2nd gen F-Series trucks make the perfect template for show-winning masterpieces. And this '54 has won its fair share of trophies.
From Farm Truck to Showpiece
Perhaps no truck in history is as revered as the "original" F-100. From 1953-1956, Ford built what many consider the most beautiful truck ever to grace this planet. And who are we to argue?
Those fat fenders and curvy lines also make the 2nd gen F-Series one of the most popular trucks to modify. With a little bit of work, you can turn what was originally designed to be a farm truck into a trophy-winning masterpiece. Just like this killer '54, we spotted over at Hemmings.
Born to Win
Dubbed "Nemesis," this '54 F-100 has come a long way from its humble beginnings. In fact, it took a whopping 3 1/2 years and 10,000+ hours to build. But all of that hard work certainly paid off, as it's won an incredible 32 National Hot Rod shows since its completion.
>>Join the conversation about this classic F-100 Nemesis right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
What a Body
Looking at the truck, it's easy to see why. Sitting on top of a chassis that's been shortened six inches is a body that's been heavily reworked. There's a four-inch section, five-inch chopped top, five-inch pancaked forward tilt hood, and handmade box and running boards, for starters.
>>Join the conversation about this classic F-100 Nemesis right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Pour Some Sugar (Custom Paint) on Me
The doors open suicide-style with shaved handles. The rolled pan was built in-house. Cap it all off with the right wheels and cover the whole thing in Timberline Green Pearl over Jewel Frost with Copper accents, and you've got one winning package.
>>Join the conversation about this classic F-100 Nemesis right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Get down (And Up)
To get the whole package hugging the ground while also allowing for ride height adjustments, the builder chose to go with a RideTech air ride setup. A console-mounted gauge gives the driver all the info they need while adjustments can be made at the flip of a switch.
>>Join the conversation about this classic F-100 Nemesis right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Early Retirement
Inside the custom bed lies a scratch-built steel floor that's painted to look like wood. Obviously, you won't be hauling anything back here anymore. But when you're a show pony, who needs to work?
>>Join the conversation about this classic F-100 Nemesis right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Getting Exotic
Of course, you can't do that much work on the outside without giving the interior proper attention. And this '54 has received just that, with acres of custom soft-touch leather and antelope hyde suede covering everything.
>>Join the conversation about this classic F-100 Nemesis right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Pure Luxury
Aside from the exotic threads, there's plenty of other luxurious goodies to take in. Vintage A/C, a tilt wheel, custom console, and Acura Integra gauge cluster fancy things up a bit. And the well-hidden stereo has enough power to let onlookers know you're coming from blocks away.
>>Join the conversation about this classic F-100 Nemesis right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Powered by Ford
And the best news about this incredible build? Unlike most custom F-100s we see, this one is powered by Ford. Namely, an old-fashioned 5.0-liter loaded with goodies including a Trick Flow roller cam and GT40 heads. Shifts come quickly too, thanks to a C4 fitted with a Hole Shot torque converter.
>>Join the conversation about this classic F-100 Nemesis right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Clean Underneath
Outback, you'll find an 8.8-inch Ford rear end stuffed with modest 2.73 gears. The entire undercarriage is every bit as clean as the exterior and interior, too. Which is no surprise given the truck's award-winning status. Now that it's retired(?) from the show circuit, maybe the next owner will drive and enjoy it!
>>Join the conversation about this classic F-100 Nemesis right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
For help with your repair and maintenance projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.
