The Ford B-1000 is cool as-is, but this custom version takes it to an entirely new level.
Attracting a Crowd
Driving a Ford B-1000 in the U.S., no matter what sort of condition it's in, is guaranteed to draw a ton of attention. After all, this is an SUV based on the classic F-Series pickup, sold only in Mexico. But when you turn one of these cool machines into a SEMA-quality rig, as is the case with this 1976 Ford B-1000 that's going up for grabs at Barrett-Jackson's 2021 Scottsdale auction, you probably won't be able to go anywhere without attracting a crowd.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
Body Mods
The B-1000, dubbed "El Chapo," was put together by River City Rods and Fabrication for the 2018 SEMA Show, where it made quite a name for itself, obviously. It's been thoroughly modified in every aspect, starting with the exterior. Those mods began with a chopped roof, custom machined roof ribs, flush-mounted side glass, and a windshield that's been laid back 10 degrees.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
Modern Mill
The big sled is powered by a second-gen 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that has been dressed to the nines with one-off two-piece billet valve covers and a custom air cleaner. The modern mill has received a few upgrades as well, including a dual throttle-body Holley Dominator EFI, C&R Racing radiator, Painless wiring, and MagnaFlow exhaust. It's mated to an MT82 6-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter that sends power back to a Currie rear end.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
Total Departure
The interior of this B-1000 is a total one-off and massive departure from stock, with highlights including a Dakota Digital gauge cluster, Ididit steering column, Restomod Air Bluetooth-controlled air conditioning unit, Thermo-Tec sound and heat protection, and Ford Thunderbird seats. There's also an extensive Kicker stereo system to make good use of all of that rear cargo space.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
Monumental Effort
The team at River City put a ton of effort into the one-off billet front grille as well, which was made to resemble the one from a late-model F-150 Raptor. The team started with a half-ton chunk of aluminum that was shaved down to a 73-pound piece. The B-1000 was then finished in PPG Graphite Metallic Blue paint, with custom Dynamics LED headlights and driving lights, as well as Rad Machining emblems providing the finishing touches for the exterior.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
Low Riding
To achieve the right stance for this classic SUV, it was fitted with a Roadster Shop SPEC Series chassis with airbags and a RideTech air management system with RideTech shocks. A Wilwood big brake kit with 14-inch fronts and 13-inch rears slow it down in a hurry and cover up a set of 20-inch front and 22-inch rear one-off custom wheels from Curtis Speed wrapped in Michelin Pilot super sport tires.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
Various Honors
Since its completion, El Chapo has been featured in a number of publications including Truck Trend magazine, and it's been awarded a Goodguys Ford Truck Choice and 2020 Truck of the Year late finalist honors. Now, this low slung 'ute is looking for a new home with no reserve, where it's sure to continue to attract loads of attention everywhere it goes.
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
>>Join the conversation about El Chappo the B-100 right here in the forum.
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