1954 Ford F-100 � Ton Pickup - Single-Family Ownership History -
Original Rebuilt Y-Block V8 & Overdrive - Body-Off Restoration
Contact Us By Call or Text Anytime!! Chicago Car Club -
312-420-3696
PLEASE BE SURE TO WATCH OUR DETAILED YOUTUBE VIDEO! Visit our
website for even more high-resolution photos, including full engine
and underbody photos as well!
There are classic trucks, and then there are true automotive
heirlooms. This 1954 Ford F-100 � Ton Pickup represents an
extraordinary opportunity to acquire a vehicle that remained under
the careful stewardship of a single family from the day it rolled
off the showroom floor until just a few years ago. Benefitting from
a painstaking, body-off-frame restoration and retaining its
original, recently rebuilt Y-Block V8, this F-100 is a masterclass
in preserving mid-century automotive history.
Please note: We are proudly handling the sale of this vehicle on
consignment on behalf of the current owner, who purchased the truck
from its original founding family about 3 years ago. This means
your purchase will be structured as a private party transaction.
For buyers in many states, a private party sale offers significant
financial benefits, including the exemption or substantial
reduction of standard dealership administrative fees and, depending
on your local regulations, potential savings on state sales tax.
You get the peace of mind of a professionally vetted vehicle with
the transactional advantages of buying directly from a private
owner!
Unmatched Provenance and History
The story of this F-100 begins in 1954 when it was purchased brand
new at Milburns Ford on Anaheim Street in Long Beach, California,
by Ralph Lewis Pfeiler. Ralph, a hardworking entrepreneur, relied
on this F-100 as his daily driver to support his local restaurant
and tire shop. In 1960, the truck was passed down to his son, Phil,
who used it as a dependable workhorse while building his air taxi
business in Kanab, Utah.
After years of traveling the picturesque routes between California
and Utah, the truck was carefully stored before moving to Aguila,
Arizona, in 1985. Thanks to a lifetime spent entirely in the arid,
rust-free climates of the American Southwest, the truck provided a
remarkably clean and solid foundation when the time finally came to
bring it back to its former glory.
A Labor of Love: The Restoration
Beginning in 2000 and fully completed in 2003, Phil embarked on a
comprehensive, bare-chassis restoration that would span several
years. His goal was to meticulously return his father's truck to
its exact factory configuration while ensuring it could be driven
and enjoyed.
Body and Paint: The truck was stripped down to the bare frame and
refinished in its factory-correct Vermillion Red livery. While the
paint presents beautifully today with a rich gloss, it remains an
older restoration and does show minor, character-adding
imperfections such as slight orange peel and minor debris in the
finish. The running boards and the original, optional 16-inch steel
wheels were painted a complementary gloss black. The brightwork,
including the chrome and stainless trim, remains in excellent
condition,
The Cargo Bed: Upgrading from the factory-standard pine, the rear
bed was beautifully retrofitted with premium white oak boards. This
wood is secured by polished stainless steel strips, creating a
stunning contrast against the red bodywork and black fenders.
Cabin & Gauge Refinement: The interior restoration was a
masterclass in historical accuracy. Phil extensively researched the
factory materials to perfectly replicate the original Gray and
Burgundy vinyl upholstery. The bench seat was completely rebuilt
utilizing the correct burlap and period-accurate finishing
materials. The standalone instrument gauge cluster has also been
rebuilt, although please note that it is not fully functional at
the moment.
Factory Rating Plate Decoding
The original Ford data plate remains affixed to the truck and
decodes with the following factory specifications:
Max GVW (4800): 4,800 lbs. Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Wheelbase (110): 110-inch Wheelbase
Certified Net H.P (110): 110 Horsepower at 3,600 RPM
Transmission (3STD): Standard 3-Speed Manual Transmission
Rear Axle (3.92): 3.92:1 Rear Axle Ratio
Color�: Vermillion Red
Production Code (2FLK-1019): Plant scheduling and assembly
designation
Mechanicals and Drivetrain
The engine bay is exceptionally well-detailed and showcases the
historical significance of the 1954 model year-the highly
anticipated debut of Ford's legendary overhead-valve V8.
The Power King V8: Power is derived from the truck's original Ford
Power King 239 cubic-inch Y-Block V8. Crucially, this engine was
refreshed in 2025 by Ihles Automotive in Michigan at a cost of
$5,400, fully resolving prior wear issues and ensuring that it runs
beautifully and is completely sorted for its next caretaker.
Transmission and Chassis: The original engine is mated to a rebuilt
three-speed manual transmission equipped with a highly desirable
factory overdrive system. This setup makes it a surprisingly
capable and comfortable cruiser for modern roads, keeping revs low
at cruising speeds. The suspension components and four-wheel drum
brakes have all been completely gone through and operate exactly as
they should.
Mileage: Since the comprehensive restoration was completed and the
odometer was reset to zero, the truck has been driven a
well-documented 2,679 miles.
Documentation
A truck with this level of provenance deserves the paperwork to
back it up. The sale includes an extensive history file featuring a
trove of historical restoration receipts, the recent 2025 engine
rebuild documentation, and detailed build photos documenting the
bare-chassis process.
Contact Us By Call or Text Anytime!! Chicago Car Club -
312-420-3696
PLEASE BE SURE TO WATCH OUR DETAILED YOUTUBE VIDEO! Visit our
website for even more high-resolution photos, including full engine
and underbody photos as well!
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