1952 Ford Trucks

Ford introduced new overhead-valve (OHV) engines for 1952, but not all made it to the truck line -- at least, not yet. The first new OHV engine, a six-cylinder displacing 215 cubic inches, was available in Ford trucks from the F-1 through the F-5, as well as in Ford cars.

The second new Ford OHV engine was a large V-8 based on a new Lincoln engine that was offered in 279- or 317-cubic-inch variations, but it was only available in the big Ford F-7 and F-8 truck models; smaller trucks still used the old flathead V-8.

1952 Ford Truck six-cylinder engine
1952 Ford six-cylinder truck engine

Ford truck styling was altered little for 1952, with the most noticeable change affecting the nose and side trim on the trucks' hoods. Beneath the hood was a different story, however, as a new six-cylinder engine boasting overhead valves was introduced. Sized at 215 cubic inches, it produced 101 horsepower, six more than the 226-cid flathead six it replaced. The flathead V-8 continued to be used in Ford pickups as before, although cars and heavy-duty trucks offered overhead-valve V-8s.

1952 Ford Ranger truck, four-wheel drive
1952 Ford Ranger

Marmon-Harrington had long been offering four-wheel-drive conversions for Ford trucks. When a 1952 Ford Panel Delivery truck was so equipped, it was called a "Ranger."

1952 Ford F-5 truck
1952 Ford F-5

The rearmost banner on the cargo-body "spine" of this 1952 Ford F-5 truck reminds fans to drink Dr. Pepper at 10, 2, and 4 o'clock.

1952 Ford F-6 chassis-cab
­1952 Ford F-6 chassis-cab

The 1952 Ford F-6 chassis-cab truck weighed 4590 lbs and had a GVW rating of up to 16,000 lbs. Its V-8 was still the venerable 239-cubic-inch flathead, rated at 110 horsepower.

In the next section, learn how Ford celebrated its Golden Anniversary with new truck designs.

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