1955 Ford F-100 built from the ground up.

Father-Son ’55 Ford F-100 Build Needs No Moniker

This truck has some stories to tell. Owned by Justin Zerwekh of Roseburg, Oregon, the 1955 Ford F-100 has accompanied him on all his adventures, from high school homecoming to his honeymoon, across multiple states and beyond. And it’s all thanks to Justin’s father, Jim.

More than 20 years ago, when Justin turned 151/2, Jim sat his son down for a talk.

“He told me that when I was driving age, he wouldn’t buy me a truck, but he would help me build one,” Justin says. “He said it’ll take money and time, but he said I could build it. I could do it with his help.”

It was a pile of parts in their backyard. Literally, a pile in the yard, and it was full of dead possums and orange peels. 

And so they hunted for the perfect project truck. One afternoon, the Zerwekhs’ next-door neighbor’s widow told them that her husband wanted Justin to have his old project truck from their backyard.

They hadn’t even known it was there.

“It was a pile of parts in their backyard,” Justin says. “Literally, a pile in the yard, and it was full of dead possums and orange peels.”

BONDING TIME

Once the father-son duo gathered all the project’s parts and pieces, the rebuild began. At the time, Justin didn’t even know how to turn a wrench. But that changed under his father’s tutelage. You see, Jim just happened to be a lifetime mechanic at a local Chevy dealership, so he knew a thing or two about trucks—but he razzed his “Blue Oval boy” for having a Ford.

“He taught me everything,” Justin says. “How to use the tools, how to perform maintenance, how to rebuild a transmission, and how to make the truck drivable. And, more importantly, the patience and drive that would follow me in life. My dad built the truck; I turned the tools.”

Every day after work and every Saturday, Justin and Jim retired to the driveway to work on the truck. Halfway through Justin’s senior year of high school, he was finally able to drive it to school. And drive it he did! He took it to homecoming parades and Rockabilly shows. He drove it daily while attending the police academy and college. It went camping, it hauled parts, and it drove Justin and his now-wife, Chelsea, on their first date.

“All throughout my 20s, my dad and I spent a lot of bonding time together talking trucks,” he says. “But honestly, it wasn’t about just about the truck. It was about the skills, experience, and time spent with my dad.”

THE CURRENT DETAILS

As you can well imagine, this F-100 has morphed over the past 20 years. Its current look, with Red single-stage paint, shaved emblems, and swapped taillights, complements the ’56 F-100 grille and headlights and stock bumpers.

My dad built the truck; I turned the tools. 

The truck is on its fourth engine, notes Justin, and it’s a 1971 Ford V-8 302 high-performance police block with mild cam and upgrades. This is a far cry from the truck’s first engine when they found it: a 289 that was filled with water, he says. Justin and Jim performed all the engine rebuilds over the years.

A Ford C4 tranny, installed by the father-son team, lets this Ford move down the road. The front axle is stock with de-arched leaves. The truck also has an 8.5-inch Ford rearend. For stopping power, Justin added ’75 Chevy disc brakes in the front and stock drum brakes in the back.

Inside the cab, Justin installed seats from a ’55 Chevy for a smooth ride. He also added Stewart Warner gauges, a steering wheel from a ’53 Ford car, and pinstriping throughout the door jambs.

VINTAGE LIFE

As Justin set out on his own, he and Jim continued to make improvements to the F-100. Meanwhile, Justin proposed to Chelsea in the truck. They took their engagement photos in it. He drove it to their wedding, and they honeymooned in it (and, of course, it broke down …).

The newlyweds rented a home in Southern California, and Justin launched his vintage restoration business, Vintage 55 Restorations, which rehabs all things vintage, from trailers to refrigerators.

Shortly thereafter, daughter Eleanor came along, which meant Justin and Chelsea needed a vehicle with more seating than the F-100 provided. After driving it to their new home in Oregon, Justin has decided to sell this piece of his history.

“It just sits there now, and it’s time for someone else to enjoy it,” he says.

But his truck-building days are far from over. He has plenty of other projects, and when 4-year-old Eleanor reaches driving age, Justin plans to follow his father’s footsteps.

“The plan is to get her a project truck, just like my dad did for me,” he says.

Justin, the Midcentury Master!

Who
Vintage 55 Restorations

What
Restored and rehabbed everything!

