1966 Ford F-100

Description

After years of living in their competitors' shadows, vintage Ford pickups are finally getting their due. This 1966 Ford F-100 is a wonderful example of doing everything right and getting a great result. Not modified, but a clean, usable, and very stylish old pickup that will fit right in at the next local show.

Originally painted code B Caribbean Turquoise, this handsome Ford was repainted a few years ago in a shade of burgundy likely borrowed from the late-model color chart. The dark red finish makes for the ideal '60s pickup truck color and it highlights the dramatic sheetmetal of the mid-60s Ford trucks. It isn't in-your-face, but rather a quiet kind of color that sneaks up on you and you will find that the more you look at it, the more you like it. Sweeping front fenders are a dramatic look for a working-class pickup and are part of the reasons these Fords are gaining popularity every year, and it's rather rare to find a long-bed model that hasn't been worked to death. The sheetmetal is quite straight with good gaps all around which says to us that this truck hasn't been hauling concrete or beating around job sites for five decades, but rather was perhaps a daily driver someplace where the weather is warm. It wouldn't be the '60s without some chrome, and the attractive grille, neat emblems with red inserts, and familiar chrome rings around the taillights make this Ford look its best. And if you still have work to do, well, the bed has been finished with a spray-in bedliner and a snug-fitting tonneau, and there's a trailer hitch tucked under the bumper.

The interior has been upgraded from the stock vinyl upholstery to more comfortable and breathable fabric inserts, but keeps the old-school look that makes old trucks so appealing. The wide bench seat is trimmed in tan vinyl so it's durable, and black carpets on the floor are easy to maintain. The instrument panel has a very appealing old-fashioned look with a large central flanked by round pods that are straight out of the '50s. Three-on-the-tree shifting really makes it feel like you're driving a vehicle from another era, although the small-diameter American Racing steering wheel is thoroughly modern. An AM/FM head unit slots neatly into the dash and powers speakers hidden out of sight. Other additions include heavy-duty Ford rubber floor mats to help keep everything clean and a nice chrome glove box lid that really brightens up the interior.

Ford's workhorse 240 cubic inch inline-6 was noted for its torque and durability, powering this truck with ease. The engine bay is very nicely detailed with correct industrial gray enamel on the engine, an oil bath air cleaner, and cast iron exhaust manifold for maximum durability. It's rugged, simple, basic and that's the way they liked it. No power steering or brakes, but with the lightweight six up front, you probably won't miss them, and it runs so smoothly that you won't miss having a V8. The undercarriage is in very good order, although not detailed for show and it still rides on its original suspension, so if you need to put it to work on weekends, it's ready, willing, and able. Out back a heavy-duty rear end with 3.73 gears means this truck is still a reliable cruiser that's plenty peppy around town and ignores the load in the bed. The only major upgrade is the flashy Weld aluminum wheels, which carry fat 255/70/15 blackwall radials.

Take advantage of the fact that the Fords haven't yet caught up to the competition, because neat old pickups like this F-100 won't be this affordable for very much longer. Call today!