Just got done driving a 1951 Ford Pickup. It only shows 28,000 miles on the odometer and looking at it I believe it.
The Engine needed work. Bad valves. And he needed me to show him how to full field the points but you can see the original paint the wood in the bed looks original.
Etc.
The high effort required for everything. Steering, brakes, the clutch, the deft touch required not to grind gears. First is non synchro and of course there is no synchro in reverse. Rolling the windows up and down.
The ride!!!!! I can't imagine what it would be like On a rural gravel road.
Then the noise!!! Squeaking, rattling, engine noise, gear whine. The muffler was in perfect shape. Yet a lot more intrusive than modern cars.