1956 Ford F-100 Big Window

Description

There are new trucks you can buy on the showroom floor that aren't as dialed-in, good-looking, and all-day comfortable as this 1956 Ford F-100 Big Window pickup. Packing plenty of V8 power, a high-visibility paint job with some cool vintage script work, and plenty of creature comforts to improve the ride experience, this turn-key Ford pickup is one of those trucks that really can do it all.

There's no denying that the mid-50s Ford pickups were some of the best-looking tools ever built. With that aggressive forward-canted attitude, the curvy bodywork has a classic old pickup look that also manages to be very sporty at the same time. This particular final-year 2nd generation F-Series features an optional panoramic 'Big Window' that matches the stock wraparound front windshield – making up one of the most desirable cab designs Ford ever made. Bright White paint is the perfect complement for the stock clamshell hood, round fenders and quarters, and redesigned doors on the '56 pickup, with a smooth, uniform look that practically glows as it cruises down the street. Fit and finish are good driver-quality all around, and while it does show some signs of age and imperfections, it's exactly the kind of truck you can get in, turn the key, and drive cross-country while collecting thumbs-up gestures along the way. Note how well the big doors fit, how the big domed hood sits flush with the fenders, and the step plates on the running boards are period-perfect touches that weren't forgotten during the restoration. Vintage company lettering on the doors adds character to the build, and the inside of the bed was finished off with gorgeous, light-stained wood flooring and chrome rub strip slats that hold it all together. The chrome grille still sparkles, and simple chrome bumpers fore and aft reinforce the fact that there's just no way to make these trucks look bad. There's also a custom-fitted tan vinyl tonneau cover for the bed, which also makes this truck practical for long-distance hauls.

The interior is a mix of newer technology and old-fashioned hot-rodding ingenuity, working together to form an honest, comfortable cabin that's ready for long hauls. There was obviously a lot of money spent here to get it into its current condition, and while the build is likely over a decade old or more, it looks a fraction of that age inside thanks to gentle care inside. The two-tone, tan-and-brown upholstery on the custom bench seat and door panels is a mixture of tweed and vinyl, and it even though it has a bit of a dated look it's still clean and pretty darn impressive. The materials inside wear like iron, and with brown carpets on the floors and a matching tweed headliner above, it all ties together quite nicely with the bright white bodywork. All the modern conveniences are included such as A/C (needs service), power seat, and a leather-wrapped LeCarra steering wheel mounted atop a tilt column. The original instrument panel has a cool '50s shape, but is now filled with elegant white-faced analog/digital instruments that light up when you turn the key. There's also a Panasonic AM/FM/CD stereo system that supplies the entertainment, thick vinyl floormats protecting the carpet, and tint on all that glass surrounding the cab.

Power in the form of a 305 cubic inch V8 Chevy small block means that this truck moves with genuine authority. The big engine bay handles the powerful engine without restricting service access, and it looks right tucked back under the clamshell hood. A few black Chevrolet dress-up parts add some flash, with matching valve covers and an accompanying air cleaner, and it's obvious that the builders knew what makes a Ford go fast: a Chevy engine. An Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor atop an aluminum intake helps in that same regard, and a Painless wiring harness and updated HEI distributor ensure the small block fires with ease every time. Underneath, the Ford's original frame was fitted with a modern front clip with independent suspension, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, sending power to the 10-bolt rear end out back, while the Flowmaster dual exhaust system plays the perfect soundtrack for this truck. Shiny American Racing alloys wheels fit the truck perfectly and carry 235/70/15 blackwall radials with plenty of tread left.

Classic trucks never go out of style, and this one has all the right ingredients to make it as wonderful today as it was when it was first built. That also means all the bugs have been worked out and it's ready to enjoy. Call now!