The Paint: J Code Monte Carlo Red, repainted several decades ago, decent driver quality.
The Engine: Original 292 CID V8, 2bbl, producing 160 horsepower, starts and runs excellent
The Transmission: Original Borg-Warner, 3 speed manual, shift on the column
The Differential: Original Ford 9” with 3.89:1 gear ratio
The suspension: Original straight axle with leafs
The Interior: Original bench seat in original upholstery, custom white headliner, original dash
Manual steering, steers easily
4 wheel drum brakes
Aftermarket auxiliary gauges
Aftermarket vintage Stereo and CB with functional
Heater works
Windshield wipers work
Glass is nice except for a U-shaped crack on the upper front windshield. Windows roll up and down easily
Nice front chrome bumper, rear diamond plate bumper with hitch
Chrome bed steps
Original bed wood and strips, stained wood bed side appointments with chrome tie-downs
Bed tonneau cover
Original style single exhaust
15” steel rims with chrome trim rings and ”Ford” caps
New white wall radials
This truck is basically a one family owned since new, and has retained most all of its originality such as the engine and drive train, the interior, and the bed. There’s a few add-ons that have adorned the truck over the years such as the exterior mirrors, the exterior bed wood, and the rear painted diamond plate heavy duty bumper. Additionally, the custom headliner and the Stereo/CB unit added way back when, add a nice flair of nostalgia as well. Otherwise, this truck is essentially the way it was when it rolled out the assembly plant in San Jose in January 1961, about the time Ike was handing over the Presidency to Jack Kennedy!
The truck starts, runs, and drives nicely, albeit 1961 technology, but that’s all part of the fun!
The Monte Carlo red paint looks pretty good and will certainly pass for driver quality which is what this truck is perfect for. You can actually enjoy this truck on a daily basis as all aspects of the truck function properly, making this an excellent classic truck for potential daily driving.
Most of the trucks from this era are strait 6-cylinder engines, but this truck has the more desirable 292 cube V8, making it more road worthy for todays world.
If you are considering a classic vintage truck to cruise around in, actually use daily if you like, and maybe hit a few car shows here and there, this ’61 Ford F100 Custom Cab would make a fine candidate…Much like JFK did all those years ago.
