Mix & Match Survivor: Leon Davies’ Slammed 1948 Ford F1

MICHAEL J. PHILLIPS . August 26, 2026 . F100 Builders . Mark Smyth

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Mix & Match Survivor

Continuing with our global search for custom Fords, we stumbled across Leon Davies’ ’48 F1 and fell in love. It’s just so damn unique, and the more you stare at it, the more you find to admire. But it wasn’t always this way.

When he first took delivery of the ’48 first-year F-100, Leon was taken aback by the poor state of the suspension. The truck had previously been modified for a lowered stance, but it was not done well. After consulting some fellow truck-lovers in his area, Leon concluded a full chassis and suspension rebuild was in order, and now the F-100 sits just millimeters above the red Australian earth. The ’48 strikes its impressively low stance in just about the most Aussie way possible: The front of the frame was completely rebuilt using a 1979 Toyota Hilux clip. The Hilux is an international legend, akin to the Toyota pickup we have here in the States.

Having a fully customized chassis allows for the absolute maximum amount of suspension travel.
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1948 Ford F1

The factory Toyota control arms remain in place. The shocks, however, have been replaced with units from Pedders. The springs have been discarded entirely for RE6 airbags from Slam Specialties. Out back (no pun intended) a host of custom fabrication mods were executed. The rear suspension was configured in a parallel 4-link and uses a pan-hard bar. Pedders shocks and SS RE7s provide the rebound. Having a fully customized chassis allows for the absolute maximum amount of suspension travel. The Ford now lays its frame rails and body on the pavement.

Despite the original Ford manufacturing and the Toyota adaptation, this truck sports a bowtie motor under the peaked hood. A Chevy 305 small-block V-8 resides between the rails and boasts a high-rise intake and Street Avenger carburetor. It’s backed up by a Turbo 700 automatic transmission. Power makes its way down the driveline to a Hilux-derived limited slip differential with 3.70 gears. Front disc and rear drum brakes borrowed from the ’79 Hilux keep the 305 under control. Using a combination of unique parts in a single build is a favorite practice of Leon’s. The continued challenge of making things fit and operate well is his main motivation.

1948 Ford F1 — The juxtaposition of this F1 really sets it apart from the rest, and the righthand drive just adds to the uniquness.

Underneath the low-slung fenders, the original 14-inch Ford wheels remain in place. The classics rollers are complemented by a set of G78 whitewall tires. Along with the wheels, the rest of the ’48’s exterior remains completely original. All OEM panels, trim, etc. are still in place. This preservation includes the ancient (at least for truck standards) patina’d paint job. The original blue paint is faded to perfection and matched with naturally occurring surface rust patterns. The untouched state of the exterior means that some truly iconic pieces make up the final look. The windshield visor, grille trim and even wooden running boards all tie together a look that is impossible to recreate.

Keeping the original character intact, Leon’s goal of one wild ride outback style is complete, for now.

1948 Ford F1

The interior is almost entirely untouched as well, save for its mirror reversal. Leon converted the truck to right-hand-drive when adapting the Hilux front clip. Since the original bench seat could be left alone, the dash was replaced with an RHD unit; it’s not a ’48 Ford truck version, but it fits the interior styling all the same.

The juxtaposition of vehicles and parts creates a truly unique end product. Keeping the original character intact, Leon’s goal of one wild ride outback style is complete, for now.