A heart transplant has allowed a well-preserved vintage truck to receive a performance boost. And while the holidays aren’t for another several months, its Holly Green exterior and red wheels also make for a festive color combo.
The Pick of the Day is a 1961 Ford F-100 pickup listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Frederick, Maryland. (Click the link to view the listing)
“This truck needs nothing but to drive and enjoy. The upgrades are a Mustang 302cid V8 with electronic ignition and dual master brake cylinders. Manual steering and brakes,” the listing states.
The F-Series nomenclature dates back a long time in automotive history – 75 years, in fact, to model year 1948. This truck comes from the first year of the fourth generation which debuted in 1961. Full-size Ford pickups from that year became both wider and lower than earlier models. For the first time, a “unibody” design became available, but it didn’t last long and was discontinued shortly thereafter. Finally, the previous dual-headlight design was replaced with single headlights.
This Holly Green-finished 1961 stepside shows well, featuring a straight body and complementary red steel wheels with polished center caps and trim rings. The doors have “Custom Cab” scripted badging, and the cargo area is lined with wooden planks and stainless-steel hardware. “The truck shows great and gets a lot of attention at shows and cruise-ins. It had a restoration about seven years ago in Tampa. Not a frame-off. Very minor rust,” the listing states.
Most importantly, in place of the truck’s original motor is a Ford Mustang-sourced small-block 302cid V8 paired with a manual transmission. The seller states that the mechanical condition is sorted and ready to roll: “If I were to keep it, I wouldn’t worry about it for a long time,” the listing says.
The fourth-generation F-Series lasted through 1966, and just before the end of that body style, a new frame was introduced which would carry on through the late 1970s. There are some good reasons why the F-Series pickups have been America’s favorite for decades, and this early example combines the right cosmetic and mechanical elements that make it a rewarding (and utilitarian) classic vehicle.
“A very nice turnkey truck,” the listing concludes.
The asking price is $23,000 for this Mustang-powered, holiday-colored pickup.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
