351 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, three-speed automatic transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 110 in.

Although Ford made dramatic strides with the modern F-1 truck in 1948, it was the F-1’s successor, the 1953 F-100, that really set Ford apart from the competition and created an icon beloved by collectors today. The 1953 to 1956 F-100s have become especially prized by street rodders, as the smooth lines and ground-hugging fenders lend themselves much better to the rod motif than the F-100s that followed.

This truck is a “sleeper” rod, as it takes a practiced eye to discern that it’s not completely stock. The original six-cylinder engine has been replaced with a 351 Cleveland V-8 mated to a C-4 automatic transmission. The finish is exceptional, with a varnished oak floor in the bed and whitewall tires with chrome trim rings. It has just received a rotisserie restoration and has accumulated only 160 test miles since. Vermilion red paint catches the eye, with throaty headers and dual exhausts to give it a satisfying mellow tone.