General History - Starting in 1948, the design of the Ford Truck series was streamlined and included what Ford called the "Million Dollar Cab."  It was named after the budget Ford spent on the design.

These designs were used in the whole truck line which Ford numbered so as to easily distinguish the capacities - from the half ton F-1 to the three ton, heavy duty F-8.  Ford called these trucks "Bonus Built."

The "Million Dollar Cab" offered the Ford labeled "Easy Chair Comfort."  That is, a bench seat made from individually padded coil springs and padded with cotton batting.  The seat was adjustable forwards and back on a metal track to accommodate drivers of varying heights. The seat back was also adjustable from upright to a relaxed posture.

The ventilation system of the "Million Dollar Cab" was also improved. It consisted of vent windows in the doors, a large ventilator on the cowl that deflected air onto passenger's legs, and an optional heater/defroster.  Although these features are considered as standard and basic in modern vehicles, they were huge features in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

The line changed very little from 1948 through 1952 except that they changed the slogan from "Bonus Built" to "Power Pilot Economy" in 1951.

Specific History - Our truck was owned and used as a farm truck by the father of my cousin's wife.  He passed away several years back and I purchased it from the estate on June 8, 2005.  This will be a project for my dad, my son and I to complete together.