Where
Roseburg, OR

Website
vintage55restorations.com

IG
@vintage55restorations

TRUCK SPECS

OWNER

Justin, Chelsea, and Eleanor Zerwekh
1955 Ford F-100
Roseburg, OR
Builders: Jim and Justin Zerwekh

EXTERIOR

• Grille: 1956 F-100
• Headlights: 1956 Ford F-100
• Stock bumpers
• Custom taillights
• Shaved emblems
• Paint: Red single-stage; work done by Justin Zerwekh

ENGINE

• 1971 Ford V-8 302
• High-performance police block
• Mild cam and upgrades

DRIVETRAIN

• Transmission: Ford C4
• Stock front drive axle with de-arched leaves
• 8.5-inch Ford rearend
• Brakes: ’75 Chevy disc brakes in front; drum brakes in rear

INTERIOR

• Seats from a 1955 Chevy
• Stewart Warner gauges
• Steering wheel from a ’53 Ford car
• Pinstriping throughout door jambs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the current market value for a 1955 Ford F-100 in different conditions?

Current Market Value for a 1955 Ford F-100 in Various Conditions

Overview

The market value of a 1955 Ford F-100 varies significantly based on its condition. Below is a summary to help you gauge potential prices:

Fair Condition

• Average Price: $22,600
• Market Trend: Slight decrease by 2.2%
• Sales Data Example:
  • $31,860 (Sold on Jul 26, 2024, at GAA Classic Cars – Custom, Automatic)

Good Condition

• Average Price: Corresponds based on specific sales and condition ratings.
• Sales Data Examples:
  • $33,600 (Sold on Jul 27, 2024, at Bring a Trailer – Standard, 84,000 miles)
  • $44,625 (Sold on Aug 3, 2024, at Bring a Trailer – Standard, 39,000 miles)

Excellent Condition

• Highest Sale Recorded: $418,000

Recent Sales Comparison

• 1955 Ford F-100 Custom:
  • Sold for $31,860 on Jul 26, 2024 (GAA Classic Cars) – Automatic
• 1955 Ford F-100 1/2 Ton:
  • Sold for $44,625 on Aug 3, 2024 (Bring a Trailer) – Standard, 39,000 miles

Summary of Past Sales for Reference

• Highest: $418,000
• Lowest: $2,400
• Most Recent: $44,625

Photos and Listings

• 1 representative photo available.
• Note: Images may not accurately reflect the selected vehicle’s condition.

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Conclusion

The value of a 1955 Ford F-100 can vary between $22,600 in fair condition to potentially much higher in excellent condition. Tracking recent sales and condition specifics can provide a clearer estimate of its worth.

What are the current bids for a 1955 Ford F-100 in different locations?

Current Bids for 1955 Ford F-100 in Various Locations

Looking to purchase a classic 1955 Ford F-100? Here are the latest bids for this iconic truck in different locations:

• Phoenix, AZ: The bid stands at $250,000.
• Fort Mill, SC: The highest bid is currently $19,000.
• Salt Lake City, UT: Bids have reached $40,000.
• Classic Auto Mall: The top bid is $44,500.

Check out these bids and more if you’re in the market for a 1955 Ford F-100!

Why is the 1956 Ford F-100 considered unique?

The 1956 Ford F-100 holds a distinctive place in automotive history, and here’s why:

1. Wrap-Around Windshield: Unlike other models in its generation, the 1956 version featured a unique wrap-around windshield. This design provided drivers with a broader field of vision and added a touch of modernity to the truck’s appearance.
2. Styling Upgrades: The design of the 1956 F-100 stood out with its sleeker body lines and more refined grille. These small yet significant enhancements gave it a more stylish and up-to-date look, which appealed to many buyers of the era.
3. Improved Safety Features: This model year also introduced safety improvements not seen in earlier models. Ford incorporated features such as a deeper steering wheel dish to reduce driver injury during collisions, setting a new standard in vehicle safety.
4. Performance Enhancements: The 1956 F-100 offered several engine options, including a powerful V8, making it not just a workhorse but also a high-performance vehicle. This variety allowed consumers to tailor their trucks to their specific needs, whether for work or pleasure.
5. Cultural Impact: The 1956 Ford F-100 became an icon in pop culture, often featured in movies and TV shows, cementing its status as a classic and desirable vehicle.

These elements combined to make the 1956 Ford F-100 truly unique, setting it apart from its predecessors and successors alike.

What are some past sales prices of 1954 and 1956 Ford F-100 trucks?

