2005 27th Annual F-100's SuperNationals- Vintage Ford Trucks & Tons Of Fun

As do friendship and good times, vintage Ford trucks blossom every May at the F-100 Super-Nationals, held in Chilhowee Park, Knoxville, Tennessee. Once again, we were fortunate to experience the biggest and best custom classic Ford truck show of the year, The 27th Annual F-100 SuperNationals and Ford Family Reunion, to be specific.

We suspected perfect planning. On the eve of the event at one of the host hotels, we arrived precisely at the same time as Pat and Jan Ford, the show's husband-and-wife promotional team. A southern-hospitality greeting from Jan and Pat made us forget the typical jetlag woes and imbued us with the desire to meet some Ford pickup owners and their prized vintage custom trucks.

For the next three days, Thursday, May 12 through Saturday, May 14, we met so many nice people and photographed so many sweet Ford pickups, we could have devoted an entire issue of CCT to the F-100 SuperNationals. However, we wouldn't want to leave out any worthy Chrysler, International Harvester, Studebaker, or GM haulers from the pages of this issue. Instead, we've included as many of the nicest Ford trucks that we could fit.

Every year, what makes this event so special are the two Fs: Ford trucks and Family. For non-gearhead family members, nearby Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is home to many dinner theatres and Dollywood, the family-themed amusement park named after famous country singer, Dolly Parton. There are abundant opportunities to convene with nature, by hiking in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains, or fishing in the mountains' lakes and streams. Shopaholics might exceed the limit of their credit cards in the downtown Knoxville shopping malls. Gourmands can dine to their stomachs' content in numerous eateries throughout the area (We have the expense reports to prove it-Buddy's BBQ and Puleo's Grill were two favorites.).

Familial recreation aside, the shiniest stars of the F-100 SuperNationals are the Ford F-100s of '53 through '56. This year, the '55 celebrated its 50th birthday. In addition, with a celebratory parade of factory fresh and wild customs on Friday, Falcons were the honored car marque from Ford. Next year, Pat Ford Promotions will pay tribute to the ultimate F-100, the '56 model. The luckiest person in attendance will win the '56 F-100 Giveaway Truck, being built by No Limit Engineering of San Bernardino, California (see sidebar for details). As the brawny Ford Bronco will be turning 40, the 4x4s will be the honored Blue Oval marque.

What with the gracious Southern Hospitality of Jan, Pat, their family, and colleagues of Pat Ford Promotions, CCT looks forward to covering this show every year. We know we're going to see the nicest vintage custom Ford trucks on the planet, as well as meet many talented and gregarious truck owners and builders. Next May, when Bill Lee organizes another cross-country coast-to-coast Super Tour, we'll be packing our camera gear for The 28th Annual F-100 SuperNationals and Ford Family Reunion. Thanks to Pat Ford Promotions, 2005 Dan Ford Spirit Award-winner Bill Lee, the townspeople of Knoxville, Tennessee, and the many Ford truck owners/builders and fans, the 27th Annual SuperNationals was a rousing success! Check out what caught our fancy in the following photos and captions. For more information on next year's event, contact Pat Ford Promotions, Dept. CCT, 1920 Council Ave., Statesville, NC 28625, call Pat or Jan Ford at (704) 872-7327, or visit www.f100supernationals.com. We hope to see you May 18, 19, and 20, 2006! Until then, feast your eyes on some finely wrought Ford hot rod haulers!

The 2006 F-100 SuperNationals Giveaway truck is now being built at No Limit Engineering in San Bernardino, California. Their plan is to finish the '56 Ford F-100 in time for SEMA '05 in November and the Grand National Roadster Show '06 in January. The Ford Racing-themed hot rod hauler will be driven to the 28th Annual F-100 SuperNationals and Ford Family Reunion in May 2006. Some lucky show participant or spectator will win this awesome Effie! But you have to attend to win. We hope to see you there. The following is a partial list of contributors.

'56 FORD F-100 Giveaway Truck F-100 SuperNationals 2006