Ford Motor Company celebrated its Golden Anniversary in 1953 by introducing a totally redesigned line of F-Series trucks. It was the first redesign of the truck since 1948. 1953 trucks received a longer hood that flowed into the front fenders, along with horizontal grille bars. Cabs were also new, boasting more glass area. Instead of calling these trucks the "Bonus Built" models, as they had been from 1948 to 1952, Ford now referred to them as the "Economy Truck Line." Joining the new name was a new hood emblem: a gear cog bisected by a lightning bolt below the Ford script. And for the first time in Ford-truck history, an automatic transmission was offered as an option, though initially only on F-100s. This would prove to be the final year for the flathead V-8. The company also took this opportunity to change its model designations, adding "00" to the end of the existing monikers. Thus the F-1 became the F-100, and so on. These designations are still used today.

A no-expense-spared, nut and bolt, body-on restoration was completed in early 2009. It features a smooth running flathead V-8, four-speed manual transmission, six new Firestone wide white tires, dual side mounts and fog lights. The fit and finish of this pickup is fantastic. The body lines, the glass, the stainless and the chrome are show quality. Other features of note include a spot light, wood bed and new oak side rails. It has a California history, and is as solid as one could hope to find. This truck was Ford's flagship for 1953, and as a 50th anniversary special, is an especially collectible investment.