1955 Ford F-1

Description

This good-looking 1955 Ford F-100 pickup colors outside the lines a bit and is all the better for it. Full of innovative details and neat tricks that you don't see on run-of-the-mill trucks, it's a fantastic hauler that proves creativity in the rodding world isn't dead.

The shape is instantly recognizable and there aren't many better-looking pickups than the mid-50s Fords. Maybe it's the pugnacious attitude or the fat fenders, but they just look right. Add a bit of rake and the transformation is even more remarkable. Looking closely, you'll find that a few bits were altered here and there, including shaved door handles, the hood was cleaned up a bit, and the tailgate was smoothed, but none of it disguises the handsome lines. All the sheetmetal was smoothed and then several coats of gloss black paint went on. It's got some age on it today, so it's not perfect, but nobody's going to notice when you're cruising down the road. The tailgate, of course, has a smooth panel to disguise things a bit and the floor of the bed itself is handsome wood, not painted steel, so it adds some contrast. If you like the look, there's a lot that could be done to make this truck a show-stopper without a huge investment.

It's even cooler inside, where the original bench has been replaced by a set of grippy bucket seats separated by a center console. The black and silver upholstery complements the black bodywork and gives the vintage pickup a high tech look that works well. That billet steering certainly looks right in the old Ford, and the factory instrument panel has been filled with modern Dolphin gauges to keep a closer watch on the warmed-over small block under the hood. A Kenwood entertainment system has been neatly built into the center console, which also has a faux carbon fiber look that's pretty slick. A Hurst T-handle shifter manages the automatic transmission underneath and heavy-duty Ford floor mats keep the black carpets looking neat.

Instead of the usual garden-variety Chevy powerplant, this one packs a Plymouth 360 cubic inch V8, which came complements of the same vehicle that donated the front clip. The top end has been recently reworked and includes a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, Edelbrock intake manifold, and a set of chrome valve covers. There's a big aluminum radiator up front, complete with electric fan, and power steering makes it easy to handle. A dual exhaust system with long-tube headers and smooth-sounding mufflers was custom crafted just for this truck, and you'll find that the versatile Plymouth front end with torsion bars gives this truck great ride quality. A 727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission is a neat fit in the vintage Ford and new shocks have been installed all around. Flashy 18-inch American Racing wheels look suitably aggressive and wear 255/45/18 blackwall radials that fill the fat fenders properly.

A little out of the ordinary? Sure, but only enough to make it stand out. Appreciating details and doing your own thing is the core of rodding, and this awesome Ford definitely nails it. With a little TLC and time, it could be an impressive cruiser, all at a very reasonable price. Call today!