Vehicle Description
Finished in medium blue, this 1956 Ford F100 rolls on polished
five-spoke wheels with white lettering BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires
and sits on a slightly lowered chassis with a Mustang II front end.
The polished wheels play well with the rest of the brightwork
sprinkled around this pickup, such as the grille, bumpers and twin
sideview mirrors. The reverse-opening hood reveals a well-dressed
4.6L Ford SOHC V-8 engine paired with a 4R70W automatic
transmission; conspiring with power rack-and-pinion steering and
power disc brakes, the result is an easy-going cruiser. The blue
interior features cloth bucket seats with matching door panels, a
center console, an Ididit tilt steering column, Vintage Air, VDO
gauges and power windows. An aluminum driveshaft reduces the F100s
overall weight and allows the engine to spin with less effort,
creating a bit more power and saving a little fuel in the
process.
Ford would introduce the second generation of the F-Series truck in
1953 with a number of improvements in capabilities and comfort. The
payload was increased, the front axle was moved toward the firewall
to increase turning radius and improve over-hood visibility, and
the 20-inch-deep cargo bed was introduced. The second-gen F-Series
would see production through 1956, this year seeing additional
advancements that would spur the third generation. Most notable of
those changes would be the new wraparound windshield, a 12-volt
electrical system, electric windshield wipers, seatbelts and the
famous Lifeguard steering wheel. A new 272 CI V-8 was introduced,
offering buyers up to 167 HP. Early F-Series trucks have long been
a popular choice among customizers and Hot Rodders, and this one is
truly exemplary of the effort.
