ENGINE BAY PREP AND PAINT
January 3, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
REDEEMING THE FORGOTTEN Y-BLOCK
When Ford introduced its Y-block engine in 1954, it labeled the engine the worthy successor to the venerable Flathead. The Flathead gained a loyal following of hot rodders and racers, but the big Cadillac overhead-valve V-8 and Oldsmobile’s Rocket 88 were stealing Ford’s thunder in terms of power, so something had to be done, and Ford decided to respond. The answer was a clean-sheet V-8 design, featuring overhead valves and improved cooling compared to the old Flathead. It was dubbed the “Y-block” because of the way it looked and because of its deep skirt and tall cylinder heads.
STEP IT UP
The legacy of the Ford Bronco is stronger than ever, thanks to the versatility and customization options of the sixth-generation Ford Bronco. This platform is built for off-road performance and on-road comfort and there are a multitude of custom factory packages that build upon that platform. Because of the factory design and immense aftermarket support, the options are limitless for these future icons of off-roading.
BLACKBIRD
We all have our own passions and preferences in whatever we do: food, music, dress, sports and cars. And passions can run high, particularly with cars. For some it may be Fords, for others Mopars, and there’s the whole broad spectrum of General Motors products—Cadillacs, Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and Chevys, which, of course, have always enjoyed the largest enthusiast following. Yet today more than ever, people looking to separate themselves from the masses are reaching beyond convention to the less-favored among enthusiast cars, but no less admired
nameplates, to satisfy their car needs.
Spotlighter
Grand National F-100 Show Packs Pigeon Forge with Over 1,100 Classic Ford Trucks
The Largest Classic Ford Truck Show Continues to Grow
Author
Jamie Dent
Photos by Scott Killeen
The Smoky Mountains were once again overflowing with classic Ford truck horsepower as the 2026 Grand National F-100 Show took over Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for another massive weekend of Blue Oval domination. Held May 14-16 at the LeConte Center, the event continues to cement itself as the largest classic Ford truck show in the world — and judging by this year’s turnout, it’s still growing at full throttle.
What started less than a decade ago has exploded into one of the hottest truck events in the country. Reaching nearly full capacity in 2026, the show welcomed almost 1,100 registered Ford trucks, transforming Pigeon Forge into a sea of vintage F-Series iron, custom cruisers, lifted workhorses, patina survivors, and high-end show builds from across the United States.
Ford Truck Culture Takes Over Pigeon Forge
Hosted at the beautiful LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, the three-day event showcased trucks both inside and outside the convention center, giving attendees plenty to see no matter what style of Ford truck they’re into. From immaculate factory restorations and slammed F-100s to Pro Touring builds and big-wheel customs, the diversity of trucks on display proved exactly why the Ford truck community continues to thrive.
The indoor portion of the event featured some of the finest trucks in attendance alongside a growing list of vendors offering aftermarket parts, restoration components, apparel, accessories, and performance upgrades tailored specifically for classic Ford trucks. Outside, the expanded event grounds were packed wall-to-wall with trucks, vendors, swap meet spaces, and enthusiasts swapping stories beside their builds all weekend long.
The Perfect Venue for a Massive Ford Truck Event
One of the biggest reasons for the show’s continued success is its unique location. Pigeon Forge offers the perfect backdrop for an automotive event, combining scenic Smoky Mountain views with endless restaurants, attractions, hotels, and entertainment options for families and enthusiasts alike. While hosting an event of this size in a tourist destination comes with challenges, Joe Carpenter and the Grand National F-100 crew continue to raise the bar every single year with organization, hospitality, and an atmosphere that keeps enthusiasts coming back.
The event’s family-friendly environment remains one of its strongest selling points. Free spectator parking and shuttle service helped make navigating the massive show easier for attendees while allowing thousands of spectators to enjoy the growing Ford truck reunion without breaking the bank.
Awards, Vendors, and Hundreds of Ford Trucks
As always, Saturday’s highly anticipated awards ceremony capped off the weekend by recognizing the finest trucks of the event. With the caliber of builds getting better every year, earning top honors at the Grand National F-100 Show has become a serious achievement within the classic truck community.
In only nine years, the Grand National F-100 Show has evolved from a niche gathering into a nationally recognized Ford truck destination. The combination of incredible trucks, passionate enthusiasts, strong vendor support, and the perfect Smoky Mountain setting continues to fuel its rapid growth year after year.
If 2026 proved anything, it’s that the Grand National F-100 Show isn’t just becoming the biggest Ford truck event in the Southeast — it’s becoming one of the premier classic truck events in America.
