Modern cars are all about providing optimized visibility through cameras at the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle. Some can even depict a bird’s-eye view of a vehicle’s surroundings using a combination of all the above. But in the 1950s, all it took to enhance line of sight was more glass around the cabin.
The Pick of the Day is a 1956 Ford F-100 pickup listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Phoenix, Arizona.
“This beautiful 1956 Ford F-100 big-window pickup is in remarkable and unmolested condition,” the listing begins. “The truck is all Henry Ford steel and is a pleasure to drive anywhere.”
Ford’s popular F-Series of pickups first came into existence in 1948, encompassing a wide range of utility vehicles from light-duty to heavy-duty. This example comes from the second generation, which started in 1953. The final year for the generation was 1956, and trucks from that model year (such as this one) had a one-year-only body style. Unique design cues included a wrap-around windshield, vertical pillars, and an optional a curved wrap-around rear glass window that gives optimal visibility.
The seller states that this pickup underwent restoration and received not only a cosmetic refurbishment, but also some upgrades like new oak planks in the cargo area, chrome brightwork, a color-matched front windshield visor, and a dual exhaust system. Beyond all that cosmetic rework, it received restomod treatment to bring it into the modern era. Added conveniences include power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a newer heater, and a Kenwood audio system.
Under the hood of this truck is a crate-sourced small-block Chevrolet 350cid V8 mated to a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission. Based on the two-minute video in the listing with a narrated driving sequence, the drivetrain performs well, and this truck moves down the road confidently.
The photo gallery shows a color-matched diecast scale model sitting on the dash, which could be a nice bonus if the seller is willing to include it.
“This truck has won several shows in the past and is an extraordinary value at this price point,” the seller concludes. The seller is asking $54,895 for this F-100.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I was good with this all the way up to the Chevy engine and trans. Now it’s a no go for me.
I am primarily a GM guy, but I am also a Car guy, who is blessed to have enjoyed, the phenomenal Cars and light duty Trucks, of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s 👍, which Include some pretty great models from born the Ford and Mopar Companies.
Just a couple of my Favorite years of Ford, in Style, and Performance is 1956 and 1957, and that Includes all the fine Fords for 1956, Cars and the beautiful Pickups…I totally agree with you John, a fine, well performing 50’s Ford T-Bird
Powertrain, should be under the hood of this seeet little Ford…Actually, I wood prefer 3 On the Tree, like the 56 I drove at the Sunoco station, in High School, along with the 312 V-8, and Borla dual exhaust.
Why would you ruin such a beautiful truck with Chevrolet drivetrain?
Should have gone with ford 351 engine! keep it all ford.
Yeah, or even a 289 or 302. While the small-block Chevy is iconic in its own right, it verges on incomprehensible here. Deal breaker I’m afraid.
Beautiful truck; should have a period correct Ford Y block and automatic transmission. Chevy drivetrains do not belong in mostly original vehicles of other makes
Oxymoron, “The truck is all Henry Ford steel“ and all GM drivetrain!!! I’m not sure Henry would be happy! If it’s born a Ford, don’t change the plumbing!
Price is too high considering it’s a ’56 Ford with a Chevy drivetrain… That’s a big issue. Really correct would have been a ‘Y’ block. Barring that, I’d have at least gone with either a 351 or a 302 with some upgrades in performance. In it’s current configuration, I might consider 20 +/- , but not 50 +/-
Wondering if there’s flexibility in the price of the truck? Thanks,jeff
You need to reach out to the seller, whom you can contact if you follow the links in the story.