Factory 4x4 '65 Ford F-100 Is Far from Boring

Daily Slideshow: Their inherent rarity means most '60s 4x4 Ford trucks remain original or restored. But not this custom beauty.

By Brett Foote - October 11, 2018
Factory 4x4 '65 Ford F-100 Is Far from Boring
Factory 4x4 '54 Ford F-100 Is Far from Boring
Factory 4x4 '54 Ford F-100 Is Far from Boring
Factory 4x4 '54 Ford F-100 Is Far from Boring
Factory 4x4 '54 Ford F-100 Is Far from Boring
Factory 4x4 '54 Ford F-100 Is Far from Boring
Factory 4x4 '54 Ford F-100 Is Far from Boring
Factory 4x4 '54 Ford F-100 Is Far from Boring
Factory 4x4 '54 Ford F-100 Is Far from Boring
Factory 4x4 '54 Ford F-100 Is Far from Boring

Doing It Different

As you likely already know, Ford didn't build a whole lot of factory four-wheel drive pickups back in the '60s. Thus, you rarely see them. And when you do, they're usually in original, unrestored condition. Or sometimes, they've been treated to full nut and bolt redos. So when we spotted this interesting custom '65 up for grabs at GAA Classic Cars, we were a bit taken back.

Tasteful Mods

Sure, we like to see rare trucks kept in factory fresh condition. But every now and then, it's also nice to see a tastefully done custom. This '65 F-100 is a fine example of how great these things can look with a few modifications, too.

>>Join the conversation about this 65 4x4 Ford truck right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Gaining Elevation

Those mods start with an upgraded suspension, of course. The seller didn't provide any details on those components, but obviously, this '65 has a lift and some beefy stuff underneath. And the elevated stance really adds to this truck's appeal.

>>Join the conversation about this 65 4x4 Ford truck right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Extensive Work

The seller does note that this pickup has undergone some extensive work, and that's easy to see. The exterior is finished beautifully in gray, with perfectly straight bodywork and ultra shiny chrome trim.

>>Join the conversation about this 65 4x4 Ford truck right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Right Touch

The wheels and tires are obviously much more modern than the hubcaps/steel wheels and skinny rubber that these factory 4x4s came with. But they look right at home on this pickup and aren't so big that they overpower its classic styling.

>>Join the conversation about this 65 4x4 Ford truck right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Nothing Crazy

They also complement the sweeping lines of the old Ford, which were and are unique among all trucks. Thankfully, the builder didn't do anything crazy like cut those cool old fenders, hacking up those cool lines in the process.

>>Join the conversation about this 65 4x4 Ford truck right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Don't Reinvent the Wheel

That same theme carries on throughout. The finishes on this F-100 are obviously top-notch, but the previous owner didn't try to reinvent the wheel here. They just kept everything that made these trucks cool in the first place and enhanced it with quality work.

>>Join the conversation about this 65 4x4 Ford truck right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Old Meets New

The same goes for the interior, which is equal parts classy and simple. A wood grain steering wheel with an aluminum center is a great combo of new and old. Upgraded gauges are also a nice modern touch, though they're mounted in an old school turned metal panel.

>>Join the conversation about this 65 4x4 Ford truck right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Nicely Trimmed

The seat is still a flat bench like the original, but sports headrests, a fold-down armrest, and attractive two-tone leather. The F-100 also carries plenty of nice options like power steering and windows, as well as air conditioning. 

>>Join the conversation about this 65 4x4 Ford truck right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Worth Drooling Over

Pop the hood, and you'll find a 351 V8 wearing several performance and appearance upgrades. From what we can tell, it has headers and an aftermarket intake and carb, for starters. And the whole thing, of course, is dressed up in plenty of chrome. All of which makes this tastefully upgraded '65 F-100 one unique pickup worth drooling over!

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