Enter Blake Foster, a passionate advocate for the Pro Touring scene and co-owner of Speedtech Performance. As luck would have it, Speedtech was relocating to St. George, Utah, and the chosen property belonged to Bentley. A chance encounter between the two men ignited a spark of inspiration. Foster, whose teenage dream of owning a similar truck had remained unfulfilled, saw an opportunity to resurrect his youthful aspiration. Recognizing the potential of the F-100, Bentley enthusiastically embraced the project.

The transformation began with a meticulous overhaul of the chassis. Recognizing an opportunity to develop new suspension components, Foster utilized the F-100 build as a testbed. The truck was equipped with a Speedtech 1953-1956 F-100 Extreme full chassis featuring independent front suspension, torque arm rear link system, and Ridetech coilovers. Bentley further upgraded the underpinnings with a beefed-up 9-inch rearend and Wilwood Aero6 14-inch disc brakes.

The heart of the project is the powertrain. A decision was made to install a Chevrolet LT4 Wet Sump 6.2L supercharged V-8, a cutting-edge engine known for its power and efficiency. Mated to an 8L90-E, eight-speed automatic transmission, this combination delivers a staggering 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. To further enhance performance, the engine was equipped with a custom intake tube, Ultimate headers, a 3-inch exhaust system featuring Stainless Works mufflers, and a Rick’s stainless steel fuel tank.

To complement the vehicle’s performance, 20×11 and 22×12 Forgeline wheels wrapped in Toyo Proxes ST III tires were chosen. The exterior underwent a dramatic transformation, including smoothed front and rear roll pans, flush-mounted windows, a custom billet aluminum grille (requiring 400 hours of CNC machining), shaved firewall, custom inner fenders, modified fenders and running boards, shaved cowl vent, One-Piece Products side glass, and Kindig It door handles for a cleaner appearance. In the rear, the original bed was cleaned up with shaved stake pockets, extended posts, stained wood bed floor, custom wheeltubs, and custom billet taillights. The truck was finished in a stunning BMW Snapper Rocks Blue paint, a color that hints at the performance lurking beneath the surface.

Inside, the cabin is a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary. It’s a fusion of old and new feature seats and a center console from a 2016 Ford Mustang. The remaining interior components, including the dashpad and door panels, were custom fabricated and upholstered in leather by Tracy Weaver of Recovery Room Interiors. The cabin space was completed with an Ididit steering column, Billet Specialties steering wheel, Vintage Air climate control, Alpine stereo system, and Dakota Digital gauges.

The culmination of countless hours of design, engineering, and craftsmanship was a breathtaking example of automotive artistry. The 1954 Ford F-100 had been transformed from a rusty relic into a road-dominating masterpiece. This extraordinary build was not just a showcase of modern capabilities but the collaborative spirit between Bentley Hugie and the talented team behind the project. As the truck embarked on its new life, it became a piece of rolling artwork and a reimagined testament to a bygone era.