PATRIOTIC PICKUPS: Palm Beach Auction Trucks are Rich in History
March 30, 2023
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
LOT #753 – TOM SELLECK’S 1953 DODGE POWER WAGON PICKUP – NO RESERVE
Pickup trucks are one of the hottest segments in the collector vehicle market these days and only seem to be getting hotter. These highly sought-after collectibles are unique and eye-catching, with a rich history and cultural significance.
One reason pickups are so desirable is because they are so versatile. They can be used to tow vintage race cars to and from the track or utilized to take home those extra engines and transmissions found at a car meet. Along with versatility, pickup trucks often feature rugged looks and powerful engines. They can be customized by being lowered or lifted, adding aftermarket wheels and performance upgrades to make them stand out even more.
Pickup trucks also evoke a sense of nostalgia because of their long history in American culture, dating back to the early 20th century. In rural areas, where people may need to travel long distances on unpaved roads or in harsh weather conditions, pickups have provided and continue to provide a sense of security and freedom. Their ability to traverse rough conditions has also made them popular vehicles for outdoor recreation ‒ they can carry all the necessary equipment and supplies needed.
With the abundance manufactured in the United States, pickup trucks have truly become part of America’s heritage. They harken back to simple times spent on back roads with friends, as evidenced by the many chart-topping country songs that weave a love of pickups into the lyrics. They represent a connection to youth, freedom and the American way.
Enjoy this gallery of pickups headed to the April 13-15 Palm Beach Auction – each is sure to remind you to “Take a Little Ride” and say, “Truck Yeah!”
LOT #753 – TOM SELLECK’S 1953 DODGE POWER WAGON PICKUP – NO RESERVE
This 1953 Dodge Power Wagon pickup was previously owned by actor Tom Selleck and comes with a photo of Selleck with the truck, as well as a letter documenting his ownership. This Power Wagon was restored and customized for Selleck for use on his ranch in California. It is powered by a 230ci inline 6-cylinder engine backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. This Power Wagon was originally a fire truck and features a PTO winch and a PTO water pump system for drawing water from a stagnant source. The truck also features a high-gloss wood floor overlay in the cargo box. Its upholstery was addressed when the truck was restored, and a rifle rack has been installed in the cab. The truck has been converted to a 12-volt electrical system with a modern alternator and rides on stock Budd split rims wrapped in Michelin X tires. 19,124 actual miles.
LOT #749 – 1956 FORD F-100 CUSTOM PICKUP – NO RESERVE
This 1956 Ford F-100 big-window pickup was built by Undercover Restorations in Merritt Island, FL. Over 2,000 labor hours were invested, and the build was completed in 2021 with test miles only. The chassis is equipped with No Limit’s wide-ride independent front suspension, power rack & pinion steering, rear rocker-style shock linkage with trailing-arm setup and Viking coilovers at all four corners. Power comes from a John Kaase Racing Boss 520ci engine fitted with 8-stack electronic fuel injection and breathing through a set of custom headers with a full 3-inch dual exhaust exiting at the rear of the running boards. The engine is mated to a B&M-shifted 6-speed automatic transmission delivering all the horsepower to a Ford 9-inch rear end. Its underpinnings start with a custom Graphite Silver powder-coated No Limit Engineering Big 10 chassis featuring 10-inch frame rails in the center section. The exterior is finished in Solar Red Crystal tri-coat paint complemented by a new birdseye maple wood bed coated in urethane clear. Stopping is handled by Wilwood 4-wheel power disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors. The fully customized interior is upholstered in two-tone brown/tan diamond-stitched leather with brown alligator Inserts and black carpet. It features Vintage Air, a modern gauge cluster, power windows and a Pioneer double-DIN touchscreen stereo with Pioneer speakers and Pioneer-powered subwoofer. This custom F-100 rolls on Billet Specialties wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson Street Comp tires.
