reference material for this article included..Pickup Trucks : A History of the Great American Vehicle by Justin Lukach…..Ford Truck Chronicle by Auto Editors of Consumer Guide…..Ford Pickup Trucks, 1948-56 : Development History and Restoration Guide by Paul G. McLaughlin.
The1954 Ford F-250 Classic Truck Popularity
All light trucks produced during the 1950’s have a strong following among collectors.
As mentioned above, the Ford F Series brought forth more modern styling with special attention given to passenger comfort, safety and overall versatility. In addition, more powerful engines were built with the 1954 F Series introducing the overhead valve V-8.
Currently, light duty trucks are garnering strong bidding at auctions and fully restored, very original example are obtaining some of the best prices to date. It’s not unusual to see a relatively recently restored 1954 Ford F 250 selling for $50,000.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)