Burn Rubber in This 1953 F100 Panel Van

Between its engine, chassis, and braking system this F100 wouldn't be out of place on a race track.

By Robert Bacon - September 4, 2019
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Style
1 / 6
Engine
2 / 6
Transmission
3 / 6
Interior
4 / 6
It Handles
5 / 6
The Brakes
6 / 6

Style

Before you see this car's beautiful interior, before you realize the monstrous power that lies beneath the hood, you'll be taken in by its flawless exterior. The Brown paint and UPS graphics are exquisite, and those tinted windows allude to some of this vehicle's menace. The modified Dennis Carpenter Ford reproduction parking and tail lamps, and door handles fit the look perfectly. But, for some people, it's the BBS front and rear alloys which will stand out the most.

Photos courtesy of Mecum

Engine

This 1953 F100 panel van is immaculate but, perhaps, its best party piece is one which can't be seen: it has to be felt. There's a whopping 500 ft-lb of torque on tap from the Ford Cammer crate 5.0-liter engine. This van was made to shred tires.

>>Join the conversation about this modified Ford F100 Panel Van right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.

Transmission

The only problem with having so much power is finding a reliable way of getting it to the asphalt. Ensuring you can put your foot down with confidence in this van is a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission which has been paired with a Ford Racing Centerforce clutch assembly. And, when you are moving up and down through this F100's gearbox, you'll be doing so through a Ford Racing prototype shifter. 

>>Join the conversation about this modified Ford F100 Panel Van right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.

Interior

Some could argue that this van looks even better on the inside than it does on the outside. Open the back doors and you'll find more modified Dennis Carpenter Ford reproduction parts including running boards, and bright trim and bezels. The view also looks great from behind the wheel as you look down upon a Ford Racing prototype gauge panel and Masterpiece gauges. 

>>Join the conversation about this modified Ford F100 Panel Van right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.

It Handles

Ensuring this F100 is just as fast around bends as it is in a straight line is its Ford Racing/McLaren tube chassis. Along with this, the Ford Racing FR500 front suspension and Cobra based rear suspension components keep this van level, even when the road ahead isn't.

>>Join the conversation about this modified Ford F100 Panel Van right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.

The Brakes

Between this vehicle's outrageous engine output and magnificent chassis, it wouldn't seem out of place on a race track. With that in mind, it shouldn't be let loose on public roads without some serious stopping power. Bringing everything to a halt is a Brembo Cobra brake package which is operated by a Kugel Komponents 90 swing pedal brake assembly. Yes, this van slows down with just as much excitement as it accelerates. The beauty will be hitting the auction block at Mecum's Las Vegas sale in October. How much do you think this F100 van will fetch?

>>Join the conversation about this modified Ford F100 Panel Van right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.

For help with your repair and maintenance projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.

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