Past Sales Prices of 1954 and 1956 Ford F-100 Trucks

When looking into the historical sales prices of 1954 and 1956 Ford F-100 trucks, a variety of sales data from different auctions and listings offer useful insights. Here’s a snapshot of recent transactions for these classic vehicles:

1954 Ford F-100

1. Sold for $45,360
   • Transmission: Automatic
   • Auction Date: July 27, 2024
   • Location: North America
2. Sold for $33,600
   • Mileage: 84,000 miles
   • Transmission: Standard
   • Auction Date: July 27, 2024
   • Location: North America
3. Sold for $18,150
   • Mileage: 65,856 miles
   • Transmission: Standard
   • Auction Date: July 11, 2024
   • Location: North America

1955 Ford F-100 Custom

1. Sold for $31,860
   • Transmission: Automatic
   • Auction Date: July 26, 2024
   • Location: North America

1956 Ford F-100

1. Sold for $14,700
   • Mileage: 19,000 miles
   • Transmission: Automatic
   • Auction Date: July 11, 2024
   • Location: North America

These figures highlight the variance in sale prices based on factors such as model year, mileage, and transmission type. Whether you’re a buyer or just a classic truck enthusiast, this historical data offers a comprehensive look at the market value of these iconic Ford F-100s.

What engine options were available for the 1954 Ford F-100?

Engine Options for the 1954 Ford F-100

In 1954, the Ford F-100 came with two notable engine options.

One choice was a new high-compression 223 cubic inch displacement (cid) overhead valve (OHV) six-cylinder engine. This replaced the previous year’s 215-cid six-cylinder, offering improved performance and reliability.

The standout option, however, was Ford’s first modern OHV V-8 engine. This engine, known as the “Y-block,” had a displacement of 239 cid and generated 130 horsepower. This V-8 engine marked a significant departure from the older “flathead” engines, providing enhanced power and efficiency.

Key Points:

• 223-cid OHV Six-Cylinder: Improved from the previous 215-cid model.
• 239-cid OHV V-8 (“Y-block”): A new V-8 offering 130 horsepower, replacing the older flathead design.

These advancements made the 1954 Ford F-100 a more powerful and modern vehicle, appealing to a wide range of consumers.

How many sales of 1953-1956 Ford F-Series trucks have been recorded?

From 1953 to 1956, there were a notable number of sales for Ford F-Series trucks, totaling 1,048 recorded transactions. These sales showed a wide range in prices, with the highest recorded sale reaching $418,000 and the lowest at $2,400. The most recent sale was documented at $44,625.

What is the highest and lowest sale price recorded for a 1953-1956 Ford F-Series truck?

Certainly!

The sale prices for a 1953-1956 Ford F-Series truck have varied widely. The highest recorded sale reached an impressive $418,000, showcasing the truck’s collector value in pristine condition or rare variants. On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest sale price was just $2,400, likely reflecting a project truck or one in poor condition.

This range highlights how the condition and specific characteristics of each truck can significantly influence its market value.

How can one receive updates on market values for classic cars?

Stay Informed on Classic Car Market Values

If you’re passionate about classic cars and want to stay updated on their market values, signing up for quarterly price guides is a great option. Many reputable automotive websites and organizations offer this service.

Here’s how you can keep track of your favorite classic car values:

1. Sign Up for Alerts: Join an email list from a trusted automotive price guide provider. You’ll receive notifications when there are updates or value changes.
2. Use Dedicated Apps: Download apps that specialize in classic car valuations to get real-time updates and historical price data.
3. Join Classic Car Forums: Participate in online communities and forums. Members often share recent market trends and valuation updates.
4. Subscribe to Magazines: Many classic car magazines include market value sections, keeping you informed about the latest trends.

Combining these resources will ensure you’re always in the know about the market values of the classic cars you love.

What is the model overview and historical significance of the 1955 Ford F-100?

1955 Ford F-100 Built from the Ground Up

Father-Son ’55 Ford F-100 Build Needs No Moniker

This truck has some stories to tell. Owned by Justin Zerwekh of Roseburg, Oregon, the 1955 Ford F-100 has accompanied him on all his adventures, from high school homecoming to his honeymoon, across multiple states and beyond. And it’s all thanks to Justin’s father, Jim Zerwekh.

Jim Zerwekh, left, offers some sage advice to his son Justin. This duo built the 1955 Ford F-100 from the ground up.

More than 20 years ago, when Justin turned 15½, Jim sat his son down for a talk.

“He told me that when I was driving age, he wouldn’t buy me a truck, but he would help me build one,” Justinsays. “He said it’ll take money and time, but he said I could build it. I could do it with his help.”

