1953 International R100: Where Old-School Charm Meets New-School Muscle

A Stance-Perfect ’53 International Built for the Streets

Some trucks tell a story, and “Mater,” a 1953 International R100 owned by Sergio “Flaco” Gonzalez out of Dayton, Texas, does just that. With its original brown patina and a modern powerplant under the hood, Mater is a jaw-dropping blend of old-school cool and new-school tech. Built by Flaco’s Performance in just over a month, this $100,000 build brings vintage vibes and serious performance to an industry that has demands for both.

The exterior of Mater is a throwback to simpler times, with most of the truck’s original body left intact. But don’t let that fool you—there’s precision behind this project. The paint was preserved with a Poppy’s Patina clearcoat, locking in the natural weathered finish. The only visible upgrades are LED taillights and a sectioned rear bumper that hugs the body tighter than factory. It’s the kind of understated detail that sets this truck apart.

Flaco takes this beauty to events like Freddy LSX Truck Fest and the SF Car & Truck Fest. When asked what makes this truck special, Flaco said it’s all about the stance.

Underneath that classic sheetmetal sits a beast of an engine—a 2014 Ford 5.0L Coyote V-8. Built by Flaco’s crew, it features billet oil pump gears, a Boss 302 intake, Holley EFI, and a custom cold-air intake. The exhaust is all business with a 3-inch NASCAR-style dual setup. Backing the Coyote is a Turbo 350 transmission with a manual valve body, paired with a Circle D torque converter with a 4,500 stall. The drivetrain is bulletproof, thanks to a custom driveshaft by Randy’s Driveshaft and 1350 U-joints.

The chassis has been completely replaced with a custom 2×4 frame, static drop setup, and Menscer coilovers on all four corners. Wilwood race brakes bring the truck to a stop with retro-styled rotors and an under-car master cylinder. The stance is perfected by Billet Specialties wheels, 18×8 up front and 18×12-inch in the rear, wrapped in a set of performance-minded rubber.

The exterior of Mater is a throwback to simpler times, with most of the truck’s original body left intact.

Inside, Mater keeps the vibe vintage but polished. A distressed leather bench seat from 1 Stop Upholstery pairs perfectly with the dark brown tones of the interior. Dakota Digital gauges give it a modern touch, while the 14-inch Billet Specialties woodgrain steering wheel ties it back to its roots.

Mater isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a driver. Flaco takes this beauty to events like Freddy LSX Truck Fest and the SF Car & Truck Fest. When asked what makes this truck special, Flaco said it’s all about the stance.

“It’s easier said than done, but we nailed it.” For those dreaming of a build like this, his advice is simple: “Think it, drive it, and get it done!”

OWNER 

Sergio “Flaco” Gonzalez
1953 International R100
Dayton, TX
Flaco’s Performance

TRUCK SPECS

 CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

• Custom 2×4 frame
• Static drop setup
• Menscer adjustable coilovers

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

• 2014 Ford 5.0L Coyote V8 with billet oil pump gears, Boss 302 intake, Holley EFI, and custom cold air intake
• Turbo 350 transmission with manual valve body and Circle D 4,500-stall torque converter
• Custom-built driveshaft by Randy’s Driveshaft with 1350 U-joints

BODY & PAINT

• Original body with Poppy’s Patina clearcoat
• LED taillights
• Sectioned rear bumper

INTERIOR

• Distressed leather bench seat by 1 Stop Upholstery
• Dakota Digital gauges
• 14-inch Billet Specialties woodgrain steering wheel

WHEELS & TIRES

• Billet Specialties, 18×8 (front), 18×12 (rear)
• Performance tires matched to wheel setup

Photo Credit: Joe Acevedo