How many 1949 Ford trucks were made?

Approximately 350,000 to 450,000 Ford light trucks were produced in 1949, though Ford did not publicly publish a model-by-model total for that year. The exact breakdown by model remains uncertain, with most counts derived from archival records and industry references.

Context: Ford's postwar truck lineup

Following World War II, Ford introduced a redesigned line of light trucks branded as the F-Series, part of the so-called Bonus-Built era. The 1949 model year continued the 1948 redesign and used the F-1, F-2, and F-3 designations to differentiate payload ratings. These trucks were offered in a range of body styles, including pickups, cab-and-chassis, and various bed configurations, reflecting a growing market for versatile work vehicles in the late 1940s.

The following list captures the core 1949 lineup by model designation.

• F-1 — 1/2-ton pickup and light-duty trucks


• F-2 — 3/4-ton trucks


• F-3 — 1-ton trucks

These designations were widely used by Ford and automotive reference books to classify the 1949 lineup, though the official production tally by model is not publicly posted.

What the numbers indicate

While there is no single official source that itemizes 1949 Ford truck production by model, historians and reference works generally agree on a few points: total light-truck production for that year sits in the six-figure range, and the breakdown by F-1, F-2, F-3 is rarely documented in a final public figure.

• Official Ford annual reports from the era did not publish a straight model-by-model truck total for 1949.


• Automotive reference works estimate the total Ford light-truck production for 1949 in the range of roughly 350,000 to 450,000 units.


• There is no universally accepted published breakdown of the exact counts by F-1, F-2, and F-3; counts, when cited, come from archival factory records or specialized histories.

Bottom line: The exact figure remains unresolved in public sources, but the consensus places 1949 Ford truck production in the mid-to-high six figures.

Why this matters for collectors and historians

Understanding the production scale helps explain the current availability of these trucks on the collector market and informs restoration practices. The postwar redesign and Ford’s broad output contributed to a durable, widely used vehicle platform that remains popular with enthusiasts today.

In summary, while there is no single published figure for the exact 1949 model-by-model counts, industry references place the total 1949 Ford light-truck production in a broad range of roughly 350,000 to 450,000 units. The breakdown by F-1, F-2, and F-3 is not publicly documented with precision, leaving researchers to rely on archival records and period sources for any model-level specifics.

Summary: The 1949 Ford truck production occurred at a high level of postwar demand, with estimates typically landing in the 350,000–450,000 range for all light trucks. The exact distribution among F-1, F-2, and F-3 remains uncertain without access to factory-level records, making the total the most reliable figure available to the public.

What engine was in a 1949 Ford?

Carried over from the previous generation, a 226 cubic-inch L-head inline-6 was the standard engine with an optional 239 cubic-inch Flathead V8.

What is the difference between 1948 and 1949 Ford F1?

1949: The most noticeable change on the 1949 trucks was the deletion of the red pinstripes on the silver-painted grille bars. Wheels were painted to match body color, rather than the previous black wheels. Defroster added as an option.

What is the rarest Ford truck ever made?

The rarest Ford truck is likely the 1991 Ford Skyranger, a convertible pickup converted from a Ranger by an independent company, with fewer than 20 made. Other contenders for the rarest include a 1979 Dearborn 4x4 F-150 and an early 1950s custom crew cab built for the USAF.
 
You can watch this video to learn about some of the rarest Ford trucks: 1mDentside DepotYouTube · Jul 28, 2025
Rarest Ford Trucks

• 1991 Ford Skyranger: This is the most commonly cited rarest Ford truck, as it was a limited-production, non-factory convertible pickup based on the Ranger. Fewer than 20 were built, making them incredibly rare today. 
• 1979 Dearborn 4x4 F-150: This truck is a special, limited-production model built by a company called Coachman Industries. Production numbers are very low, and some enthusiasts have never heard of them. 
• 1950s USAF Custom Crew Cab: A custom-built crew cab from the 1950s, believed to be a 1953 model, was built under special contract for the U.S. Air Force. Only 47 were built. 
• 1979 F-150 Freewheeling Package B: Only 892 of these were made, featuring a specific short bed, factory wagon wheels, and chromatic stripes. 

This video discusses the rare 1979 Dearborn Edition F-150: 59sDentside DepotYouTube · Aug 23, 2025

How much is a 1949 Ford truck worth?

The value of a 1949 Ford truck varies significantly, but a good-condition 1949 F-1 pickup averages around $20,600 to $21,640, with "average" condition trucks ranging from approximately $18,200 (Low Retail) to $37,400 (Average Retail). For pristine, high-end examples, the value can be much higher, exceeding $81,500, while projects in poor condition may sell for as low as $4,950.
 
Factors affecting value

• Condition: The most significant factor is the vehicle's condition, which includes mechanical and cosmetic aspects. Restored or modified trucks can have a very high value. 
• Model: The specific model affects the value. For example, a standard F-1 pickup has different values than a Custom sedan or a different variant like an F-3. 
• Modifications: While sometimes increasing value, extensive or poor-quality modifications can decrease it. Desirable modifications, such as a high-performance engine swap, can increase value. 
• Originality: A truck in its original, unrestored state can be valuable to collectors. 
• History: The vehicle's history, including any accident history or title problems, can affect its value. 

Price examples

• Average Condition:
  • F-1 Pickup: ~$20,600 to $21,640 (good condition)
  • F-1 Pickup: ~$18,200 (Low Retail) to $37,400 (Average Retail)
  • Custom Sedan: ~$21,640 (good condition)
• High Condition:
  • F-1 Pickup: ~$81,500 (High Retail)
• Low Condition:
  • Custom Sedan: ~$4,950 (poor condition)