Blue Oval Bonanza: The 38th Annual F-100 Supernationals

Once a year, F-100 enthusiasts from around the eastern U.S. assemble for one of their favorite events. The F-100 Supernationals is one of the largest shows of its kind, and it has been going strong for the past 38 years. Held at the Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon, Tennessee, the get-together is open to all Ford-powered machines, although the flavor of choice is always the classic F-100.

This year, more than 550 arrived to enjoy the Thursday-through-Saturday show. Everyone looks forward to the opening ceremonies when never-before-seen trucks are unveiled to an appreciative crowd. Show promoter Charlie Cobble explained the details of each of the fresh builds as owners removed their trucks’ covers. With nine new vehicles, including two former authentic moonshine runners that had been meticulously restored, the crowd had lots to see and enjoy.

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The banner-covered stage of the pavilion displayed the collection of almost 300 trophies, all waiting for new owners.

Of course, enjoying the colorful rows of vehicles on display throughout the fairgrounds also added to the fun. The Iceman entertained the crowd throughout the weekend with music and trivia, manufacturers and swap meet vendors offered a huge selection of parts for rides, and food concessionaires made certain tanks never ran empty.

One of the highlights of the event was the truck club called Those Guys, a national group of 1957-60 Ford F-100s and Mercury owners. They came together from around the country to enjoy the event, and this year they extended a special invitation to fellow enthusiast Ashley Foster to join the F-100 Supernationals event. He traveled all the way from Tasmania to attend. The club bought his ticket, and Ashley smiled when he said he spent more than 23 hours in the air to get here from way down under.

Robin Funke’s highly modified F-100 is actually a Mustang GT500 in disguise. Watch for more on this one soon.

Winner of the Truck of the Year award, Justin Faust unveiled his F-100 for the first time to an admiring crowd.

Shane Knore’s highly modified ’55 F-100 boasts dozens of custom upgrades along with a supercharged Lightning V-8 under the hood.

Husband-and-wife team, Chris and Tammy Smith, from Cleveland, Tennessee, own matching ’69 F-100s.

In addition to Ashley, drivers arrived from 42 states, Canada and England. The Saturday afternoon awards ceremony was exciting, beginning with the huge collection of door prizes presented prior to the trophy announcements. Class winners in 10 categories got laser-cut steel trophies plus $100 in cash, and the pair of top winners received huge trophies. Robin Funke captured the overall points champion award, and Justin Faust took the Pat Ford Truck of the Year award.

More than 280 other drivers went home with permanent reminders of this year’s fun. If you’d like to learn more about this event, check out the website, F100supernationals.com.