--- title: "1952 Ford F1: Final First-Gen, OHV Six & Flathead V8 Specs | fordf100s.com" description: "The 1952 Ford F1 closed the first F-Series generation with a new 215 OHV Six and a 106-hp 239 Flathead V8 before the 1953 F-100 redesign." canonical_url: "https://www.fordf100s.com/1952-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. / 1952 Ford F1: Final First-Gen, OHV Six & Flathead V8 Specs Generation 1 · 1948–1952 # 1952 Ford F1: Final First-Gen, OHV Six & Flathead V8 Specs Top Engine 239 Flathead V8 · 106 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 1952 __General Specifications__ | Wheelbase | 114 in | | ----------- | -------------------- | | Curb Weight | 3,120 lbs | | Body Styles | pickup, panel, stake | __Engine Options__ | Engine | Displacement | Horsepower | Type | | --------------- | ------------ | ---------- | ----------- | | 215 OHV Six | 215 ci | 101 hp | inline-6 | | 239 Flathead V8 | 239 ci | 106 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 1952 Ford F1 carries the distinction of being the final chapter of the original F-Series generation and the last year of the F-1 model designation. It was not, however, the final Flathead-powered F-Series: the redesigned 1953 F-100 retained the 239 [Flathead V8](/glossary/flathead-v8/) for one more model year. The important 1952 mechanical change was the new 215-cubic-inch overhead-valve six, which replaced the 226 flathead six. ## Changes from 1951 The 1952 F1 carried over the 1951 three-bar grille, body panels, and interior layout, but calling it mechanically unchanged misses the new six-cylinder engine. Ford’s engineering resources were focused on the upcoming second-generation trucks, so most other changes were limited to paint, trim, and production details. Korean War material restrictions continued to affect production, and some trucks left the factory with painted trim in place of chrome. ## Engine and Drivetrain The new 215 cubic-inch overhead-valve inline six produced 101 horsepower. The optional 239 cubic-inch Flathead V8 rose to 106 horsepower in truck trim. A three-speed manual remained standard, with heavy-duty three-speed and four-speed manuals available; there was no Ford-O-Matic option on the 1952 F-1\. The change from a flathead six to an overhead-valve six improved breathing and efficiency, while the familiar Flathead V8 remained for buyers who wanted eight-cylinder power. ## Features and Options The Five-Star Cab and optional Five-Star Extra equipment package introduced in 1951 continued for 1952\. Pickup, panel, and stake body configurations were available. The exposed wood-plank pickup floor with steel skid strips was also retained; second-generation F-100 [Flareside](/glossary/flareside/) beds continued to use wood rather than replacing it wholesale with an all-steel floor. ## The End of an Era The 1952 F1 is historically significant beyond its mechanical specifications. It represents the final year of the original F-Series body and the F-1 name, while its new OHV six previews the engine architecture used in the redesigned truck. The 1953 F-100 was lower and wider with a completely new cab and chassis, but it still offered the Flathead V8 for one final year. In the market, condition, documentation, and quality of workmanship matter more than a generalized “last-year” premium. ## Collectibility The 1952 benefits from both final-year context and the distinctive 1951-1952 grille. Factory-original examples with documented history and minimal rust tend to attract the strongest interest, whether equipped with the new OHV six or the Flathead V8\. An automatic transmission in a purportedly stock 1952 truck is evidence of a later conversion, not a rare factory option. Parts sharing across the 1948-1952 generation makes many mechanical repairs manageable, though body panels and cab-specific trim can still be challenging to source in good condition. Next useful step ## Put this 1952 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/) [← 1951 Ford F1](/1951-ford-f1/)[1953 Ford F-100 →](/1953-ford-f100/) ## Build a 1952 F-100 [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/)[RestorationCoyote 5.0 Swap Guide for Ford F-100 TrucksSwap a Ford Coyote 5.0L V8 into your F-100 with this complete guide to engine sourcing, swap kits, transmissions, fuel, and wiring.](/restoration/coyote-swap-guide/)[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/)[PartsFord F-100 Engine Compatibility GuidePlan a Ford F-100 engine swap by truck year, drivetrain, engine family, transmission, oil pan, steering, wiring, cooling, brakes, and emissions requirements.](/parts/engine-compatibility/) ## 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 1952 F-100](/vin-decoder/) ## Frequently Asked Questions What changed in the 1952 Ford F-1? For the 1952 model year, notable changes included: Final year of first-generation F-Series; new 215 OHV Six; 239 Flathead V8 output increased to 106 hp As the final year of the first-generation F-Series (F1), the 1952 Ford F1 built on the prior year while setting up what came next in the 1948-1952 run. What makes the 1952 Ford F1 the last year of its generation? The 1952 Ford F-1 closed out the first-generation F-Series (F1) (1948-1952). Final-year trucks represent the most fully developed version of the generation, with 5 years of refinement. The 1952 specifically is marked by Final year of first-generation F-Series; new 215 OHV Six; 239 Flathead V8 output increased to 106 hp After 1952, Ford moved to an entirely new design for the following generation. What motors could you order in a 1952 Ford F-1? The 1952 Ford F-1 offered 2 engine options: 215 OHV Six (215 ci, 101 hp); 239 Flathead V8 (239 ci, 106 hp). The lineup drew from the sidevalve Flathead, Ford’s inline-six. The strongest available was the 239 Flathead V8 at 106 horsepower, while the base engine was the 215 OHV Six at 101 horsepower. Transmission choices were 3-speed manual, heavy-duty 3-speed manual (optional), 4-speed manual (optional). What are the specs of a 1952 Ford F-1? The 1952 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. What should I look for when buying a 1952 Ford F1? Focus your inspection on the 1952-specific items: Final year of first-generation F-Series; new 215 OHV Six; 239 Flathead V8 output increased to 106 hp With 2 factory engine options spanning 101 to 106 horsepower, verifying that a specific 1952 truck has its original engine matters more for value than for most years before or after. Production figures for 1952 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 1952 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 1951](#changes-from-1951) - [Engine and Drivetrain](#engine-and-drivetrain) - [Features and Options](#features-and-options) - [The End of an Era](#the-end-of-an-era) - [Collectibility](#collectibility) On this page - [Changes from 1951](#changes-from-1951) - [Engine and Drivetrain](#engine-and-drivetrain) - [Features and Options](#features-and-options) - [The End of an Era](#the-end-of-an-era) - [Collectibility](#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 [ 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/) - Restoration [ Coyote 5.0 Swap Guide for Ford F-100 Trucks ](/restoration/coyote-swap-guide/) - 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/) - Parts [ Ford F-100 Engine Compatibility Guide ](/parts/engine-compatibility/)