1955 Ford F100
Owner/Builder: Rick Lowe, Huntersville, NC
This 1955 Ford F100 is a clean-sheet pro-touring restomod that fuses vintage Ford pickup proportions with modern performance engineering, starting with stock frame rails that have been fully boxed and upgraded with a Fatman Stage III independent front suspension using Mustang II-style tubular control arms, a Fatman 4-link rear setup, QA1 coilovers front and rear, and a Ford 8.8 rear axle with 3.73 gears and Traction-Lok for reliable street performance; power comes from a 5.0 Coyote Gen 2 running a Ford Performance Control Pack paired to a 6R80 automatic transmission with remote cooling, delivering modern drivability in a classic shell. Stopping power is equally serious with Wilwood 6-piston front and 4-piston rear brakes on drilled and slotted 12-inch rotors, while a custom stainless 2.5-inch exhaust and Mustang GT cooling keep everything dialed in. The all-steel body is subtly refined with widened rear fenders, tucked bumpers, shaved vents, and one-piece side glass, finished in striking PPG Ruby Red Tri-Stage paint with Rhino-lined color-matched undercoating. Inside, it’s full luxury meets street machine with Mustang GT seating, a custom console, Dakota Digital VHX gauges, Flaming River tilt column, Kenwood/Hertz audio, Vintage Air climate control, and an electric parking brake, all wrapped in a fully custom leather interior by James Pharr Custom Auto Trim—making this F100 a polished, high-performance evolution of a classic workhorse.
1956 Ford Boss 429 F-175
Owner: Michael Uhrin, Longmont, CO
This is what happens when classic Ford truck heritage collides head-on with modern pro-touring aggression, built from a clever mashup of a 1956 Ford F-250 cab and a 1955 Ford F-100 chassis—earning its one-off “F-175” identity—while packing serious firepower from a 429 Cobra Jet V8 topped with Kaase “Boss Nine” semi-hemi aluminum heads and a stacked billet EFI intake tied into a modern digital dash setup; backed by a Tremec TKO 5-speed manual transmission with McLeod Racing clutch, it rides on a fully sorted Fatman Stage IIIFS front suspension, Heidt’s 4-link rear setup, and QA1 coilovers, with a shortened Currie Ford 9-inch rear (3.89 ratio) delivering the bite, all wrapped in a 10-year frame-off build completed by Larvicko Autocraft that layers in custom Foose-inspired styling, hidden fuel fill, period-correct F-175 badging, and a wraparound front bumper, then finished in BASF Glasurit “Cassini” Blue over staggered Foose Legend wheels for a street presence that’s equal parts vintage attitude and modern precision engineering.
1956 Ford F-100
Owner/Builder: Dave Marland of Daytona Beach, Florida
This 1956 Ford F-100 owned by Dave Marland of Daytona Beach, Florida is a true old-school hot rod pickup built the right way—at home, by hand, and finished long before the modern restomod movement exploded. Completed entirely in a home garage back in 1994, this classic Ford retains its 100% original steel body and wears timeless Crimson Red lacquer paint that delivers authentic vintage attitude with deep traditional shine. Under the hood sits a dependable 351 Windsor V8 backed by a 4-speed manual transmission, sending power through a rugged Ford 9-inch rear end with 3.08 gears for comfortable cruising and classic muscle feel. The truck keeps its traditional character intact while benefiting from upgraded power front disc brakes, complemented by rear drums, giving it improved drivability without losing its era-correct soul. Inside, the custom interior crafted by Fred Carello of Warwick, Rhode Island adds a refined touch to this garage-built survivor, making the truck a perfect example of grassroots craftsmanship, timeless Ford styling, and the kind of passion-built custom that defined an entire generation of hot rodding.
1956 Ford F100 “Killer Overtime”
Owner: Todd Parsons of Sevierville, TN
“Killer Overtime” — 1956 Ford F100 owned by Todd Parsons of Sevierville, Tennessee is more than a high-end custom truck—it’s a rolling reward for over three decades of hard-earned dedication in law enforcement. Built after 33.5 years as a homicide detective and funded through countless overtime hours, the truck’s nickname carries real meaning, blending personal sacrifice with serious performance and craftsmanship. Sitting on a fully engineered TCI chassis, this slick ’56 Ford F100 is powered by a Gen 2 Coyote crate engine pushing 435+ horsepower through a 6R80 automatic transmission, creating a modern muscle truck wrapped in timeless Ford sheetmetal and finished in aggressive Ford Lead Foot Gray paint. Inside, the build leans fully into modern comfort and technology with a custom interior featuring heated seats, push-button start, a massive 10-inch touchscreen, forward and backup cameras, electric e-brake, and a high-powered sound system packing two 1000-watt Arc Audio amps driving 14 speakers. Add in LED lighting, exhaust cutouts, and a clean aluminum bed floor, and “Killer Overtime” becomes the perfect blend of pro-touring performance, modern convenience, and deeply personal storytelling built into one unforgettable 1956 Ford truck.
