1956 Ford F100 Pickup
The introduction of the Ford F-series in 1948 sparked a flame destined to grow into a roaring fire by the turn of the 21st century. But a good sequel is often difficult to pull off. Ford was fighting an uphill battle following GM and Dodge entering the commercial truck game with solid entries of their own. Vehicles such as the Power Wagon were in production since 1945 for the civilian market and while the Power Wagon was unquestionably adapted from a military vehicle, it was gaining solid ground as well. But Ford wasn't content to rest on its laurels. The second-generation of the F-series, the Ford F-100, was right around the corner. And quite a few changes were made to bring it into the latter half of the century. Over 100,000 of these trucks left the factory every year between 1953 and 1956, retaining the standard trim levels of F-100 to F-900. Of course, the most popular models were still the F-100, with the trucks finding their ways into suburban driveways en masse for the first time.
For consignment, a stunning F100 that's benefitted from a frame off restoration. We've said it before, there's nothing quite like a classic Ford truck to conjure up nostalgia, patriotism as well as reverence for the hardworking people who used these trucks for work. And this red beauty is show-worthy, parade-worthy, and collection worthy! It has now been made available for the next would-be caretaker.
Exterior
Vermillion Red coats this truck like a cherry-dipped cone from Dairy Queen. It was an original color option, but today's paints and technology make this thing shine like a mirror in the sun. Now's a good time to bring attention to the red painted wheels with dog dish hubcaps, the matching red is simply the go to spec for these classic trucks, it works so well. The chrome grille with its broad steel expanses is spectacular and the simple bumper adds accent to the design. The high hood leads to the black trimmed windshield which wraps around to meet the doors. The roof and drip line are flawless, and the mirrors and door handles are also nothing but reflective. The golden oak planks in the bed are such a beautiful complement to the red, it's breathtaking. The massive fenders are shiny and wide.
Interior
No door panels on these old Fords, just more body matched steel with a window crank and door actuator. Each door has a vent window which locks shut with a latch. The bench seat has textured beige vinyl uppers and is wrapped in red vinyl with black piping. A clean black steering wheel is mirrored in shape by the arched cowl over the speedometer, the numbers of which also curve upward and contour to the dash, just beautiful! The rest of the dash is painted red. A rubber mat covers the hard floor and a heater box is tucked under the dashboard on the passenger side. A smooth, light colored headliner and visors keep things bright on the inside.
Drivetrain
The original 272ci OHV V8 is in place and has been freshened with a coat of yellow paint. Contrasting the yellow are silver colored valve covers with Ford V8 decals. A single 2-barrel carburetor sits on top of the yellow intake manifold and the exhaust from the driver's side crosses over the front of the engine to meet the exhaust manifold on the passenger side, which then routes under and back. A three-speed manual transmission is shifted via a column shifter and drum brakes all around are standard equipment. 3.73 gears are in the back, which accepts the rotation from the driveshaft.
Undercarriage
All's well under here! A little bit of surface rust is noted on the crossmember and brake parts but not a major issue. The rest could use a detail as we note some road spray but the planks look fantastic and the spare tire is also red-rimmed underneath. We note some body filler in the skirt metal of the cab and the exhaust before the muffler has some surface rust. From the muffler back to where the tailpipe ends under the truck, all looks well. Leaf springs on both ends assure a smooth ride.
Drive-Ability
The V8 started right up and we rolled our way around the loop. Shifting went well and the truck got up to speed without hesitation. The 6.70-15 tires ride smooth and turn-in is done with skinny tires in mind and was just great. We noted the heater blower not working on our short ride but everything else functioned as it should. A push of the brake pedals and the shoes engaged to stop the truck.
Sure, you could find an old, beat up truck somewhere in a barn and vow to restore it, and that could be fun. The other option is to save some time and get into a ready to go show truck that's been lovingly restored to better-than-new condition. This is Americana at its finest, a truck for the discerning collector or for the new hobbyist. Whoever it is, we look forward to meeting the next steward of this fine automobile!
F10V6E59097
F10-F100 Conventional
V-272ci V8
6-1956
E-Mahwah, NJ Assy Plant
59097-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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