In the Mecum Auctions listing for this tangerine dream, the company states that this panel truck is based on a custom-built box frame. The curvaceous, Hot-Wheels-like all-steel bodywork is covered in gleaming candy orange paint. Shiny chrome wheels peek out from under the bulging fenders. Up front, a chromed-out supercharger pokes out of the hood and sits on top of a 351-cubic-inch Windsor V8. That’s connected to a C6 auto, a nine-inch Ford rear end with 4.11 gears, and a dual exhaust system. All of those parts add up to a vehicle that looks like the perfect Harley bike shop promotional vehicle – just ignore the fact that the headlights are from a Mercedes-Benz (we’re guessing they came off of a 1997-2003 CLK).
The hood and doors can be popped open electronically. A look inside the cabin reveals even more glossy orange, tan leather, woodgrain trim, and several Harley parts. Check out the back of the rearview mirror, pedals, shifter, and plaques on the walls of the cargo area. Despite its retro looks, the interior features modern gauges, air conditioning, and a “double din CD stereo with back-up camera,” according to the listing.
It may not be for everyone, but it’s a thoughtful, passion-driven, and well-executed build. No word on how much power it puts down; what we do know is it has the power to make us wish Ford still made Harley-themed trucks.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
