Restomodded 1946 Ford F-100 Pickup Going Once, Going Twice…

By Adam Pockross - June 5, 2015

1946 Ford F100

Interested in purchasing a super rare, restomodded 1946 Ford F-100 pickup truck? Well, come on down!

Heck, even if you’re not interested in purchasing one, you should at least be interested in the history of such a truck. I certainly found the description of this beaut, up for auction at Russo and Steele, to be enlightening.

Here’s the gist: in 1941, as the United States was about to dive helmet first into World War II, Ford was debuting their bold new 1942 pickups. Before any of its “competitors,” Ford became the first truck to feature integrated fenders and headlights. The ’42 also boasted longitudinal leaf springs and an open driveshaft. It was the hottest truck on the road.

But then, well, Hitler hit the fan, and Ford put all its resources into the war effort. Then we stomped Hitler into a bunker.

1946 Ford F100

In February of 1945, before the war had even officially ended, Ford became the first American automaker to head back to making non-combat vehicles. And they began by making trucks. Thing is, with strikes and supply issues, Ford could only make enough trucks for government contractors.

The shortages upped demand, so by the time they could sell to civilians, Ford essentially put out the same truck in 1946 and ’47 as it had in 1942. But the numbers never soared, and so they’re extremely rare today. Even rarer, since the new F-Series debuted in January of 1948.

So all that pre-amble should give you some indication of how rare this auction item is. However, all history aside, it’s pretty rad to have some cool upgrades too, that weren’t even conceivable in 1946. The classic has been completely restored, and spruced up with a 1963 Chevy 327 cubic-inch Corvette engine, Mustang II independent front suspension, 9-inch Ford rear axle, power brakes and steering, and plenty of other goodies. All of which adds up to a piece of history that drives like a rocket ship.