Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 302-Powered 1955 Ford F-100 Pickup.
It a few months, it will have been 40 years exactly since Sammy Hagar released the popular 1984 song, “I Can’t Drive 55.” In honor of that, let’s look at a classic truck from the model year 1955.
This “double-nickel” F-Series has been modernized with a later-model 302cid V8 engine, a C6 three-speed automatic transmission, power front disc brakes, and a Ford Crown Victoria independent front suspension. It is now being sold by a dealer in Crete, Illinois, and the auction ends this coming Thursday.
Ford’s popular F-Series lineup of pickups launched 75 years ago in 1948, and this truck comes from the second generation which debuted five years later in 1953. Designers increased dimensions for the truck over its predecessor in almost every aspect, and its naming conventions changed from a one-digit model number (i.e., “F1”) to a three-digit designation that was based upon payload capacity rating. The truck was produced at 11 different facilities around the United States (and some even beyond).
The “Midnight Plum” exterior of today’s feature truck is the first clue that it offers special packaging that wasn’t offered on the original assembly line. In fact, from nose to tailgate, it has been customized. Some of the updates include a body-colored front bumper, a front-hinged hood, side steps, and a custom rear bumper. One thing that might not be immediately apparent is that the rear fenders are swapped from left to right, giving the truck a unique “reverse” appearance when compared to a stock version. The restomod look is completed by a set of black-finished American Racing five-spoke aluminum wheels with polished outer lips.
As attractive as it looks, the most important thing about this truck is that it received equal attention to the chassis and running gear. The frame uses a late-model Ford Crown Victoria independent suspension up front along with a power steering system, and the braking system is upgraded to power-assisted discs up front and drums in the rear. Torque comes from a 302cid V8 with chrome valve covers, an aluminum intake manifold, and an HEI ignition system.
Crank up the audio system to Sammy Hagar or whoever your classic recording artist of choice may be. This truck begs for a cruise!
The auction for this 1955 Ford F-100 Pickup ends Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 1:15 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
