--- title: "1951 Ford F1: Five Star Facelift, 3-Bar Grille Specs & Guide | fordf100s.com" description: "The 1951 Ford F1 received a mid-cycle facelift with a new three-bar grille, the Five-Star Cab, and an optional Five-Star Extra equipment package." canonical_url: "https://www.fordf100s.com/1951-ford-f1/" last_updated: "2026-07-17" --- 1. [ Home ](/) 2. / [ Generations ](/generations/) 3. / [ 1948-1952 Ford F1 (1st Gen): Flathead V8 Bonus Built ](/generations/1948-1952/) 4. / 1951 Ford F1: Five Star Facelift, 3-Bar Grille Specs & Guide Generation 1 · 1948–1952 # 1951 Ford F1: Five Star Facelift, 3-Bar Grille Specs & Guide Top Engine 239 Flathead V8 · 100 hp Wheelbase 114 in fordf100s.com · Updated July 17, 2026 Jump to Year [ 1948 ](/1948-ford-f1/)[ 1949 ](/1949-ford-f1/)[ 1950 ](/1950-ford-f1/)[ 1951 ](/1951-ford-f1/)[ 1952 ](/1952-ford-f1/) Factory Spec Sheet MODEL YEAR 1951 __General Specifications__ | Wheelbase | 114 in | | ----------- | -------------------- | | Curb Weight | 3,120 lbs | | Body Styles | pickup, panel, stake | __Engine Options__ | Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Type | | ---------------- | ------------ | ---------- | ----------- | | 226 Flathead Six | 226 ci | 95 hp | flathead-6 | | 239 Flathead V8 | 239 ci | 100 hp | flathead-v8 | Available Transmissions - 3-speed manual - heavy-duty 3-speed manual (optional) - 4-speed manual (optional) Sources & Editorial ReviewSource reviewed Reviewed by the [FordF100s.com editorial team](/about/#editorial-standards) on July 17, 2026. The model-year engine applications, horsepower ratings, major design changes, and identification claims were reconciled against period literature and year-specific specialist references. Full-line F-Series applications were excluded when the source did not support an F-100 application. References used 1. [Ford Heritage Vault](https://fordheritagevault.com/) — Ford Motor Company · Factory literaturePeriod brochures, sales literature, and manuals used to check model-year claims. 2. [1948 Ford Trucks sales brochure](https://www.xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/1948-Ford-Trucks.pdf) — Ford Motor Company · Factory literature 3. [1949-1951 Ford Truck Shop Manual](https://myflatheadford.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Ford1948-1.pdf) — Ford Motor Company · Service reference Horsepower changed from SAE gross to SAE net reporting for 1972, so figures on opposite sides of that change are not directly comparable. Production totals, weights, prices, option availability, and midyear changes can vary by source and configuration; treat them as reference points, not proof of a specific truck's original equipment. Found a conflict in factory literature or have a better source? See our [corrections process](/about/#corrections). The 1951 Ford F1 is the most visually distinctive truck within the first-generation F-Series. Ford gave its half-ton a mid-cycle facelift centered on a redesigned grille — swapping the original five-bar horizontal design for a bolder three-bar layout that gave the truck a wider, more modern appearance. It was a relatively simple change in terms of engineering, but it significantly altered the F1’s face and made the 1951-1952 trucks immediately distinguishable from their 1948-1950 predecessors. ## Changes from 1950 The grille redesign was the headline change. The new three-bar grille featured heavier horizontal bars with more prominent spacing, giving the front end a cleaner, less cluttered look. The “FORD” lettering on the hood remained, and the rest of the body — cab, fenders, bed, and frame — carried over with minimal changes. Ford called the revised standard cab the **Five-Star Cab**. The optional **Five-Star Extra Cab** bundled comfort and appearance equipment such as improved seat padding, insulation and sound deadening, two sun visors, armrests, a dome light, bright windshield and vent-window trim, and additional interior appointments. Individual equipment varied by the factory package and should be checked against the period sales literature rather than inferred from a restored truck. ## Engine and Drivetrain The powertrain was unchanged from 1950\. The 226 cubic-inch [Flathead](/glossary/flathead-v8/) Six continued as the base engine at 95 horsepower, and the 239 