Frame Off Restored F100 4X4 Pickup 292 V8 4 Speed

It's no secret that the Ford F-series is one of the most celebrated American trucks ever created. The enthusiasm for these pickups is reaching a fever pitch with more awesome builds started nearly every day. We've featured plenty of sleek ground-pounding Ford trucks but this high-riding 1959 F100 is in a class by itself. The subject of a labor-intensive frame off restoration, the final product is a truck that will turn heads absolutely everywhere it goes without sacrificing its blue collar identity. Featuring a period correct 292 V8, T98 4-speed manual transmission, sky-scraping stance and body work worthy of any show field, this may be the best four-wheel drive '59 F100 on the market today. If you're ready for a truck that hasn't forgotten how to be a truck, give this Ford a closer look.

The third generation of the F-series ran from 1957 to 1960. With more straight angles including an updated cab and a hood that finally sat flush with the fenders, this body style announced the death of bulging fenders and cartoonish rooflines featured on earlier trucks. On this '59, the original shape remains in place with no significant body modifications detracting from its vintage look. What is obvious is the amount of man hours invested into getting the body this straight. While “perfect” is simply not a word we use for vehicle descriptions, this truck comes dangerously close to it. A glossy coat of GM Flame Red covers the exterior, with no significant flaws to be found. Combined with the trucks towering stance, this certainly isn't a pickup you'll lose in the Lowes parking lot.

Since this F100 was a purposeful step away from design conventions of the 1950's, there isn't a lot of chrome to be found. What is there is both tasteful and show quality in every way. Up front, a chrome horizontal bar grill stretches across the front end, housing two pairs of round halogen headlights. Amber turn signals reside in a small gap between the bottom of the grille and the top of simple chrome bumper. Above that grille, “Ford” is spelled out in an inset within the center section of the hood. At the sides, like-new F100 badges adorn the side of the hood. Chrome features include the rear view mirrors, door handles, gas cap and bed rail toppers. Up top, the cab features showroom quality glass with smooth dent-free stainless trim. Out back, small round taillights with purple jewels sit on either side of the tailgate which features “Ford” in prominent white letters. Below the tailgate, a factory style chrome bumper sits above two chrome trumpet-style exhaust tips.

Under the hood, a period correct 292 cubic inch Ford Y-block V8 lives between the frame rails. Introduced in 1955, this stout little eight cylinder remained in U.S. built Ford trucks well into the mid-1960s. This one is dressed in mostly stock form with only a few modifications visible. Up top, a correct black air clean cover adorns a factory-style 292 decal. Underneath the air cleaner, a single Holley 2-barrel carburetor sends atomized fuel into the stock intake manifold. At the sides, cast iron D8 heads are dressed with chrome Ford Valve covers. The block, heads, intake and water pump all wear a coat of red paint that matches the exterior well. Accessories are minimal with only a fan and generator running off of engine power. At the front, a factory style radiator helps cool the V8. From the assembly line, these engines were equipped with a crossover pipe that fed the left exhaust manifold into the right. It was a restrictive setup which limited upper rpm power. On this truck, the crossover has been scrapped in favor of aftermarket headers that breath in to a true dual exhaust system with cherry bomb mufflers. The truck starts up immediately and idles quietly until the loud pedal is pressed.

Underneath the truck, a heavy duty top loading Warner T98 4-speed manual transmission backs that V8. When four-wheel drive is engaged, a NP 205 cast iron transfer case splits power between the Ford 9 inch rear axle out back and the Dana 44 axle up front. Equipped with four-wheel drive, these trucks sat relatively high to begin with. The stock leaf spring configuration remains in place but has been lifted approximately four inches with the help of an extra leaf up front and blocks out back. The manual brakes are still in place with dual master cylinders providing plenty of stopping power for the four wheel drum brakes. Steering is also a manual effort. At the corners, a set of attractive 16 inch aluminum wheels are wrapped in giant 235/85R16 General Grabber TR's.

Open the doors and you'll find a purely functional interior redone to nearly stock specifications. At ground level, new black carpet covers the floor. In the center, a Hurst branded shifter provided control of the T98 while a secondary lever offers control of the transfer case. Above that floor, seating comes courtesy of a bench seat covered in light gray vinyl with darker gray cloth inserts. On either side, simple steel door panels painted body color house window and vent window cranks. From the driver's seat, instrumentation remains factory correct with gauges that monitor speed, generator output, fuel level and temperature planted in a white surround that contrast nicely against the red steel dashboard. Accessories such as headlights and windshield wipers are operated by chrome levers with white knobs that match the gauge surround well. To the right of the black three-spoke steering wheel, controls for the Magicaire heater and defroster are located just under the dash. In the center, the small factory AM radio has been updated to AM/FM for a more modern listening experience.

Documentation for this '59 includes an original owner's manual that highlights all of the truck's key features. Also included is an authentic four-wheel drive operation and service manual printed by the Ford Motor Company for the aid of its technicians.

With its stout drivetrain, tough suspension and jaw-dropping looks, F100's of the four-wheel drive variant simply don't get any better than this '59. Best of all, this one will run you less than a decently equipped 2012 Ford truck. This one is already getting plenty of attention, so don't miss your chance to bring home this awesome F100.