What color was the engine on a 1951 Ford truck?
The engine block and cylinder heads of a 1951 Ford truck were typically painted Ford gray, the standard factory color for the era.
In 1951, Ford’s trucks—like the F-1 and related models—used the 226 cubic inch flathead V8. The factory practice for this engine was to apply a gray enamel to the block and heads, with exhaust manifolds usually left in their natural cast metal finish or finished in a darker shade. While restoration projects and showroom replicas may feature variations, the prevailing factory convention for the 1951 flathead V8 was a gray engine silhouette.
Factory color for the 226-cu-in flathead V8
The 1951 Ford truck’s propulsion relied on the classic flathead V8 design. Ford gray enamel was the standard color applied to the engine block and cylinder heads, aligning with Ford’s presentation of its powerplant at the time and matching the era’s broader automotive color conventions for under-hood components.
What this meant for authenticity
For historians and restorers aiming to preserve historical accuracy, adhering to Ford gray on the engine block and heads is considered the correct baseline. Variations may occur in individual trucks due to repaints, repairs, or aftermarket updates, but gray remains the reference point tied to factory specifications for the 1951 flathead V8.
Restoration notes and practical considerations
When authenticating or restoring a 1951 Ford truck today, owners and restorers typically start with Ford gray for the engine block and heads. If a project aims for period-accurate under-hood appearance, choosing a gray shade that matches original Ford catalogs from the early 1950s is advisable. It’s also common to see the exhaust manifolds in their natural cast finish or painted in a darker tone, reflecting typical factory presentation at the time, while other under-hood components may vary based on how the vehicle was equipped in its original market.
Summary
In short, the engine of a 1951 Ford truck was conventionally Ford gray on the block and heads, with other under-hood parts treated according to factory practices of the era. For collectors and restorers seeking historical accuracy, that gray engine is the baseline reference for the 226-cu-in flathead V8 that powered these trucks.
What is a 1951 Ford truck worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,700 for a 1951 Ford F-1 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
What colors did Ford paint their engines?
Ford engine paint colors vary by era and engine type, with common historical colors including Ford Corporate Blue, red, and black. Modern options like Dupli-Color offer a wide range of colors for Ford engines, including Ford Green, Ford Blue, and New Ford Gray, in various finishes.
This video explains the history of Ford engine paint colors: 27sDentside DepotYouTube · May 19, 2025
Historical Ford engine colors
- Blue: Ford Corporate Blue became the standard in 1966 for most engines, while earlier models used a lighter blue on some engines like the 260ci V8.
- Red: Some older 6-cylinder engines were painted red, and Mercury FE blocks were red in 1965.
- Black: Early engines, including some FE blocks, were painted black.
- Gold: The 289 four-barrel engines (A- and D-codes) were painted gold.
- Other: Some engines had specific colors for components like the air cleaner and valve covers to differentiate models.
Modern and aftermarket options
- Dupli-Color: Offers a wide variety of engine paint colors, including Ford Green, Old Ford Blue, Ford Red, and New Ford Gray.
- Specialty paint brands: Some companies offer specific colors like Cleveland Blue, Corporate Blue, and Ford Competition Blue for certain models.
- Color codes: Look for specific product codes, such as DE1601 for Ford Blue or DE1635 for semi-gloss black.
- Custom and high-temperature paints: High-temperature paints are available for specific engine components.
Key considerations
- Identify your engine: Research the specific year, model, and engine type to find the correct original color.
- Consider the finish: Decide on a finish like gloss, semi-gloss, or flat, depending on the desired look and era.
- Use the correct paint: Use engine-specific paints designed to withstand heat and oil, and consider brands that offer historically accurate colors.
What engine was in a 1951 Ford truck?
Engines
| Engine | Engine Type | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 239 cu in (3,920 cm3) Flathead | V8 | 1948–1952 |
| 254 cu in (4,160 cm3) Flathead | Inline 6 | 1948–1951 |
| 279 cu in (4,570 cm3) Lincoln Y-block (EAL) | V8 | 1952–1955 |
| 317 cu in (5,190 cm3) Lincoln Y-block (EAM) | 1952–1955 |
When did Ford start painting their engines blue?
1966
This was used on Ford engines from 1966 all the way throughout the first generation run.
