Top-spec F-450 Power Stroke diesel

In our early "Motor Trials" evaluations, we undertook thorough measurements and assessments that encompassed various aspects of the vehicle's performance. This included precise timing of acceleration, meticulous calculation of braking distances, evaluation of fuel efficiency, and occasionally even attaining the maximum speed achievable—conducted entirely on public roads. It is worth noting that until the year 1960, California's rural highways did not possess specified speed limits. Initially, the vehicles used for these tests were obtained from dealerships, with sales representatives accompanying them as chaperones.

226-cubic-inch L-head straight-six engine

Ford introduced its brand new collection of F-Series trucks, known as the "Bonus Built," in 1948. These trucks offered a wide range of options, with 115 different body and chassis combinations available. The weight classes varied from 1/2-ton to 3-ton, and the trucks were designated as F-1 to F-8.

The F-Series trucks boasted a spacious and luxurious "million-dollar cab" made entirely of steel. This cab featured various lavish enhancements like an ashtray, a glove box, cowl and vent-window ventilation, a coil-sprung bench seat, and rubber isolation to ensure a comfortable ride for the driver and passengers.

The entry-level F-1 pickup truck came equipped with a 95-horsepower 226-cubic-inch L-head straight-six engine, priced at $1,212. In today's currency, that would be approximately $13,100. However, our featured example comes with a more powerful 100-horsepower 239-cubic-inch flat-head V-8 engine, which adds an additional $20 to the total cost.

The low purchase price belies the dearth of standard equipment available on these workhorses—even the passenger-side windshield wiper cost $3 extra. Today’s cheapest rear-drive, regular-cab, short-box F-150 XL with a 3.3-liter V-6 starts at $29,750. The loaded F-150 Limited 4x4 pictured here stickers for $74,180, and a top-spec F-450 Power Stroke diesel is $95,320—obviously the levels of standard equipment and technology are miles more advanced.

During the 1950s, we implemented dynamometer testing and embraced the usage of the Tracktest fifth-wheel speedometer/distance meter in order to eradicate any inaccuracies caused by vehicle speedometer errors from our test outcomes.