1968 Ford F100 Stepside Pickup Truck
Registration no. RFG 235G
Chassis no. F10YKF93923

First introduced in 1948, Ford's F-Series has been America's best-selling light/medium truck for the last 40-plus years, generating billions of dollars annual income for its maker. Models available include full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and all manner of commercial vehicles. The stepside pickup offered here is an example of the fifth generation F-Series, introduced in 1967. The fifth series retained its immediate predecessor's separate chassis while offering increased dimensions and a greater glass area. Additionally there were more engine options and plusher trim levels.

A 1969 model built in December 1968, this wonderful pickup truck was imported from Lewisville, Texas in September 2017 and has since benefited from an extensive no-expense-spared restoration. The restoration was thorough and took a team of craftsmen 10 months to complete. A detailed list of all works carried out and parts fitted during the restoration is available. Only some 3,000 miles have been covered since its completion and the vehicle is presented in commensurately excellent condition. It has a rebuilt 5.9-litre V8 Ford engine mated to a three-speed manual gearbox, the latter converted to a floor shift.

The truck was stripped to its basic components with all body sections removed, the chassis and bodywork being found solid and corrosion free. The chassis has been stripped and finished in black hard enamel, while new brakes, wheels, tyres, and air adjustable suspension have been fitted. The rebuilt load bed is solid French oak, which has been treated with five coats of yacht lacquer and equipped with stainless steel fittings. A shade darker than Ferrari Red, a special Claret Red paint was mixed and applied with five coats of lacquer, with painstaking hand flatting between coats. The lacquer finishing coats contain a special mix of gold metal flake for an extra special mirror gloss effect that glints in the sunlight. The interior was stripped and completely re-trimmed with red-piped cream leathercloth upholstery and a new headlining. Twin chrome exhausts are fitted, exiting one on each side of the truck, and producing an amazing sound.

Although classed as an historic vehicle and MoT-exempt, the truck passed its MoT test with no advisories. It has been displayed at several shows, including Horsham Americana in September 2018, never failing to draw an appreciative crowd. We are advised that the truck starts readily and drives very well indeed, with plentiful torque and power.