The 1971 Ford F-100 Sport Custom usually evokes memories of honest farm work and steady inline-six engines. However, this particular Candyapple Red pickup has undergone a radical transformation that abandons tradition for raw performance. Completed in 2024, the build merges classic Ford sheet metal with modern mechanical components from the best of Detroit. It now stands as a high-tech restomod capable of challenging modern sports cars on the open road. The owner focused on creating a balanced machine that looks period-correct while offering contemporary reliability.
Advanced Chassis and Suspension Tuning
Underneath the vibrant paint, the 1971 Ford F-100 Sport Custom features a completely re-engineered foundation. The front end utilizes a Crown Victoria-style subframe to provide much better geometry than the original twin-I-beam setup. Out back, the builder integrated an independent rear suspension sourced from an S550 Mustang for superior handling. Adjustable coilovers at all four corners allow the driver to fine-tune the ride height and stiffness. Consequently, this vintage truck corners with a level of precision that feels entirely foreign to the F-Series lineage.
Modern Steering and Braking Systems
Precise control is a primary theme throughout this 1971 Ford F-100 Sport Custom project. An electric-assist steering setup from a modern Mustang replaces the vague, heavy feel of the original steering box. This upgrade ensures that the driver receives direct feedback through the microsuede-wrapped MOMO steering wheel. To manage the increased speed, the truck now utilizes four-wheel power disc brakes behind forged 18-inch Aodhan wheels. These components work together to provide a confident driving experience that matches the aggressive power plant.
Custom Interior and Luxury Amenities
The cabin of the 1971 Ford F-100 Sport Custom offers a surprising level of comfort for a decades-old utility vehicle. A brown leather bench seat taken from a late-model F-150 Platinum provides excellent support for long drives. TMI Products supplied the premium dashboard and door panels to give the interior a cohesive, modern appearance. Furthermore, Vintage Air climate control keeps the environment pleasant regardless of the weather outside. A Jensen touchscreen receiver adds modern connectivity like Apple CarPlay to the vintage dashboard layout.
Digital Integration and Driver Feedback
Monitoring the truck’s vital signs is easy thanks to a Dakota Digital instrument cluster. This setup fits perfectly into the factory housing while providing accurate analog and digital readouts for the driver. Every switch and billet window crank feels substantial and reflects the high quality of the 2024 build. Sound-and-heat insulation material hidden under the custom carpeting keeps the cabin quiet during high-speed cruising. These thoughtful details turn a former workhorse into a legitimate luxury cruiser with a serious edge.
LS3 Engine Specs and Performance Output
The power source for this 1971 Ford F-100 Sport Custom is a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 sourced from a 2014 Chevrolet SS. This engine produces significant horsepower thanks to a Brian Tooley Racing camshaft and upgraded valvetrain components. It breathes through Speed Engineering long-tube headers and a custom X-pipe exhaust system that exits through the quarter panel. A T56 six-speed manual transmission gives the driver total control over the power delivery to the rear wheels. The inclusion of an aluminum flywheel ensures the engine revs freely and responds instantly to throttle inputs.
Summary of the Build
This 1971 Ford F-100 Sport Custom represents a masterful blend of vintage style and modern engineering excellence. By combining a potent LS3 V8 with an independent rear suspension, the builder created a truly unique driving machine. The attention to detail in the Candyapple Red finish and the leather-lined cabin makes it a standout at any gathering. It successfully retains the iconic silhouette of the fifth-generation F-Series while offering the performance of a modern car. This truck is a testament to the creative possibilities within the restomod community.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