The 1955 Ford F-100, a milestone pickup, was part of Ford’s second generation of the F-Series. This model was born out of a significant investment in ergonomic design, making it one of the earliest applications of such studies in truck development history.

It was a pile of parts in their backyard. Literally, a pile in the yard, and it was full of dead possums and orange peels.

The F-100 introduced a “Driver Engineered” cab, designed using a model of the Average Joe Trucker to ensure comfort and usability. Features like improved control locations, sound deadeners in the doors, a wider seat, and an enlarged one-piece windshield for added visibility were groundbreaking at the time.

And so they hunted for the perfect project truck. One afternoon, the Zerwekhs’ next-door neighbor’s widow told them that her husband wanted Justin to have his old project truck from their backyard.

They hadn’t even known it was there.

“It was a pile of parts in their backyard,” Justin says. “Literally, a pile in the yard, and it was full of dead possums and orange peels.”

Bonding Time

Once the father-son duo gathered all the project’s parts and pieces, the rebuild began. At the time, Justin didn’t even know how to turn a wrench. But that changed under his father’s tutelage. Jim just happened to be a lifetime mechanic at a local Chevy dealership, so he knew a thing or two about trucks—but he razzed his “Blue Oval boy” for having a Ford.

“He taught me everything,” Justin says. “How to use the tools, how to perform maintenance, how to rebuild a transmission, and how to make the truck drivable. And, more importantly, the patience and drive that would follow me in life. My dad built the truck; I turned the tools.”

Every day after work and every Saturday, Justin and Jim retired to the driveway to work on the truck. Halfway through Justin’s senior year of high school, he was finally able to drive it to school. And drive it he did! He took it to homecoming parades and Rockabilly shows. He drove it daily while attending the police academy and college. It went camping, it hauled parts, and it drove Justin and his now-wife, Chelsea, on their first date.

“All throughout my 20s, my dad and I spent a lot of bonding time together talking trucks,” he says. “But honestly, it wasn’t just about the truck. It was about the skills, experience, and time spent with my dad.”

The Current Details

As you can well imagine, this F-100 has morphed over the past 20 years. Its current look, with Red single-stage paint, shaved emblems, and swapped taillights, complements the ’56 F-100 grille and headlights and stock bumpers.

The truck is on its fourth engine, notes Justin, and it’s a 1971 Ford V-8 302 high-performance police block with mild cam and upgrades. This is a far cry from the truck’s first engine when they found it: a 289 that was filled with water, he says. Justin and Jim performed all the engine rebuilds over the years.

A Ford C4 tranny, installed by the father-son team, lets this Ford move down the road. The front axle is stock with de-arched leaves. The truck also has an 8.5-inch Ford rearend. For stopping power, Justin added ’75 Chevy disc brakes in the front and stock drum brakes in the back.

Inside the cab, Justin installed seats from a ’55 Chevy for a smooth ride. He also added Stewart Warner gauges, a steering wheel from a ’53 Ford car, and pinstriping throughout the door jambs.

This F-100 is more than a truck. For Justin, it represents all the patience, drive, and skills his father taught him over the years.

Vintage Life

The second generation of Ford’s F-Series truck line, which includes the 1955 model, was one of the first post-war pickups to gain collector status. Happy Ford owners began holding onto these trucks in the 1970s, making bone stock examples exceedingly rare today. The 1956 model, with its unique wrap-around windshield, is particularly sought after by collectors.

As Justin set out on his own, he and Jim continued to make improvements to the F-100. Meanwhile, Justin proposed to Chelsea in the truck. They took their engagement photos in it. He drove it to their wedding, and they honeymooned in it (and, of course, it broke down …).

The newlyweds rented a home in Southern California, and Justin launched his vintage restoration business, Vintage 55 Restorations, which rehabs all things vintage, from trailers to refrigerators.

Did these two have fun building this truck? You bet they did! Jim, a lifetime Chevy mechanic, often razzed Justin, calling him “Blue Oval boy.”

Shortly thereafter, daughter Eleanor came along, which meant Justin and Chelsea needed a vehicle with more seating than the F-100 provided. After driving it to their new home in Oregon, Justin has decided to sell this piece of his history.

“It just sits there now, and it’s time for someone else to enjoy it,” he says.

But his truck-building days are far from over. He has plenty of other projects, and when 4-year-old Eleanor reaches driving age, Justin plans to follow his father’s footsteps.

“The plan is to get her a project truck, just like my dad did for me,” he says.