Feature
BY Fuelish Mediat’s sometimes difficult to stand out in the large pool of custom trucks, but when that one certain pickup comes along that makes as many waves as this ’63 F-100 has, it’s difficult not to just stand and stare. Known affectionately to those in the know as “Numero Uno” or “Uno” for short, this clean-as-a-whistle classic Ford Unibody boasts one of the most sanitary of exterior façades to date on any truck anywhere, but what’s underneath the hood is as dirty as it gets.
Built specifically for car enthusiast and Barrett-Jackson VIP Walt Brown Jr., it was a must that this F-100 had to break some boundaries. To make the big breakthrough, Roush Yates, a name synonymous with NASCAR-level engine performance, whipped up a monster of a Sniper fuel-injected 547ci big-block V-8 that throws down 515 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque on a very mild tune. Linked to a TCI six-speed 6Sixty automatic transmission and upgraded with a custom carbon-fiber driveshaft and positraction Strange rearend with 3.89 gears, slamming on the gas pedal must recreate the feeling of barreling down the runway for liftoff!
To pick up where the talented Roush Yates team left off with the power portion of the build, Charles “Sleeves” Cimino, formerly of Gas Monkey Garage and Fast and Loud television series fame, and Ceballos Customs in Tempe, Arizona, teamed up to carry the Ford across the finish line. This truck received the all-star treatment, that’s for sure, and there was no expense spared when erecting a solid foundation to sit underneath it. A custom-built modified chassis has been completely reinforced and built to conqueror both road and track scenarios, and a Roadster Shop front crossmember and Ridetech coilovers at each corner allow for tremendous ride quality at an aggressively lowered stance.
With the chassis finished off nicely, the time for the crew to tackle all the necessary bodywork began. The Ford’s surface was taken down to bare metal so even the tiniest imperfections could be identified and wiped clean from existence. When the F-100’s sheetmetal was as straightened and smoothed as humanly possible, Ceballos Customs commenced to spray the truck a sterile white paint that has been perfectly contrasted with both satin and gloss trim for just the right effect. The bed was outfitted with a one-off floor, but not just any wood planks would do for this truck. Instead, aluminum slats airbrushed to mimic an ebony wood grain add yet another unique quality to the F-100’s growing list of highlights. Less is definitely more here, as the remainder of the exterior was left streamlined for a purpose. The organic styling of quality bodywork was left to shine front and center, which proved to be a winning approach.
The end game goal with this five-year project was to create a true art piece of a classic pickup truck. It’s safe to say that the goal was not only met, but also exceeded beyond measure. The many talented hands and minds behind this very special build have formed a Ford unibody unlike many out there.
While the attitude fueling this fire was to break the mold of many expected norms within the custom truck industry, this particular F-100 has literally erupted. For those who pay attention to the high-end auction scene, this truck recently sold through Barrett-Jackson for well within the six-figure mark. Chalk it up as a big “W” considering this economy’s current weird climate. The sale just goes to show that innovative style is always high atop the list of demands for today’s big players in the custom auto market.