1966 Ford F100 “Black Magic”
Owner: Lynn Pace of Maryville, TN
Owned by Lynn Pace of Maryville, Tennessee, “Black Magic” is a deep-black custom masterpiece that blends show-level craftsmanship with aggressive street machine attitude, built around a Fat Man Fabrications chassis with RideTech coilovers and powered by a 500+ horsepower 351 Windsor crate engine loaded with Edelbrock aluminum heads, a Comp camshaft, Holley Terminator EFI, MSD ignition, and stainless exhaust for a brutal mix of performance and reliability. Backing the Windsor is a rebuilt C6 automatic transmission feeding a narrowed and centered Ford 9-inch rear end with 3.73 posi gears and Currie 31-spline axles, while Wilwood four-piston brakes and staggered Budnik Knife billet wheels give the truck a modern pro-touring stance with serious stopping power. Finished in sinister PPG Onyx Black, the truck underwent more than 125 custom body modifications, including shaved trim, tucked bumpers, frenched lighting, smoothed panels, relocated fuel system, Kindig-It handles, custom radiator cover, single-piece windows, Bronco rear tubs, and a fully detailed show deck bed floor, creating an ultra-clean appearance from every angle. Inside, the handcrafted brown leather interior mixes luxury and technology with a custom bench seat, Dakota Digital HDX gauges, Vintage Air, Rockford Fosgate audio, LED-backlit door panels, push-button ignition, remote-controlled power features, and a Budnik steering wheel, transforming this 1966 Ford F100 into a high-end custom truck that fully earns the name “Black Magic.”
1967 Ford F250 Crew Cab “ROSALIE”
Owner: Barrett Brecker, Ellijay, GA
“ROSALIE” is an ultra-detailed, factory-born rarity transformed into a world-class custom truck through years of obsessive craftsmanship, engineering, and family-driven passion. Verified by a Marti Report as a genuine special-order factory crew cab, this one-owner Ford was rediscovered by Barrett “Bear” Becker in 2011 before beginning an extensive build that finally hit the road in 2018. Under the skin, Rosalie rides on a heavily modified chassis featuring a custom AccuAir air suspension system, Crown Vic front suspension conversion, Currie 9-inch rear, tubular four-link setup, nitrogen shocks, and Wilwood brakes at all four corners, while power comes from a Ford Performance Gen 2 Coyote crate engine producing 435 horsepower and paired to a Tremec T-56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission with McLeod clutch and Hurst short-throw shifter for modern muscle-car performance in a vintage heavy-duty truck platform. The body underwent more than 50 hand-fabricated metal modifications including custom stainless trim work, molded bumpers, raised and lowered body sections, smoothed panels, and handcrafted glass fitment before being finished by Sabre Customs in stunning PPG Boss Blue and Sequoia Brown two-tone paint inspired by vintage Ford colors. Inside, the truck blends luxury and technology through TMI custom seating, Dakota Digital instrumentation, LED-lit console and headliner, Pioneer audio, custom wiring integration, and full climate control, all tied together by Hot Muscle Wiring’s extensive electronic and engine-management system. Rolling on staggered AME wheels with massive rear rubber and breathing through KOOKS stainless long-tube headers into MagnaFlow exhaust, Rosalie stands as a breathtaking fusion of rare Ford truck history, handcrafted metal artistry, modern performance engineering, and the deeply personal vision of Barrett and Amy Becker.
1968 Ford F-100
Owner: Brian Boone of Duncan, SC
1968 Ford F100 owned by Brian Boon of Duncan, South Carolina is a slick, pavement-hugging street machine that mixes classic Ford truck attitude with big-block muscle and modern pro-touring style. Under the hood, a healthy 390 FE Ford V8 built with an Edelbrock Performer RPM full roller package, bored .030 over and making approximately 450 horsepower, delivers the kind of raw torque that made FE engines legendary, while FiTech fuel injection and MSD ignition sharpen the truck’s drivability and response. The modified factory frame features a C-notched rear, RideTech four-link suspension, Shockwaves, and a Fatman Fabrications Mustang II front end, planting the truck low over staggered Bonspeed Quasar wheels wrapped in aggressive Toyo Proxes 18/20 rubber for a stance that absolutely nails the look. Inside, the custom interior by New Creations adds a refined finish to the cabin, while the bed blends craftsmanship and detail with a widened tailgate, boxed fuel tank treatment, and rich Red Oak wood flooring trimmed with Mar-K strips. The result is a bold, cleanly executed 1968 Ford F100 that delivers old-school FE thunder with modern street truck presence from every angle.
