45 Years Ago, 1968 Ford F-Series Truck Scorched the Screen in Mr. Majestyk
On the 45th anniversary of its release, this epic chase scene shows why you don’t mess with a Ford truck, or Charles Bronson.
Ford trucks have shown their timeless style and inherent durability in many films and television shows. Whether they take down the bad guy, outrun a dinosaur, or serve as the leading man’s ride, Ford trucks are natural scene-stealers. One film that we think perfectly casts a tough Ford F-100 in the lead role is 1974’s Mr. Majestyk.
Before there was Bruce Willis, The Rock, Jason Statham, and Liam Neeson; there was Charles Bronson. Bronson, the star of Mr. Majestyk, made a career out of being the hero and often vigilante who was effortlessly cool and tough-as-nails. In the movie, he is Vince Majestyk, the titular melon farmer (yeah, seriously) who has to take on the mob.
By his side is his trusty steed: A 1968 Ford F-100 truck. (It is incorrectly identified at a 1969 in the video above) It is rumored that the filmmakers used only one truck to perform all the stunts. And this truck, not modified, performs like a heavyweight on screen. In the scene, the truck is put through a series of torture tests; launches, jumps, high speeds, and punishing terrain. And it keeps going, showing that these trucks do not have a death wish.
As a tie-in with the film, Ford released a commercial showcasing how the fifth-generation used 1968 Ford pickup handled the abuse and stayed intact, not by movie magic, but by pure, solid Ford craftsmanship.
It is one of the coolest truck chase scenes ever. And, as it opened 45 years ago today, we thought it was the perfect time to show Bronson kicking ass and taking names in a F-100 that is, well, also kicking ass and taking names.
Usually at this point, someone adds: “They just don’t make ’em like that anymore.” That may be definitely be true for Bronson. However, when it comes to Ford, we have seen that they are still bad to the bone. Whether they are pushing back against extreme terrain, able to handle some jaw-dropping jumps, and tear it up at crazy speeds.
This great looking throwback truck is the perfect example of a Ford truck on film that steals the show.
For more Mr. Majestyk, check out the trailer. And for more truckin’ action, you can watch it on Amazon Prime and Vudu.
What are you favorite Ford trucks from film or television? Let us know in the comments, or sound off in the forums.
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