When we first arrived at Chilhowee Park in Knoxville, Tennessee, we started searching for the F-100 that we felt would be the SuperNationals F-100 of 2005. When we saw this House of Kolor Spanish Gold '56 F-100 we immediately recognized that we were looking at a very strong contender for the top F-100 truck award. Shortly thereafter we discovered that last February, this well-detailed '56 Ford pickup was a Ridler Great Eight Finalist at Autorama 2005 in Detroit. We also learned that Jordan Quintal of Super Rides by Jordan in Escondito, California, performed the four-year construction of a custom chassis and complete ground-up build for Rick Clutter from design drawings by designer/builder Chip Foose. All the expertly designed and fabricated details indicated that we were examining one of the finest F-100s on earth--and that no expense was spared on the extensive body and chassis modifications.
Our humble prediction came true several days later at the end of the Ford Family SuperNationals' awards ceremony on Saturday evening. The reason given for such an exhaustive effort was an endless love of hot rods and custom trucks. We're grateful Mr. Rick Clutter of Lancaster, California, was kind enough to allow us to share our photographs with CCT readers. The bar has been raised significantly higher for future attempts to build a better Ford F-100 custom classic truck.
A Glide Engineering seat frame...
A Glide Engineering seat frame was modified to fit lower in the cab and covered with leather by Armando's Rod & Custom shop in Hemet, CA. Notice the custom panel that wraps around the seatbacks and integrated console.
Greg Scott of Super Rides...
Greg Scott of Super Rides by Jordan built the estimated 800hp Chevy 502ci engine (bored to 540 ci) with Edelbrock aluminum heads and a polished Weiand 871 blower. The engine is hooked to a Richmond six-speed transmission.
The '57 Chevy passenger-car...
The '57 Chevy passenger-car dash was extended along the bottom and covered with matching leather. The steering column is a polished-aluminum ididit item. Mid-range speakers are mounted behind the upholstered kick panels.
One obviously custom feature...
One obviously custom feature is the 3-inch top chop that appears to have widened the cab. The rear fenders were also widened to accommodate 10-inch-wide rear wheels, and extended under the side panels of the bed. Notice how the stake pockets have been tapered, and the tailgate is a custom fabricated item.
he polished aluminum rearend...
he polished aluminum rearend is a Currie Enterprises 9-inch with 3.73:1 gears. Notice all the brake lines and fasteners are polished stainless steel or chrome-plated on a custom-fabricated (boxed) chassis. The polished stainless exhaust exits in front of the rear wheels and out the running boards.
Another interesting interior...
Another interesting interior feature is the switch panel with a hinged door. Note the Vintage Air control panel in the console.
The rear portion of the front...
The rear portion of the front fender is modified to mount directly on top of the custom running board. Interestingly, the front and rear bumpers were shortened and smoothed, then recessed into the panels between the front and rear fenders.
The rear portion of the chassis...
The rear portion of the chassis is easily accessed by tilting the entire bed upward.
Another unique feature is...
Another unique feature is the two-piece bedcover that is electronically operated.
The custom wheels are polished,...
The custom wheels are polished, one-off Boyd Coddington items, 20x10 rear and 18x8 front.
Classic Instruments gauges...
Classic Instruments gauges are mounted in a painted, custom '57 Chevy passenger-car dash panel. The steering wheel matches the one-off-design wheels.