1970 Ford Ranger XLT
Owner/Builder: Jerry Detweiler
Making its full-force debut at the Goodguys 11th Griot’s Garage North Carolina Nationals presented by Grundy Insurance in Raleigh, North Carolina, Jerry Detweiler’s 1970 Ford F100 didn’t just roll into the show—it flat-out kicked the doors open and demanded attention. Built in Jerry’s own garage and finished in an incredibly short timeframe, this slammed slick-body bruiser immediately earned a prestigious Goolsby Customs Builder’s Choice award while locking down a spot as a Goodguys 2026 Dakota Digital Truck of the Year Late Finalist, proving the truck belongs among the best custom builds in the country. Sitting low on a Roadster Shop Slammed Spec chassis and powered by a snarling Gen 2 Coyote 5.0, the truck blends modern muscle with razor-sharp execution, while the rich Sikkens “Bexwood Green” paint, killer interior by Bux Customs, and aggressive stance over Billet Specialties Turbine wheels give the F100 a presence that absolutely owns the pavement. Backed by a throaty Borla Performance exhaust and packed with high-end craftsmanship throughout, this owner-built Ford is the kind of truck that stops crowds cold and keeps people circling back for another look. Jerry’s son John shared the build journey online, proudly spotlighting the long hours, late nights, and relentless effort it took for a small team to bring the truck to life, while also thanking Frank Pezzo and PBH for helping support the Coyote swap along the way. From the show floor in Raleigh to its next stop among the elite finalists in Columbus, this 1970 Ford F100 is more than a contender—it’s a statement.
1972 Ford Ranger XLT Short Bed
Original Survivor
This incredibly preserved 1972 Ford Ranger XLT Short Bed is the kind of survivor that almost never exists anymore—a true time capsule from the final year of this iconic Ford truck body style. Powered by its original 302 cubic-inch V8 backed by an automatic transmission, the truck was sold new in Georgia and amazingly still carries its original shipping instructions on the windshield, a detail that instantly tells you just how untouched this pickup really is. Showing only 2,000 actual miles, this totally original Ford F100 Ranger XLT has lived an unbelievably protected life, with the previous owner reportedly never hauling anything in the bed, leaving the truck preserved in near-new condition decades after rolling off the assembly line. From the untouched sheetmetal and factory trim to the honest patina of originality that collectors chase but rarely find, this truck isn’t just restored nostalgia—it’s the real thing, frozen in time and representing a nearly impossible level of preservation for a classic 1972 Ford pickup.
1976 Ford F-250 Highboy 4×4 “BIG RED”
Owners: Mark & Lydia Dusaules, Hammond, Louisiana
This 1976 Ford F-250 Highboy 4×4 is a towering piece of classic Ford truck history that blends heavy-duty workhorse roots with unmistakable lifted-truck attitude. Originally commissioned for a fire department in northwest Texas, this rare 8-foot Flareside Highboy still carries its original Texas title and remains remarkably preserved, making it an increasingly hard-to-find example of Ford’s legendary dentside-era 4×4 trucks. Powered by a rugged 360 V8 backed by a 4-speed manual transmission and Dana 4.10 gears, BIG RED sits tall on a lifted suspension with aggressive 38-inch mud tires, giving the truck the kind of commanding stance these Highboys were born for. Refinished in its factory-correct Castillo Red, the restoration carefully refreshed the truck without stripping away its authentic character, adding smart upgrades like power steering, air conditioning, Dakota Digital gauges, headers, custom exhaust, and a restored oak bed with all-new wood and hardware. New seals, bushings, fuel system components, and a fresh carburetor help ensure the truck performs as strong as it looks, while the rare long-bed Flareside configuration makes it stand out even among other Highboys. Owned by Mark and Lydia Dusaules of Hammond, Louisiana, this 1976 Ford F-250 Highboy perfectly captures the spirit of a truck that was built to work hard, then restored to absolutely dominate attention wherever it rolls.
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