Every car show has a generous array of stars at the event.
The build quality and creativity levels are evident in every vehicle by varying degrees, but a custom 1955 Ford F-100 pickup was a show-stealer at a June event.
The ’55 Ford resto mod blended old school style and new school technology into an amazing custom version of the 70-year-old truck.
Jim Sutherland
Many car guys consider the 1953-56 editions of the Ford F-100 pickup truck to be a high-water mark for the famous Ford truck brand. Their unique design brought plenty of attention then and now, in the eyes of their large legion of fans.
These early edition F-100 trucks have been able to keep their popularity over the past 70 years and maintained their lofty status in the vintage vehicle hobby.
The 1955 custom F-100 we spotted at the June show was owned by Randy Phaff and he was understandably proud of his resto mod pickup. His truck was a multiple show winner and showed no signs of slowing down in the trophy department because Randy won a Best of Show trophy at the large 2025 event held in Great Falls, Montana earlier this spring.
In fact, it’s a good thing his F-100 is a pickup truck because Randy has something to haul the hardware if he ever chooses to make that transportation choice.
There is a solid reason Randy’s Ford is a show winner (and stopper): its level of excellence is at the very top of the scale.
The custom Ford pickup’s excellence begins at its foundation because the truck’s original frame was swapped out for a custom frame that could handle the needs of a major powertrain boost, along with better brake, suspension and steering components.
The engine of choice was a 351 Windsor, a famous Ford powerplant that undoubtedly made Randy popular within the Blue Oval circle. Many F-100 resto mod pickups have Chevy engines under the hoods, but Randy is a firm believer in the idea that Ford vehicles should have Ford engines in them.
A custom frame gave Randy an easier opportunity to fit his 351 Windsor into his F-100 and keep his build in the Ford family.
The custom cosmetic features on his F-100 include wider front and rear fiberglass fenders to house the custom wheels on the truck. The front fenders are part of a custom fiberglass unit that includes the hood and raises as one complete package on Randy’s truck. The front-end unit also sports a custom grille and recessed bumper in the overall package.
Randy also raised the truck bed to handle the air suspension components on his custom truck because he wanted better performance on the road. He also mentioned his custom wheels are matched in design with his custom steering wheel.
Randy put all the modern touches in his truck, including power/tilt steering, power windows, leather seats, along with AC and cruise control. In effect, the truck is a modern vehicle with a very cool retro design.
It’s clear Randy has invested plenty of money in his 1955 Ford F-100, but he has no intention to sell it because the custom pickup is now a priceless heirloom that will “stay in the family”, in his words.
It’s a great decision in our opinion here at MyStarCollectorCar.
Jim Sutherland
By: Jerry Sutherland
Jerry Sutherland is a veteran automotive writer with a primary focus on the collector car hobby. His work has been published in many outlets and publications, including the National Post, Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, Ottawa Citizen, Montreal Gazette, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Regina Leader-Post, Vancouver Sun and The Truth About Cars. He is also a regular contributor to Auto Roundup Publications.
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