Double Dose from the UK

For as long as hot-rodding has been around, international envy has followed closely behind. Certain spectacular vehicles have evaded the U.S. market while the same has happened in Europe and Japan. But no allure has been stronger than that of classic Americana. Enthusiasts around the globe are absolutely fascinated with icons of American Car Culture. In recent years, the resurgence of classic trucks has spread in every direction. Western Europe’s classic American car market is booming like a 4th of July grand finale. Unique Customs in London, England, is a vital part of that community; where Ray Donner opened shop in London after returning from an extended stay in America. During his time in the states he worked in custom shops building cars and trucks. He and his son, Chad, now carry on the business of importing and customizing classic American models in London.      

In the last few years, two beautiful examples of the Ford F100 Unibody trucks have passed through the doors of Unique Customs. Both trucks are ‘61 models and both have been built for a classic Shop Truck style and use. The first ‘61 Uni known as the “McQueen Special” was purchased from an owner in Texas before arriving in London. Chad then worked tirelessly to apply its exquisite theme for his client, Mr. Tony Guerrier. Tony, much inspired by Steve McQueen, uses his F100 to transport classic and custom Triumph Motorcycles. The second was sold to Mr. David White and it’s perfectly at home as the support vehicle for his all-Ford classics racing team.

From top to bottom, the McQueen Special screams Americana just like her “King of Cool” namesake.

Perhaps no two cars better represent classic American Muscle than the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang. A fact that makes them a poetic choice of suspension adaption for this pair of ‘61 Ford trucks. Tony’s McQueen Special utilizes an adapted front clip from a 3rd generation Camaro. This inclusion gives the ‘61 an aggressive stance and classic hot rod-style rake. The iconic swooping fender lines of the Unibody F100 help accentuate the aggressiveness. The rear section of the chassis is notched to allow for plenty of lower clearance on the 10-bolt rearend. The rear uses lowering leaf springs and the Camaro front suspension is fortified with “Air-Assist” shocks from Bilstein.

With the muscular stance, Tony’s F100 packs a set of thoroughly ‘Merican wheels. American Racing Torque Thrust D wheels sit in the front and rear. The fronts measure 15×8 while the rear sits 2 inches wider. They are matched with Cooper Cobra radials sized 225/70/15 and 275/60/15. OEM Camaro disc brakes hug tightly in the front and rear. Another benefit to using the Camaro front-clip is that it comfortably houses a Chevy 350 V-8 crate motor. The classic SBC is an easy fit beneath the F100’s broad hood. The motor is mated to a Turbo 350 automatic trans, widely praised for its strength and compact size. The latter is a highly desirable feature, whenever performing a heart transplant on a classic unibody. Topping off the powertrain with a bit of unique flair, Tony’s truck sports a full custom set of stainless headers and exhaust.

From top to bottom, the McQueen Special screams Americana just like her “King of Cool” namesake. Tony and the team at Unique Customs went through a painstaking process to get the exterior just right. They went the extra-mile to assure it’s aesthetic throughout, as the ‘61 had previously been repainted in white. They began the process by distressing the gloss white coat and then topping it with a matte cream color. The top-most coats were then strategically sanded through to reveal some natural patina that half a century had created. With the body color just right, the truck was finished with a satin clear coat. The gas cap, mirrors, all the exterior glass, and seals were replaced with brand new parts.

The interior is much of the same feel, a classic American style executed in fresh materials. The trim and seals have been replaced for a rejuvenated look and feel. The dash clock, steering wheel, and carpets have all been replaced with up-to-date units as well. Also, the original bench seat is now outfitted with fine distressed brown leather. The final styling touch comes by way of beautifully hand-painted door graphics; on either side, the typeface reads, “Steve McQueen Special.”

Acting as both a rival and American counterpart, David’s ‘61 uses a Mustang II front clip. The pony car front end has been “Z’d” to the frame in order to allow for an even lower clearance. Additionally, the flipped Ford 9-inch rearend sits high in the notched channel. The OEM double wishbones front control arms are paired with air-assisted shocks much like Tony’s.

For motivation, David’s ‘61 uses the timeless Ford 289 V-8. The Windsor motor was not first released until 1963, two years after the unibodies’ birth. Nevertheless, the classic engine is more than a bit at home in this tributary Ford truck. It’s topped with a Summit Racing two-barrel and Edelbrock air cleaner for some additional hot-rod points. David fabricated a custom exhaust with a side exit. The system not only allows the small block to breath more freely but did wonders for the sound quality and driver enjoyment. The power is directed via a C4 automatic trans and a floor-mounted shifter.

Like Tony’s, David’s ‘61 adopts its front disc brakes from its muscle car benefactor. Drums from the Mustang cling to the rear hubs. A stylish and utilitarian set of 15×8 Wheel Vintique steelies sit at all four corners. These are paired with a staggered set of 225 and 255 BF Goodrich tires. The solid-style steel wheels are painted and lacquered with an off-white. The achieved color complements the truck’s wonderful natural patina.

Originally painted an iconic Holley Green, the Ford now wears a well-earned coat of many colors. The all-natural patina is the perfect complement to the truck’s industrious life. David’s primary efforts thus far have been focused on restoring the feel and experience of the truck. Bolt-by-bolt the mechanics of the machine are being replaced. By being left, for the most part, visually untouched, the truck looks better than ever. Likewise, she runs and drives her best having been heavily refreshed.

Part of the exterior’s update has included new mirrors, UK spec halogen headlights, new tail and park lights, a new petrol cap, and all-new rubber seals. For sake of utility, a vintage military tool case is now housed in the fully lined bed. David also fabricated a spare wheel carrier. Again, parallel to Tony’s ‘61, David’s was embossed with handmade lettering. The doors read: “Powered by Ford Houston, Texas.” The front fender boasts a painted 289 demarcation, and the rear fenders designate it as a race support vehicle.

The pair of unibodies represents a special aspect of hot-rodding. Automobiles have a way of connecting people from completely different walks of life.

The interior of David’s truck is left simple and pure. The bench seat is retrimmed in saddle blanket, soon to be converted to leather. The original steering wheel was replaced with a 15-inch Mustang unit by Grant. David’s truck is still an artwork in progress. Future modifications include a bespoke wiring harness, larger Ford motor, coilover suspension, and much more. The primary concern has been that she does her job as a race-team support truck, and thus she has done it very, very well.

The pair of unibodies represents a special aspect of hot-rodding. Automobiles have a way of connecting people from completely different walks of life. Two gentlemen from the United Kingdom are able to look at a pair of patina’d trucks from Texas and see them for all their beauty. Many people in this world might call that strange, but for each and every member of our community, nothing makes more sense.

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TECH SPECS

The McQueen Special

Chassis & Suspension

• 3rd Gen Camaro Front Clip
• Notched rear chassis
• 10-bolt rear end with Leaf springs
• Bilstein front Air Shocks

Powertrain

• Chevy 350 V-8
• Custom stainless headers and exhaust
• TH350 automatic transmission

Brakes

• OEM Camaro disc brakes, front and rear

Wheels & Tires

• American Racing Torque Thrust D 15×8 and 15×10
• