1961 Ford F-100

Description

This 1961 Ford F-100 is just a neat old pickup with some smart upgrades and a classic look. These were great sellers in 1961 but today you just don't see many of them around and the chiseled good looks of the stepside bed make it stand out. If you're a Ford guy, this one might be worth examining a little more closely.

The bright blue paint is recent and the vintage pickup wears it well. The sheetmetal was new in 1961 so the Ford has a fresh look going into the '60s and the metallic paint highlights the many built-in details. Check out the swooping front fender lines and the little jog that the belt molding takes just behind the front fenders. Finish quality is nice with a great shine that will look good at local cruise nights and running down the road, but it's not so perfect that you'll be afraid to use this truck as intended. You'll note that there was a side-mounted spare tire on the driver's side of the bed, but the brackets have been shaved and the look is cleaner, even with the cut-out in the rear fender. Adding a set of wooden stake sides adds to the old-school pickup's charm and the bed is beautifully finished with an oak floor and stainless slats. The tailgate shows a few signs of use and with blue-dot taillights, this one has a period vibe.

It sticks to the factory look inside, too, where there's a bench seat, heavy-duty floor coverings, and a few color-matched details. The tan vinyl bench seat adds a bright touch that works rather well with the blue bodywork and the color-matched seat belts are a nice touch. The factory instrument panel covers only speed, temperature, and fuel level and in 1961, Ford trucks were still so basic that even turn signals weren't included (this one has an aftermarket setup). Radios were also optional in 1961 and this one sports a neat wooden block-off plate that ties in with the bed out back. The Hurst shifter makes slicing through the gears a joy, adding a muscle car vibe to the vintage pickup and the fat steering wheel adds a bit of sportiness to the overall look.

In the horsepower department, this Ford has been nicely updated with a 302 cubic inch V8 that looks like it was born under the hood. Simple Ford Blue paint, "Powered by Ford" valve covers, and a 4-barrel carburetor add up to a truck that will have people asking whether it came that way from the factory. It's a blast to drive, with a great torque curve and plenty of juice off the line, and thanks to the roomy engine bay, service access is excellent. The giant radiator has no problems keeping things cool and it offers a great-sounding dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers and tips just behind the rear wheels. The underside of this truck is in nice shape, with the manual transmission and recent 9-inch rear end, so it's plenty stout. The engine, clutch, and transmission have less than 500 miles on them and it drives great. Those wheels may seem familiar, but with a gray finish, they look custom and are wrapped in 205/75/15 front and 225/70/15 rear whitewall radials.

Unusual and fun to drive, this Ford delivers on all levels and carries a very reasonable price. Trucks are hot right now and this Ford is the reason why. Call today!