INTRODUCTION: AKA the Green Goddess, this beautifully executed
restomod has an impressive pedigree. We acquired it directly from
Gunnar Nelson- musician, car enthusiast, and half of the rock duo
Nelson, known for collecting exceptional custom vehicles. It has
just over 3,000 miles since receiving a complete body off frame
build by the acclaimed team at Murray Custom Rods, a shop
recognized for producing some of the country's finest high end
custom vehicles. The stunning hand tooled leather interior was
created by renowned Western artist Cody Hixson, whose craftsmanship
is considered artwork as much as upholstery. The vision behind this
build was simple: imagine what a wealthy truck owner in 1956 would
have created if money were no object. It retains the timeless
styling and character of a classic '56 Ford while incorporating
tasteful upgrades and modern conveniences like air conditioning,
power windows, and outstanding performance.
EXTERIOR: The restoration started with a rust-free, complete Custom
Cab truck equipped with the desirable big rear window. Today, it
presents like new, arguably even better. The original sheet metal
is straight, free of rust, damage, or body issues. It's refinished
in its original Meadowlark Mist Green, polished to a high gloss
that really highlights the truck's beautiful lines. This F-100 is
exceptionally well appointed. It features the optional chrome
grille and bumpers. It has also been fitted with several extremely
rare accessories found in the 1956 Ford accessory catalog,
including the Flying Bird hood ornament, hard to find front tow
hooks, a passenger side spotlight, dual outside mirrors, and step
plates. Every piece of chrome, stainless trim, and brightwork has
been professionally restored or replaced. All of the glass is new,
the taillights feature classic blue-dot lenses and upfront it's
upgraded with Halogen headlights. It's rolling on correctly
restored wheels wrapped in quality Michelin radial tires, giving it
an authentic appearance with modern road manners.
INTERIOR: It is every bit as special as the rest of the truck. It
was completely gutted and lined with Dynamat sound deadener, and it
also has all new wiring from front to back. The showpiece is the
hand tooled leather by renowned Western artist Cody Hickson,
featured on the seats, door panels, and sun visors, complemented by
cloth inserts for added comfort. Features include vintage looking,
yet modern gauge cluster that includes a tachometer, period correct
optional seat belts, the original style rubber floor mat, and a
padded headliner. Air conditioning is neatly and discreetly mounted
beneath the dash, and it even has power windows. The clever part is
they still use the original style window cranks- they're actually
the power window switches! Finishing it off are some wonderful
vintage touches, including a very rare original radio and speaker,
while a modern stereo is hidden under the seat and operated by a
remote. It even has a steering wheel spinner knob for easy
maneuvering and, of course, the classic hula girl on the dash that
gives it just the right personality.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: Under the hood, it's packed with modern
performance while maintaining a vintage appearance. Power comes
from a Blueprint 347 stroker crate motor producing 450 horsepower.
It's equipped with an aluminum intake, Edelbrock carb with an
electric choke, MSD ignition, and a set of coated headers. The
engine is dressed with classic Thunderbird finned aluminum valve
covers and a matching Thunderbird chrome air cleaner to keep the
period correct look. Up front, it features a Vintage Air heat and
air conditioning system, a chrome alternator, and modern power
steering. It also has an upgraded electric wiper motor, complete
with the correct style washer fluid bag, all hooked up and
functional. The entire engine compartment is exceptionally well
detailed, with neatly routed wiring, beautifully painted metal, and
fresh hardware and grommets throughout.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: Opening the tailgate is a nostalgic experience
with the classic chain and hook setup, upgraded with stainless
chains and rubber sleeves to protect the paint. Inside the bed, the
metal is clean and painted to match the truck's glossy finish. The
wood bed floor has been replaced and refinished, secured with
stainless steel strips. Sitting there is a custom car cover, which
is also included with the truck.
UNDERSIDE: The body was removed from the frame, and every component
underneath this F-100 was restored or replaced. The floors are
pristine metal, painted in the same Meadow Mist Green as the
exterior, while the underside of the bed wood has been beautifully
refinished. The frame is smooth and finished in satin black, along
with the suspension and chassis components. Up front, it features a
Sid's dropped axle and swaybar with Posies lowering springs in
back. The steering system and shocks have been replaced for a
confident, comfortable ride. It has a new fuel tank and sending
unit, along with all new brake, fuel, and transmission lines.
Wilwood four piston disc brakes are fitted at all four wheels, with
the power brake booster neatly tucked up underneath for a clean
appearance. A neatly installed dual exhaust system runs the length
of the truck. Looking up at the engine, everything is spotless.
Power is backed by a TCI AOD automatic overdrive transmission with
a TCI torque converter and a finned aluminum pan. A rebuilt
driveshaft connects to a custom built Moser 9-inch rear end
featuring an aluminum center section and 3.50 Posi gears. The
battery has convenient terminals for easy charging. Even the spare
tire is fitted with a custom Ford-logo tire cover, reflecting the
attention to detail throughout the entire restoration.
SERVICE: We take pride in our cars and our reputation. Every
vehicle goes through our service department where it is inspected,
test driven, and we address the essentials before offering it for
sale.
CONCLUSION: Heath Murray was given one simple instruction: build
this truck as if it were his own! He did exactly that during a
meticulous 350 hour build, creating the truck that could have been
the nicest '56 Ford on the road back in the day. Now it also
benefits from modern performance, comfort, and reliability. Add in
its incredible pedigree and you have a truck that truly stands in a
class of its own. This is a one time opportunity to own something
that simply can't be duplicated.
Vehicles are displayed in a museum setting. Admission applies
without an appointment and is refunded with purchase, including a
one-year museum membership.
815-385-3644 (9-5 Central)
[email protected] - Prompt responses
Air conditioning
Power brakes
4 wheel disc
Power steering
9" 3.50 posi
Tooled leather
Power windows
Seatbelts
Electric Wipers
Hidden stereo
Turn signals
Step plates
Tow hooks
Hood ornament
Spotlight
