RED HOT: This Is One Devil Of A Truck Selling With No Reserve At The Scottsdale Auction
November 29, 2021
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist David Neyens
Lot: 1322 – 1972 Ford F-100 nicknamed “El Diablo” is crossing the block with No Reserve at our 2022 Scottsdale Auction
Appropriately named “El Diablo” in recognition of its all-red livery, this impeccably customized 1972 Ford F-100 is now a far cry from its working days as a rough hauler for the original owner, who gifted the pickup to the consignor around 2014. A simple restoration with some modern upgrades was initially planned, but soon the project completely morphed into a top-level, show-quality effort, with the pickup completely reimagined on every possible level.
Visually stunning in its high-gloss, custom-mixed PPG Diablo Red exterior finish and body prep by Charlie Cutts, El Diablo features a wide array of body modifications by Willie Davis, most of which are only fully apparent to viewers upon closer inspection. While already very attractive in stock form, the F-100’s body proportions were subtly improved with the front clip narrowed two inches to line up perfectly with the hood, while the front of the cargo bed was widened by one inch to align with the cab. Other fine tweaks include the artful custom-fabricated heat extractors formed into the hood and flowing through the engine compartment, the auto-lift bed center with hydraulic struts, the neatly tucked-in front and rear bumpers, shaved side-marker lights, welded body seams, and custom tailgate with flat center panel and lettering. Flush-mount glass adds a decidedly modern appearance and improved aerodynamics. Hand-fabricated satin aluminum side trim by Mike Blackwelder carries a virtual factory look with a distinctive and handsome finish.
The red leather interior is a custom work of art in its own right, handcrafted by Recovery Room Upholstery to create a striking cockpit while offering undeniable comfort and convenience throughout. The custom seat was created using bucket seat lowers and a bench-type rear section, with the custom floor console built into the center of the bucket lower seat section, creating a seamless effect when adjusting the seat. Adorned by custom billet trim, the console neatly cradles the controls for the Vintage Air air conditioning and heater system, plus the Lokar billet floor shifter. A leather-wrapped billet steering wheel on a tilt column greets the driver and the fully customized dash was smoothed for a super-clean look and includes custom trim with a frenched-in early ’50s style gauge cluster. Custom door panels were crafted using perforated upholstery, power window lifts, and Mustang-themed components including the door release levers.
In keeping with this pickup’s wicked character, El Diablo is powered by a 5.0-liter Coyote engine topped with a Whipple supercharger and mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission for an amazing driving experience. The engine bay and entire underside are entirely consistent with the rest of the vehicle in terms of appearance and fit and finish, being fully customized to impeccable quality. The chassis and frame were hand-fabricated and finished in Satin Red with silver details, incorporating a Currie 9-inch rear end, 4-link rear suspension, a 4-wheel Airlift custom air ride system with remotely mounted compressors and console-mounted controller, and Heidt’s front suspension components. Upgraded power-assisted Wilwood disc brakes, custom El Diablo machined calipers, lower fender-mounted exhaust outlets, and gorgeous Intro Vista wheels wrapped with Pirelli tires finish off this formidable F-100.
The subject of three magazine cover shoots and at least five feature articles since completion, El Diablo is a popular and high-ranking custom machine in show competition. Chosen as a Truck of the Year finalist at the Goodguys 2021 Spring Lone Star Nationals, El Diablo also joined the 2021 Barrett-Jackson Cup Top 5 and won the 2021 Lone Star Throw Down. In short, El Diablo is surely one of the best “Bump Side” Ford trucks ever built – and its show career has only just begun.
To register to bid at the 2022 Scottsdale Auction – a celebration of 50 years of The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions – click HERE. To sell your vehicle at Barrett-Jackson’s flagship auction in January, click HERE. Tickets and VIP packages are also now on sale.