Amazing 1975 Ford F-250 Restomod Is a Transformers-Themed Veteran Build
This 1975 Ford F-250 restomod was built for veterans by a veteran.
More to the Story
At first glance, this 1975 Ford F-250 up for grabs at Mecum's upcoming 2023 Las Vegas auction seems like a nicely done restomod, which is all the rage these days. True to form, it is certainly that, but there's far more to the story behind this particular Dentside than meets the eye, and now, it's set to cross the block on Veteran's Day, November 11.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Good and Bad
The owners of this F-250 - Chris and Jenn Leathem, of Palmer, Alaska - nicknamed it Wheelie after the fictional character in the Transformers series that starts out as a bad guy Decepticon and eventually turns to the good side and becomes an Autobot. That name perfectly sums up the truck's dual nature of being both bad and good, but at first, it was purchased with the intention of becoming the family's daily driver.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Magazine Quality
That plan soon changed when a proverbial light bulb went off in Chris' head. The former paratrooper in the U.S. Army was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times, but spent much of his spare time reading car magazines. That inspired him to build a magazine-worthy restomod that is equal parts capable and nice to look at and drive.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Modern Amenities
Restomods tend to combine modern amenities with vintage style, and that's certainly the case inside the cabin of this one, which features things like a Vintage Air HVAC system, Dakota Digital gauges, and a retro-look steering wheel. All of that new stuff blends in perfectly with the old, however, which is precisely what Chris was looking to do.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Heavy Duty Build
Power for this modernized pickup comes from a 5.9-liter Cummins inline-six, a real workhorse that's mated to a six-speed NV5600 manual transmission. The base of this truck was built to work as well, thanks to its boxed frame, F-450 rear springs, F-350 Snow Package front springs, and 4.10 gears in both the front and rear differentials.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Nicely Blended
Along with Fuel wheels, the exterior of this F-250 has been upgraded with fresh black and white paint, custom front and rear bumpers, a Smittybilt X20 front and Super Hitch super-truss rear winch, a toolbox, and various other tweaks that give this truck a mean look, yet retain most all of its original charm.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Looking for a Home
Now, this amazing creation is looking for a new home, fittingly being sold on a day that also pays homage to its owner's service to this country. Given its Transformers theme and excellent taste in upgrades, we don't doubt that it will cross the block to much fanfare, and hopefully - for its owner's sake - a big hammer price as well.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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