The approach to the customizing process was simple. When dealing with an icon, custom touches should reinvigorate the identity rather than tampering with an already-successful design. Joe’s goal was to apply those principles to a mid-’50s truck and the ’56 F-100 was the coolest of that era. He found one on Craigslist in South Carolina and smiles when he says he overpaid a bit since that year has become so popular. Like the start of most projects, the opening plan was to build just a nice driver but as the build progressed, they began introducing progressively higher levels of subtlety to set the truck apart from the rest. Unfortunately, before the effort could be completed, Wehrmann decided to close his shop and retire. Fortunately, he stayed involved and agreed to oversee the continuation of the build.

That’s when the truck was moved to Roman Road Restoration, a North Wilkesboro shop that had an impeccable reputation. Wehrmann met with owner Larry Cleary and convinced him to take over the project. Joe says, “In hindsight, we probably should have gone to Roman Road a lot sooner.” Cleary and the team at Roman Road came up with a clear vision of the finished product and had the time, tools, and talent to make the dream a reality. Joe quickly found out that Cleary also shared his same non-compromising attitude, especially when Cleary pointed out that some of the previous work wasn’t up to his standards and needed to be redone. Shortcuts were corrected but it added time and money.

Since the goal from the outset was to recognize the truck’s history while making it function in modern times, the original frame was boxed, reinforced, and upgraded with ’04 Mustang Cobra components from a donor car. A Heidts Mustang II IFS and the Mustang GT fully independent rear suspension were snubbed by a set of QA1 coilovers along with front and rear disc brakes. The space between the rear framerails became the perfect location for a custom-aluminum fuel cell and the chassis rolls on a combination of Shelby Super Snake 19- and 20-inch rims.

Moving inside, the interior is a work of art. Natural leather covers the ’00 Chrysler Concord power seats and door panels. Design elements include the unique center console that holds the stick shift, cup holders, power window controls, and Memphis stereo. The highly modified dash holds a unique set of Classic Instruments with an oversize tach and speedometer in the center. The rest of the gauge package features individual instruments angled toward the driver, a technique that pays homage to a design found in an old ’69 Alfa Romeo Spider. It was a car that belonged to Joe’s father and one of his earliest automotive memories. A/C vents were built into the dash and an ididit tilt column holds a custom wheel. Dave’s Auto Trim in Morganton, North Carolina, accomplished the stitchwork. John Black from Black’s Collision Center in North Wilkesboro wrapped up the build, spraying shades of Deltron Sonic Titanium and Atomic Silver.

Although the truck is done and owner Joe Massaro has been involved throughout, he has yet to see it in person. COVID-19 has made it a lockdown build and pandemic border crossing restrictions have delayed the connection. Once the borders open, Joe plans to fly to the Carolinas and drive the truck home, making it the perfect get-acquainted, long-distance road trip. We photographed the truck at the F-100 Supernationals, where, in a gathering of almost 500 trucks, it captured the coveted F-100 Champion Award. In addition to a great ride north, Joe will have the truck’s first big trophy to keep him company on the way.