Inspired by a truck he saw in high school, well-known auto enthusiast, John Bickford, tracked down the very same 1956 Ford F-100 and had this custom built by some of the most talented craftsmen in the business. “The Bronze Bomber” is a restomod that received a complete, frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration as it was modified to modern street cruiser specifications. With a Ford 351-cubic-inch V-8, a four-speed automatic, a suspension poached from a C5 Corvette and all the comfort and convenience equipment of a modern car, this truck still maintains the look of a 1960s-era street rod.
The 351 Windsor engine was built by Smith Automotive Machine Shop of Frankfort, Kentucky and produces a dyno-tested 403 horsepower. The engine features HYPT pistons, a Comp Cams 477/.493-lift camshaft, chrome-moly push rods, aluminum roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer RPM aluminum heads, an Edelbrock Victor series aluminum water pump, and a double-roller timing chain.
The undercarriage of this truck is just as impressive as the top side, with the frame painted to match the body, as was the stainless steel fuel tank. This F-100 is equipped with power steering that is said to function well. The truck is finished with a set of Budnik E85 SKO Hallibrand-style 18-inch wheels, polished with Bronze centers. The wheels are wrapped with new 245/45R18 (front) and 275/45R18 (rear) Pirelli P Zeros.
The passenger cabin was painted to match the body. The headliner, door panels and bench seat are upholstered in brown and tan high grade leather, and equipped with matching brown safety belts. The floor was covered with custom carpeting that draws colors from the rest of the interior and exterior. The truck is equipped with Vintage Air air conditioning, and custom vents were added to the dash for air flow.