2023 PALM BEACH AUCTION – 1971 CHEVROLET C10 CUSTOM PICKUP – NO RESERVE
This 1971 Chevrolet C10 custom pickup is the recipient of a nut-and-bolt frame-off restoration and customization. It is powered by an all-stock 5.3-liter LS V8 engine with an upgraded Holley mid-rise intake and custom Holley pulleys paired with a GM 4L60 transmission with a stock stall torque converter. The short-bed big-window cab and body are finished in Porsche Aquamarine Blue gloss with a satin finish on the grille. The entire floor was spray-lined before assembly. Inside the cab resides a Vintage Air system for summer cruising, and the engine remains cool with a Stay Cool performance radiator. The air-ride suspension is controlled by dual Viair compressors and tanks, an AccuAir motherboard and E-Level on all four corners, and a controller in a hidden ashtray pocket. It is controllable with a phone app via Bluetooth. Other options include RideTech StreetGRIP sway bar, Borla dual exhaust, shaved firewall, retro radio with Kicker speakers in kick panels, all LED exterior lighting with integrated turn signals on headlights, raised bed floor with mini-tubs, Auto Customs 2-inch seat drop, Ididit tilt steering column and a Boyd’s aluminum fuel tank with sending unit. This pickup rolls on Foose Merlot-style wheels wrapped in Lexani tires.
LOT #682 – 2022 DODGE RAM TRX IGNITION EDITION PICKUP – NO RESERVE
This 2022 RAM 1500 TRX Ignition Edition is one of 875 Ignition Edition TRXs built for 2022. It is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine rated with 702hp and 650 ft/lbs of torque that can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive platform offers 4×4 capabilities. The suspension is composed of a Bilstein Blackhawk e2 shock system that offers 11.8 inches of ground clearance, with 13 inches of front suspension travel and 14 inches of rear suspension travel. This vehicle features fenders that have been flared 8 inches to accommodate the wider track and LED amber lights tucked away with the functional hood scoop. It is finished in an Ignition Orange exterior with exterior graphics. Other upgrades include a panoramic roof, spray-in bed liner, orange interior stitching and special orange TRX logos. The interior features a flat-bottom steering wheel, 12-inch touchscreen that allows the driver to access a suite of performance and off-road pages, and a center console shifter. This truck rides on 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory All-Terrain tires. From the Steve Todhunter Collection.
LOT #661 – 1972 CHEVROLET C10 CUSTOM PICKUP – NO RESERVE
This 1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne Super C10 Resto-Mod pickup is powered by a 6.2-liter all-aluminum engine with custom cam and tune paired with an 8-speed 8L90 transmission. It is equipped with a Ford 9-inch rear end with 4.11 gears and rides on a 3/5 lowering kit. Stopping power is provided by 4-wheel power disc brakes, and the truck rolls on custom billet wheels and tires. The interior features Dakota Digital gauges, a custom sound system, factory air conditioning with updated compressor, power windows and LED headlights.
2023 PALM BEACH AUCTION – 1969 FORD F-100 CUSTOM PICKUP – NO RESERVE
This 1969 Ford F-100 4×4 custom pickup has been professionally frame-off restored and customized by New England Muscle Cars of Lakeville, MA. It started as a California-original short-bed pickup sitting on the original chassis. It has been painted in its original one-year-only H-code Cordova paint using Dupont ChromaBase base coat/clear coat. According to the Marti Report, this truck is one of 410 produced with this paint code in 1969 and one of 37 made with its paint and trim codes. It is powered by a Ford 5.0-liter Coyote engine backed by a 6R80 6-speed automatic transmission and rebuilt Dana 20 transfer case with a twin-stick modification from JB Fabrication. The 5.0-liter Coyote engine was installed using a Fat Fender Garage mount kit and engine control unit box and is equipped with an accessory drive kit, power train control pack and a transmission harness and cooler from Power By The Hour. The engine is fueled using a Boyd EFI tank with a return-less VaporWorx fuel system and spent gases exiting through a 2.5-inch stainless-steel exhaust system with MagnaFlow mufflers. The engine is cooled by a Cold Case radiator with electric fans. This truck has also received a Benchworks power steering conversion, 4-inch Skyjacker suspension lift with Skyjacker Black Max shocks and custom front and rear driveshafts. Stopping power is provided by a Wilwood master cylinder and 4-wheel disc brakes from Horsepower Sales.