Rounding up our 10 of the absolute best Ford trucks from the amazing international auto show at the 2023 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
Intro
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is a 10-day motorsport festival that includes racing, car shows, and plenty of other car themed events. On Saturday July 22 was the international car show. And when I say international, I mean it. Just about every make from Aston Martin to Volkswagen is represented. There were thousands of vehicles on display. And the Ford truck enthusiasts came out in droves. The Ford area of the show was one of the largest in the entire field. From Mustangs to Cobras to Thunderbirds they were all there in force. And of course, the trucks. Plenty of Ford trucks were sitting pretty, parked right there on the Bob O’Connor Golf Course that was giving off a Pebble Beach vibe. Naturally, I weaved my way through the rows of Ford trucks, chatted with a few of the owners, and captured my favorites. Here are the 10 best Ford trucks of the show.
Images: Joe Kucinski
10. 1977 F-100 Ranger Flareside
This truck is 46 years old, and it is the newest on this list. This was the year that the F-Series became the best-selling pickup truck in America. A title it has held ever since. This beautiful F-100 Ranger is a perfect example of why these trucks became so popular. This green over green Flareside truck has the perfect amount of patina and was one of the standouts of the show.
9. 1966 F-100
The previous truck wowed with patina, this one wowed with polish. Finished in Arcadian Blue the truck sat gleaming in the show field like it was still 1966. It was the final year for the fourth generation F-Series and this truck is an excellent example of one of these beautiful creations.
8. 1966 F-100 Modified
Another 1966 F-100 makes the list but this one is decidedly different. Look closely at the area just in front of the rear wheel. Yep, that is a quad side exit exhaust. There are also a few scoops and heat extractors around the hood. Which was sadly closed, and with the owner not around, I am left to wonder what powers this thing. But whatever it is there is no denying that this is a well-done show truck.
7. 1966 Ford Econoline Super Van
This made the list for two reasons. The first is it just looks damn cool. The second is it is still doing real work. This was not just parked up on the show field. This Ford Super Van was hauling around beverages which were much appreciated on this hot and sunny day. It was certainly one of the coolest Ford trucks of the event.
6. 1965 F-100 Two-Tone
Are we not all suckers for two-tone trucks? The white over turquoise looks absolutely stunning. But the beauty is not just skin deep on this truck. It still has the original 352 ci V8 under the hood. Making 208 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque it was the most powerful engine available in the F-100 in 1965.
5. 1964 F-100 Custom Cab
A lowered 1964 Custom Cab with hot rod flames painted on the side. It might not be the typical way to modify a truck, but that is why it is on this list. It is different. Not over the top crazy, but a little whimsical and fun. And owning a truck like this should be all about having fun.
4. 1955 F-100
This 1955 Ford F-100 is simply beautiful. Obviously, this truck has had some modifications done to it, and it all looks great. But it is in the minor details that help make this truck a favorite. For example, you may not be able to spot it in the photo, but the truck still wears the Pennsylvania state inspection sticker from 1955. There are a bunch of little details like that which made this one of the favorites of the show.
3. 1939 Pickup
Now we are getting into the prewar trucks and this 1939 Ford pickup is an amazing example. The styling of cars and trucks from this era is just unmatched at any other point in history. The ornateness of it all and the details really make these pop. The truck you see here was once a rusted shell but now looks better than new. It is a stunning example of a truck you just don’t see very much anymore. Even at truck shows.
2. 1930 Model A Tudor Sedan
I know this is not a truck. However, back in 1930 Ford trucks were very closely related to the sedans. And with the beautiful condition and presentation of this Tudor sedan I felt that it was appropriate to include it in this list. Over 375,000 of these Model A Tudor sedans were built in 1930 but only a tiny fraction of that number remain today. And a tiny fraction of those are in this type of condition so it was exciting to see.
1. 1926 Model T
Again, maybe not technically a truck but a nearly 100-year-old woody wagon in this condition is easily one of the best of the show. And like the Model A listed previously the cars and trucks in this era were closely related. It is not like comparing a modern Mustang to an F-150. This 1926 Model T was one of the best Ford sightings at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. And with all of the amazing Fords on display this year, that is really saying something.