cubic-inch Flathead V8 held at 100 horsepower. A column-shifted three-speed manual was standard on the F-1; heavy-duty three-speed and four-speed floor-shift manuals were optional. Ford-O-Matic was a passenger-car offering in 1951, not an F-1 option. It reached the F-Series with the 1953 F-100\. Ford’s Flathead engine family was now well into its twilight years — the overhead-valve six arrived in the F-Series for 1952, followed by Ford’s [Y-block](/glossary/y-block/) truck V8 for 1954. ## Features and Options Beyond the Five Star packages, the options list was familiar. Buyers could choose from various rear axle ratios, bed configurations, and comfort items. The wooden-floor pickup bed continued as the standard cargo solution. Can you swap a 1951 grille onto an earlier F1? Yes, the grille area is physically compatible, and some owners of 1948-1950 trucks have retrofitted the 1951-1952 grille for a different look, though purists generally prefer year-correct components. ## Production and Collectibility The Korean War was in full swing during the 1951 model year, and material restrictions affected production across the auto industry. Some chrome trim was reduced or replaced with painted components on certain trucks due to wartime material allocations. Despite these constraints, Ford maintained solid production numbers for the F1\. In the collector market, the 1951 model’s distinct grille gives it a visual identity that appeals to buyers who want a first-generation truck with a slightly different character. Prices generally track with 1948-1950 models, though the grille change creates a slight divide — some collectors specifically seek the early five-bar look, while others prefer the later three-bar face. Is a 1951 Ford F1 a good investment? First-generation F-Series values have trended steadily upward as the trucks become rarer and appreciation for late-1940s and early-1950s design continues to grow. Well-preserved original trucks and high-quality restorations both find ready buyers. Next useful step ## Put this 1951 in generation context Compare its factory changes, engines, and neighboring model years before planning a purchase or restoration. [ Open the generation guide → ](/generations/1948-1952/) [ Decode a VIN ](/vin-decoder/) [← 1950 Ford F1](/1950-ford-f1/)[1952 Ford F1 →](/1952-ford-f1/) ## Build a 1951 F-100 [RestorationF-100 EFI Conversion: Carb to Fuel InjectionConvert your Ford F-100 from carburetor to EFI with this complete guide covering Holley Sniper, FiTech, fuel system upgrades, wiring, and tuning.](/restoration/efi-conversion-guide/)[RestorationHow to Plan an F-100 Engine SwapPlan an F-100 engine swap from measurements and mock-up through fabrication, wiring, first start, road testing, inspection, and complete build documentation.](/restoration/engine-swap-guide/)[RestorationYour First F-100 Project Truck: Beginner's GuideBuying your first F-100 project truck? Learn which generation to choose, what to inspect, budget planning, tools, and mistakes to avoid.](/restoration/first-project-truck-guide/)[PartsF100 Wiring Harness Guide: Rewiring Your Ford TruckGuide to rewiring your Ford F100 with harness options from Painless, American Autowire, plus alternator conversions and fuse box upgrades.](/parts/wiring-harness/)[PartsF100 Bed Floor Replacement Guide: Wood vs Steel OptionsGuide to replacing your F100 truck bed floor, comparing wood species, steel panels, bed strip options, and suppliers like Mar-K and Bed Wood and Parts.](/parts/bed-floors/)[PartsF-100 Body Styles: Styleside vs Flareside & MoreFord F-100 body styles explained -- Styleside, Flareside, panel delivery, chassis-cab, and SuperCab. Differences, years offered, and which fits your build.](/parts/body-styles/) ## Keep Exploring [Generation Guide1948-1952 Ford F1 (1st Gen): Flathead V8 Bonus BuiltFull generation overview — design changes, engines, and buying advice](/generations/1948-1952/)[ComparisonCrown Vic vs Mustang II: F-100 Front Suspension ChoicesCompare Crown Vic, Mustang II, and narrowed Crown Vic suspension for an F-100: donor years, wheel fit, steering, fabrication, and complete project costs.](/crown-vic-vs-mustang-ii/)[ReferenceF-100 Timeline 1948–1983Every model year and generation in one view](/history/f100-timeline/)[ToolVIN DecoderVerify the