• Seller: Lonnie C labaugh (Contact)
• Location: Riverside, California
• Mileage: 99,999 Shown
• Chassis #: FI0K7K25235
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 302 cui V8
• Transmission: C4 Automatic

This 1957 Ford F100 Short Bed is a solid and tidy classic that has received some very desirable mechanical upgrades. These changes should unleash significant performance gains, while also providing a safer and more civilized driving experience than was available when this beauty was new. It can be driven and enjoyed immediately, but there is scope for personalization that many potential buyers will find attractive. The current owner has had his fun with this Ford and has decided that it deserves a new home. Therefore, he has listed the Short Bed exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

There is no doubt that this F100 makes a positive first impression. The Dark Blue and White color combination will turn heads, ensuring that this beauty will draw plenty of admiring looks. The owner is candid about its condition, with the image gallery supporting his reported shortcomings. A previous owner performed a repaint, and while they achieved a high-end finish that still shines impressively, they applied it over a dent on the driver’s side front fender that potential buyers might choose to address. They also failed to massage the spot welds where the fenders attach to the bed, and a visible scratch is present on the front fender, forward of the wheel arch. However, the Pickup is presentable, and tackling these shortcomings could occur when, or if, the winning bidder feels it is warranted. What this Ford lacks is rust. Prone areas, such as the lower cab corners and lower front fenders, are rock-solid, while the underside shots reveal no problems. The grille and bumpers were dispatched to the platers to be restored to a high standard. It is worth noting that the bumpers are the correct ones, which Ford only fitted for two years. The remaining trim and glass are excellent, and the powdercoated Keystone wheels add a muscular touch that hints at what lies beneath the surface.

Pickups from the 1950s were almost exclusively viewed as workhorses, and an effortless driving experience and plenty of power typically took a backseat to load-carrying capacity. This F100 rights that wrong, with its engine bay housing a freshly built 302ci V8. It should provide more muscle than was available in 1957, courtesy of the teflon-coated pistons, mild camshaft, Melling high-volume oil pump, MSD ignition system, Ford Racing plug wires, Edelbrock intake, and an MSD Atomic fuel injection system. Spent gases exit via “shorty” stainless headers, giving this Pickup a sweet and appealing exhaust note. A “Green Dot” three-speed C4 automatic handles shifting duties, and while this has a small fluid leak, it functions perfectly. The upgrades don’t end there, as the F100 features a Mustang II-style front end with power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. The 9″ rear end is suspended by four links and coil-overs, and the braking system is improved to include new power-assisted front discs. Apart from the transmission fluid leak, there aren’t any significant problems requiring attention. The speedometer doesn’t function, but the owner states that attaching a drill to the cable confirms that the issue isn’t in the gauge. He didn’t build the engine, but assessed its condition when replacing the rear oil pan gasket. It looks fresh and clean inside, suggesting that this 302 has done very little work. Potential bidders can consider this F100 a turnkey proposition.

The owner is candid about this Pickup’s interior, admitting that the seat requires new foam and a new cover. However, one item that does not require replacement is the rubber floor mat, a recent addition that is in as-new condition. There are other minor imperfections, but the beauty of this interior lies in its serviceability in its current form. That will allow the winning bidder to spend some time behind the wheel while they consider options to personalize their ride. It does represent a great starting point, because the air conditioning and the heater work beautifully, while the roof console-mounted stereo provides tunes on the move.

There is something undeniably attractive about buying a project vehicle where the complicated and expensive work is complete, but there is scope for personalization. That is the opportunity provided by this 1957 Ford F100 Short Bed. It is a classic that can be enjoyed immediately, with the winning bidder having the option to complete any future work as time and circumstances allow. If you harbor those desires, submitting a bid could make that dream a reality.

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