This 1953 Ford F100 began as a vision to build a fun driver with modern appeal. But once the project landed in the hands of the Roadster Shop, it evolved into something far greater...a no-compromise custom that pushed the boundaries of craftsmanship and design. The result is a fully hand-formed, one-of-a-kind showpiece that's earned major recognition, including two Pro's Pick awards at the 2007 and 2008 Goodguys shows. It's been highlighted in multiple issues of Classic Trucks magazine, including a cover feature in the January 2008 issue, and was even used on promotional t-shirts for Goodguys events.
The transformation started with a complete ground-up, nut-and-bolt build. The cab and bed were separated from the frame as the Roadster Shop worked toward achieving perfect proportions. The cab corners were rounded, cowl vents filled, emblems and door handles shaved, and all seams were welded and smoothed. The factory hood was pie-cut for a sleeker profile. Up front, a hand-fabricated floating grille and custom-frenched headlight buckets subtly show off the unique creativity invested in this build. C2 Corvette bumpers were reworked to seamlessly fit the body, front and rear, with LED taillights integrated into the rear units.
To accommodate the custom chassis planned for this build, the front fender openings were moved forward four inches, a precise but significant change that helped align the body with the updated foundation. The running boards were raised from their original position and reshaped to create a smooth, uninterrupted flow from the front to the rear fenders. Out back, the rear fenders were widened by 1.5 inches, giving the truck a more planted stance without disrupting its original character. The bed was carefully massaged to match the rest of the body's refined lines. It features a custom-restyled tailgate, a hand-formed rollpan with integrated exhaust exits, and a show-quality bed floor with an aluminum frame inlay and carbon fiber inserts.
Once the metalwork was verified straight and true, the Roadster Shop laid down a two-tone Black and Blue metallic finish. The contrasting paint is detailed with silver leaf and gray gradient accents, bordered by crisp yellow pinstriping by Rick's Pinstriping. This finish extends into the engine bay, which was treated with the same level of detail and pinstriping.
Under the hood sits a Bill Mitchell 509 cubic inch big block, topped with a polished Weiand 4-71 supercharger and an 870cfm Hardcore carburetor. With the addition of the blower, it's now rated at approximately 750 horsepower. Sanderson headers feed into a custom 3-inch exhaust system built by the Roadster Shop, flowing through Flowmaster mufflers. The engine is dressed with custom-painted and pinstriped valve covers and air cleaner to match the bodywork. Power is routed through a Tremec TKO600 5-speed manual transmission and a Ford 9-inch rear with 3.50 gears and a limited-slip differential.
The chassis is a fully custom Roadster Shop Stage III unit, stretched four inches with raised crossmembers and a C-notch for an aggressive stance and clearance. Heidt's Superide independent front suspension is paired with power rack-and-pinion steering, a custom triangulated 4-link rear setup, and QA1 coilovers at all four corners. Stopping power comes from power-assisted Wilwood disc brakes. It rolls on Billet Specialties Rail wheels, 20 inches up front and 22 inches out back, wrapped in BF Goodrich G-Force T/A tires (245mm front, 295mm rear).
Inside, the attention to detail continues. Charcoal leather upholstery by Paul Atkins is complemented by satin grey finishes and yellow pinstriping that traces across the hand-fabricated dash and door panels. The dash features a center-mounted gauge cluster housing AutoMeter gauges, perforated metal accenting, and push-button ignition. A custom waterfall center console carries over the yellow pinstriping and houses a carbon fiber shifter and radio controls. A tilting ididit column and custom Billet Specialties wheel complete the driver's setup. Air conditioning is seamlessly integrated, with its controls cleanly hidden beneath the dash to maintain a clutter-free aesthetic.
This truck is a standout example of what the Roadster Shop is capable of when the goal is to break boundaries. It's a complete, turn-key show truck built to a very high standard that would be extremely costly to replicate today. Every component, every panel, every detail was crafted with intent. This is more than just a custom F100, it's a rolling piece of art with proven pedigree and unmatched presence.
Key Highlights
National Award Winning Ground-up build by the Roadster Shop
Multiple magazine features
Wheelbase stretched 4"
Bill Mitchell 509ci V8
Weiand 4-71 supercharger
Approximately 750hp
TKO600 5-speed manual transmission
Ford 9" w/ 3.50 gears
Limited-slip differential
Power rack-and-pinion steering
Power Wilwood disc brakes
Extensive bodywork fabrication
Custom pinstriping by Rick's Pinstriping
Paul Atkins upholstered interior
Hand-fabricated dashboard
Center-mounted gauge cluster
Modern air conditioning
