This well-worn F-100 looks like the perfect driver or shop truck.
Appealing Beater
There was a time when anything less than perfection was expected from old truck redos/restorations, but these days, a lot of folks are more than happy to leave a vintage pickup's ratty appearances as-is. Case in point - this 1961 Ford F-100 that was recently up for sale on Craigslist. It certainly looks like a true rat rod, as the seller calls it, but there is quite a bit of appeal to such a vehicle.
Photos: Craigslist
Heavy Patina
The old, somewhat rare "unibody" pickup has become a sought after item in today's collector market, but this truck is obviously nowhere near stock. The exterior has certainly seen its fair share of weather, with a heavily patina'd finish that's all the rage these days. However, the presence of some older Mustang wheels hints that something else is going on under the surface.
Photos: Craigslist
>>Join the conversation about this 1961 F-100 right here in the Ford Truck Forum!
Upgraded Drivetrain
That something is a later-model fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8, which should provide ample power for this particular truck and its new owner, who can also have a bit of fun with it thanks to the presence of a five-spee manual transmission. Rack and pinion steering and power brakes should make it a bit more pleasant to cruise around in as well.
Photos: Craigslist
>>Join the conversation about this 1961 F-100 right here in the Ford Truck Forum!
Missing Pieces
Otherwise, this is just a basic truck with no polish whatsoever. The bench seat has been covered up, but the rest of the cabin is simple and essentially original. There are some missing pieces here and there, as well as a missing taillight, so there are a few things that need to be done to make this truck at least roadworthy.
Photos: Craigslist
>>Join the conversation about this 1961 F-100 right here in the Ford Truck Forum!
Worriless Cruising
Regardless, this old beat-up F-100 certainly looks like a fun driver and a candidate for more work if the new owner isn't digging the ratty look. The asking price of $12k isn't too bad, either. Personally, we'd just drive this truck as-is, unworried about silly things like runaway shopping carts, as that's what it looks like it was born to do.
Photos: Craigslist
>>Join the conversation about this 1961 F-100 right here in the Ford Truck Forum!
For help getting your truck back up and running, check out the how-to sections of Ford-Trucks.com.
