Known as “The Black Beauty,” this 1956 Ford F-100 Big Window is a rare, high-caliber custom build that blends iconic second-generation F-Series styling with modern performance engineering. The product of a meticulous 17-year, frame-off restoration completed in 2025, this truck retains the spirit of the original while featuring extensive fabrication and a show-quality finish. It is one of only 6,200 Big Window pickups produced for the 1956 model year.
### Mechanicals
The truck is powered by a fuel-injected 302 V8 crate engine equipped with GT40 aluminum heads and a Holley Sniper 2 fuel management system. The engine bay is a visual centerpiece, featuring a smoothed firewall, custom billet valve covers, a March Performance serpentine system, and a Mattson’s aluminum radiator with dual SPAL fans. Power is sent through a Race Trans C4 automatic transmission with a B&M 2500 stall converter to a narrowed Currie Enterprises 9-inch rear end.
### Chassis & Suspension
To provide a modern driving experience, the truck rides on a sophisticated suspension setup featuring a Ford LTD front end, a 4-link rear suspension, and full Accuair air ride for adjustable height. Stopping power is provided by a Baer 13-inch 4-wheel disc brake system with 6-piston calipers and slotted rotors. It sits on staggered Budnik “Hammer” 5-spoke polished wheels (18×10 front, 20×10 rear) wrapped in General G-Max performance tires.
### Exterior
The bodywork, performed by Mahood’s Hot Rods, involved extensive modifications, including filling the cowl, rounding door edges, and fabricating custom wheel tubs. The truck is finished in a deep, high-gloss PPG Black, complemented by stainless steel trim, re-chromed bumpers, and modern LED lighting. The bed has been elevated with billet aluminum floor panels and stainless steel fasteners, emphasizing the truck’s custom, show-ready aesthetic.
### Interior
The cabin is finished in a sophisticated two-tone Sage soft leather by Bills Custom Interior. It features a custom waterfall center console, a smoothed and painted dash housing Speedhut V8 gauges, and a Flaming River polished steering column. Comfort is ensured by a Vintage Air conditioning system and an extensive sound system featuring Focal door speakers, JL Audio amplifiers, and twin 13.5-inch subwoofers.
**Highlights:**
* **Rare Model:** One of only 6,200 F-100 “Big Window” pickups produced in 1956
* **Engine:** Fuel-injected 302 V8 crate engine with GT40 aluminum heads
* **Transmission:** Race Trans C4 automatic with B&M 2500 stall converter
* **Suspension:** Accuair air ride system with Strange shocks
* **Brakes:** Baer 13-inch 4-wheel power disc brakes with 6-piston calipers
* **Custom Fabrication:** Smoothed firewall, filled cowl, and custom billet aluminum bed floor
* **Interior:** Two-tone Sage leather upholstery, Vintage Air, and high-end audio system
* **Wheels:** Budnik “Hammer” polished wheels (18” front / 20” rear)
* **Restoration:** Meticulous 17-year build completed in 2025 with less than 400 test miles