There's no getting around it; the Lamars are Ford enthusiasts to their core. In 2003, at the 25th Annual F-100 SuperNationals and Ford Family Reunion, we first met the Lamars: wife Charlene and the father and son build team of John and 12-year-old Hunter. Their freshly finished, red '55 F-100 caught our fancy. We featured the big-block Ford-powered beauty in the Mar. '04 issue of CCT. Well, ladies and gentlemen, we're happy to report that the Lamars outdid themselves. Guess whose silver-with-flames '56 F-100 captured our attention at the 27th Annual F-100 SuperNationals and Ford Family Reunion?
Earning a Top Four trophy, the tremendous truck won over the hearts and minds of the show's judges as well. Sparing no expense in creating the Effie, the Lamars began the frame-up build with a brand-new Total Cost Involved Engineering fully boxed F-100 frame. For suspending the front wheels, a TCI chrome and billet aluminum IFS with Lecarra coilover shocks was installed. To locate the Currie 9-inch differential, a TCI chrome four-link with Lecarra coilovers was employed. Behind the differential, a 21-gallon No Limit Engineering fuel tank was installed and plumbed with braided aluminum fuel lines. In addition, braided aluminum lines were utilized for the power-steering and braking systems. Once TCI had constructed the chassis, they took it apart and sprayed the framerails and differential-House of Kolors Tangelo Pearl.
Built by Dingler Racing in Atlanta, Georgia, the engine powering the Effie is a '78 Ford 528ci big-block. With dished pistons and modified heads, the powerplant has 10.5:1 compression and is fed by a Holley electric fuel pump and Holley 1050-cfm four-barrel carb. Woody's Transmissions, in the owners' hometown of Statesboro, Georgia, built a 2,500-stall converter and Moroso trans-cooler- equipped C6 to back the engine.

Lakeston Mufflers of Statesboro,...

Lakeston Mufflers of Statesboro, GA, installed the Sanderson headers and fabricated the stainless exhaust system. A Be Cool aluminum radiator with electric fan and chrome overflow tank keeps the 600hp, 625lb-ft, 528ci V-8 engine from running hot-Pete Shottz' airbrushed flames not with- standing. March's billet aluminum serpentine system keeps the engine's accessories working in symphonic harmony.

A Billet Specialties Torq-Thrust...

A Billet Specialties Torq-Thrust steering wheel, comprised of polished-billet aluminum and charcoal leather, encircles the performance and style-oriented dash cluster. Keeping the cab comfortable comes easily, thanks to the custom-installation of a Coyote Air HVAC system.

The all-new TCI chassis is...

The all-new TCI chassis is dressed in a delicious hue, House of Kolors Tangelo Pearl. Pete Shottz airbrushed the bottom of the No Limit Engineering fuel tank with a backwards Ford logo, so that the Blue Oval script reads left to right, when looking in a mirror. Those Georgia gents are clever and artistic!

Underneath the rear window,...

Underneath the rear window, the Blue Oval airbrushed chrome logo is actually the third brake light. Notice also the TRUFORD personalized plate.

Stock Ford headlights provide...

Stock Ford headlights provide bright eyes in the dark. Chrome bumper brackets support the stock stainless steel front bumper.