year, engine, and plant on any 1951 F-100](/vin-decoder/) ## Frequently Asked Questions What changed in the 1951 Ford F-1? For the 1951 model year, notable changes included: New 3-bar grille replacing 5-bar design, Five-Star Cab and Five-Star Extra package introduced As the fourth year of the first-generation F-Series (F1), the 1951 Ford F1 built on the prior year while setting up what came next in the 1948-1952 run. Where does the 1951 Ford F1 sit within the 1948-1952 generation? The 1951 Ford F-1 was the fourth model year of the first-generation F-Series (F1), placing it at the midpoint of the 1948-1952 run. By 1951, the generation had stabilized and buyers benefited from several years of running changes. The 1951 specifically added: New 3-bar grille replacing 5-bar design, Five-Star Cab and Five-Star Extra package introduced What are the key dimensions of the 1951 Ford F-1? The 1951 Ford F-1 had a wheelbase of 114 in and a curb weight of 3,120 lbs. Factory body styles included pickup, panel and stake. It was part of the first-generation F-Series (F1) (1948-1952), a generation defined by Bonus Built cab and Flathead V8 power. Which engine options came in the 1951 Ford F1? The 1951 Ford F-1 offered 2 engine options: 226 Flathead Six (226 ci, 95 hp); 239 Flathead V8 (239 ci, 100 hp). The lineup drew from the sidevalve Flathead. The strongest available was the 239 Flathead V8 at 100 horsepower, while the base engine was the 226 Flathead Six at 95 horsepower. Transmission choices were 3-speed manual, heavy-duty 3-speed manual (optional), 4-speed manual (optional). What should I look for when buying a 1951 Ford F1? Focus your inspection on the 1951-specific items: New 3-bar grille replacing 5-bar design, Five-Star Cab and Five-Star Extra package introduced With 2 factory engine options spanning 95 to 100 horsepower, verifying that a specific 1951 truck has its original engine matters more for value than for most years before or after. Production figures for 1951 are harder to pin down than for later years, which makes originality documentation especially important. Prioritize trucks with documented history over cosmetic presentation — a clean 1951 with receipts beats a repainted example with an unknown past. Model Years - [1948 Ford F1: Bonus Built Launch, Flathead V8 Specs & Values](/1948-ford-f1/) - [1949 Ford F1: Dashboard Refresh, Flathead V8 Specs & Guide](/1949-ford-f1/) - [1950 Ford F1: Flathead Six & V8 Specs, Options & Values](/1950-ford-f1/) - [1951 Ford F1: Five Star Facelift, 3-Bar Grille Specs & Guide](/1951-ford-f1/) - [1952 Ford F1: Final First-Gen, OHV Six & Flathead V8 Specs](/1952-ford-f1/) Model Years - [1948 Ford F1: Bonus Built Launch, Flathead V8 Specs & Values](/1948-ford-f1/) - [1949 Ford F1: Dashboard Refresh, Flathead V8 Specs & Guide](/1949-ford-f1/) - [1950 Ford F1: Flathead Six & V8 Specs, Options & Values](/1950-ford-f1/) - [1951 Ford F1: Five Star Facelift, 3-Bar Grille Specs & Guide](/1951-ford-f1/) - [1952 Ford F1: Final First-Gen, OHV Six & Flathead V8 Specs](/1952-ford-f1/) On this page - [Changes from 1950](#changes-from-1950) - [Engine and Drivetrain](#engine-and-drivetrain) - [Features and Options](#features-and-options) - [Production and Collectibility](#production-and-collectibility) On this page - [Changes from 1950](#changes-from-1950) - [Engine and Drivetrain](#engine-and-drivetrain) - [Features and Options](#features-and-options) - [Production and Collectibility](#production-and-collectibility) VIN Decoder Decode supported F-100 VIN formats, or use the 1961-1983 data plate decoder for source-backed paint, trim, axle, and transmission codes. [Decode a VIN → ](/vin-decoder/) [1961-1983 Data Plate Decoder → ](/data-plate-decoder/) ### Guides for This Era - Restoration [ F-100 EFI Conversion: Carb to Fuel Injection ](/restoration/efi-conversion-guide/) - Restoration [ How to Plan an F-100 Engine Swap ](/restoration/engine-swap-guide/) - Restoration [ Your First F-100 Project Truck: Beginner's Guide ](/restoration/first-project-truck-guide/) - Parts [ F100 Wiring Harness Guide: Rewiring Your Ford Truck ](/parts/wiring-harness/) - Parts [ F100 Bed Floor Replacement Guide: Wood vs Steel Options ](/parts/bed-floors/) - Parts [ F-100 Body Styles: Styleside vs Flareside & More ](/parts/body-styles/)