Showcased here are some remarkable examples of pickup truck craftsmanship that would stop even Henry Ford in his tracks – all being offered with No Reserve at the 2024 Scottsdale Auction, January 20-28 at WestWorld.
It’s fair to say that pickup trucks are as deeply embedded in American culture as, well, baseball and apple pie. It was Henry Ford who originally took note of a preliminary pickup design the military was using during World War I and used that as a springboard to create the civilian pickup truck, which he integrated into a special Model T vehicle. Not to be outdone, Chevrolet came out with their Model 490 around the same time. Named for its $490 price tag, it was offered with the frame only – buyers had to purchase the cab, bed and body for the frame to complete the vehicle. Pickups became a mainstay on farms, in the military and in other industrial fields, such as construction, where hauling was a part of the job. Today’s pickup trucks have evolved into luxurious family-friendly vehicles loaded with incredible amenities to suit every taste. But in the past decade or so, a new evolution has taken place in the world of the pickup truck, and it’s very much on full display at every Barrett-Jackson auction. Those trucks from days gone by have proven to be the perfect canvas for customization. Talented builders have unleashed their creativity, transforming what used to be run-of-the-mill pickups into modern works of rolling high-tech art. Showcased here are some remarkable examples of pickup truck craftsmanship that would stop even Henry Ford in his tracks – all being offered with No Reserve at the 2024 Scottsdale Auction, January 20-28 at WestWorld. Register to bid today.
1953 FORD F-100 CUSTOM PICKUP – NO RESERVE
Pictured above, this nut-and-bolt restored custom 1953 Ford F-100 second-generation pickup is powered by a 5.0-liter Coyote twin-turbo engine paired with an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission. The upgraded braking system features 6-piston brakes in the front and 4-piston in the rear, providing balanced braking performance. This truck features custom headlights, power steering and power windows. 1956 CHEVROLET 3100 CUSTOM PICKUP “SINISTER 56? – NO RESERVE
Known as “Sinister 56,” this custom award-winning 1956 Chevrolet 3100 pickup is powered by a twin-turbo LS 427ci Redline Performance-built engine producing over 1,200rwhp, mated to a Bowler-built TREMEC T56 6-speed manual transmission. It rides on a GSI Machine and Fabrication chassis equipped with RideTech air suspension and AccuAir management system, allowing it to lay the rockers on the ground. The custom interior features a Vintage Air system, Dakota Digital instrumentation and a Mosconi stereo system with Focal speakers. The custom black walnut bed with a raised floor has an automated bed lift and a built-in beer cooler. 1979 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER CUSTOM PICKUP “LOLITA” – NO RESERVE
Known as “Lolita,” this multiple-award-winning custom 1979 Chevrolet Blazer pickup is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 engine paired with a Chevrolet Performance Supermatic 10L90 10-speed automatic transmission. This unibody custom has been dyno-tuned at 600hp to the rear tire and features front and rear sway bars and tubular control arms, power rack & pinion steering, a fully built Ford 9-inch rear end, 4.10 gears and Moser axles. Stopping power is provided by Wilwood 14-inch 6-piston brakes. The custom interior includes Dakota Digital gauges, an Ididit tilt steering column, a Vintage Air system and a power window kit.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER’S 1977 MERCEDES-BENZ UNIMOG U1300 SE CUSTOM PICKUP – NO RESERVE
This custom 1977 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U1300 SE pickup was previously owned by actor and former politician Arnold Schwarzenegger and is powered by a 6.4-liter inline 6-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with an automatic transmission. In 2012 it was fully restored, modified and upgraded by Unimog Specialists Merex Mertec in Gaggenau, Germany. Included in the sale is a full file folder with pictures, documentation and certifications. 2,674 miles (title reads exempt).
1956 CHEVROLET 3100 CUSTOM PICKUP “REDEFINED” – NO RESERVE
Award-winning “REDefined,” powered by a Don Hardy LSA engine boasting a Holly EFI and Whipple supercharger that collectively generates 850hp with 752 ft/lbs of torque. Equipped with a 4L80 automatic transmission and a Ford 9-inch rear end.
1970 CHEVROLET K10 CUSTOM PICKUP – NO RESERVE
This custom Hogan Built 1970 Chevrolet K10 factory short-bed pickup is powered by a GM Performance crate 525hp 6.2-liter LS3 engine mated to a Hughes 4L80 transmission and an Atlas transfer case. The aluminum block is refinished in its classic Hugger Orange and features a Holley intake topped with a 14-inch air cleaner. Under the truck there is a fully polished 3-inch TIG-welded stainless-steel exhaust paired with MagnaFlow mufflers. Stopping power is provided by 4-wheel Wilwood disc brakes backed by a CPP hydro-boost. This pickup was completely sand-blasted, metal-worked and body-worked, and is finished in its original special-ordered Surf Green color code, sprayed over Ferrari Bianco White. Hand-laid gold leaf divides the two colors and outlines the “Chevrolet” across the tailgate. Keeping the dash classic are Classic Instrument gauges and a contour steering wheel made specifically for this truck. The comfort level is kept perfect with a Vintage Air system. Dubbed “High Tide,” this truck is the newest Hogan Built creation showcasing their concours-quality reputation.
1950 CHEVROLET 3100 CUSTOM PICKUP – NO RESERVE
Built by Streamline Custom Designs in Utah, this custom 1950 Chevrolet 5-window pickup truck is powered by a GM 6.2-liter LS3 engine paired with a Magnuson supercharger mated to a 4L75E 4-speed automatic transmission and turning a Currie 9-inch rear end with 3.73 gears. It sits on a TCI chassis equipped with tubular upper and lower control arms, power rack & pinion steering, a 4-link rear setup, RideTech coilovers and heavy-duty sway bars. The exterior is finished in a PPG custom mix called Streamline Cafe’ Au Lait over a full custom Relicate leather interior featuring Restomod Air, Dakota Digital gauges, an American Retro steering wheel on an Ididit tilt column, a JL Audio sound system and power windows. This 3100 was featured in TruckHub magazine, was a multiple-award-winning vehicle at Goodguys (Truck of the Year Finalist and Top 10 Builders Choice) and was also featured at SEMA.