Second-generation Ford F-Series pickup trucks and panel trucks are quintessential American haulers. Sleek front grilles and wraparound windshields unique to the 1956 model year make this year’s F-100s the most desirable of all. The example recently listed on eBay is affordable, nicely finished, and comes with a painted-to-match panel truck go-kart.
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Ford built more than 137,000 1956 F-100 variants at 11 plants across the United States. While a surprising number of vintage Ford trucks are still around, only a fraction of those are F-100 panel trucks. While not ultra-rare, they’re relatively scarce. Ford’s production records for 1956 show 14,023 1956 F-100 Panel trucks in Standard trim and 1,190 in Deluxe trim. F-100 panel van production ended in 1960.
The next owner of the F-100 for sale on eBay will likely want to ditch the Punctual Plumber logos. Their removal makes you stop and think. If your garage became the van’s new home, what other changes could you make?
How Much Power Does an F-100 Panel Truck Need?
The blue and white 1956 F-100 panel truck has some interesting twists. The stance and ghost flames suggest that there’s a V-8 under the hood. But this beauty features a rebuilt 223 cubic-inch Mileage Maker straight-six, paired with a three-on-the-tree manual transmission.
With a four-barrel carburetor, headers, and a custom dual exhaust, it should pump out a bit more than the factory-spec 137 horsepower. Moreover, it’s immaculate under the hood, with a Ron Francis wiring kit - opens in new window or tab. replacing the original harness.
Most F-100s of this vintage pack V-8s. Ford offered five engines in 1956 F-100s, with four V-8s in addition to the Mileage Maker I6. The V-8s had 272, 279, 317, and 368 cubic inch displacements, with the largest engine boasting a 300-horsepower rating.
F-100 Panel Trucks Offer Plenty of Room
The panel van’s interior is tastefully customized. A Grant GT wooden steering wheel, aftermarket gauges, and a retro barefoot gas pedal deliver a laid-back vibe.
A Vintage Air - opens in new window or tab. system keeps the cabin cool. It’s a work truck disguised as a show truck, with the wood-trimmed cargo area retaining its functionality. A headliner-mounted audio system drives a quartet of speakers in the cargo space.
A Mustang front-end kit lowers the truck and adds more stopping power with disc brakes. The rear brakes are drums. The transmission and rear-end are original.
What else could you want from a vintage panel van? Nothing except maybe a matching go-kart for extra fun.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.