No, I'm not asking $250,000.......got your attention though didn't it, maybe I should ask that much....... What you are looking at if you follow the link to the photo album is one of those amazing barn finds that we all dream about. This truck was purchased new at the Ford dealer in Santa Maria, CA in 1962. The original purchaser, now 94 years old had a small ranch there and this was used on that ranch up until 1986 when his son took over the pride of ownership.
Having relocated to the Bay Area, the son has kept the truck in service until recently as the typical home owner Home Depot Hack and as his daily commuter for 20+ years. This truck retains its original patina that Hollywood would love to learn how to master for use in a period movie. You know how the saying goes; Anyone can restore a vehicle but, they are only this way ONCE!
Preservation class entries abound nowadays at most Concours shows and as I learned last month at Monterey Car Week, it would be almost wrong to restore this truck as its value in its present condition far exceeds the value of a restored vehicle. Add to that the intense popularity now of vintage trucks, this truck belongs in the appropriate collection. Now, what exactly is it?

This is a VERY RARE, only built THREE years, Ford F100 UNIBODY pick up truck. It is unique in its design with an integrated truck bed and cab, not separated as most trucks are. Ford also utilized a very cool, subtle wrap around rear window when designing this truck. While that window was destroyed by a neighbor kid several decades ago with a rock.....another story......a replacement curved glass rear window was found several years ago and placed in storage up in the garage rafters for the next time any major paint work was to be done or when the son anticipated restoring the truck in its entirety. That restoration, thankfully, was not started and for the most part the only 'work' done on this truck has been maintaining its usability. It has received a new seat cover, headliner, and cheap paint job, (from Miracle Auto Body in fact....) over the years but, the overall patina would be almost impossible to duplicate. Minimal rust bubbling can be found in some spots that you might expect from a 50 year old American vehicle but, overall the steel is amazing and solid!!
The original 223 straight six cylinder engine has been maintained consistently and even became a father son rebuild project one year. It runs beautifully and is capable of driving you anywhere today. It leaks a little oil from the front and rear old style rope type seals as one would expect a 50 year old truck to do but, once you drop the three on the tree in gear, you are off and running in 1962! It is a real treat to drive and due to its condition, as long as you respect its provenance, you should feel free to use it as anyone might, just don't go have someone dump a load of gravel in the bed or I'll personally turn you over to the OLD CAR POLICE!!!!
I spent the whole week in Monterey with all those billions of dollars of high priced cars parallel parking on every available street and cruising around had people jumping out in the middle of the street snapping photos of the truck as much as that chrome Lamborghini Aventador!! The Mecum Auction is interested in taking this truck for their November sale but I am hoping that the right trade will come along for me to move on it before then.
Why am I not keeping it? Believe me I want to. In most ways it is exactly what I am looking for in a truck. Style out the ears, dependability, collect-ability, history, usability, CA black plates.....you name it.
I just don't fit in it very well. I am too tall and am thinking that I might be better off if I can find an extended cab or four door early Ford that will accommodate my height better. I want to be able to drive it long distances for the weekend or whatever and not feel hunched over so, it has to go, sadly.
Please call me to discuss any and all trades, I am and can be very creative in thinking about how to make a deal work for us so I await your call to 510.232.8833, thanks for reading all the way down.......
Photo album link:
Available only by email: please email me at sugatoviejo (at) gmail-dot-com and put in the subject line PHOTOBUCKET LINK REQUEST for FORD Photos: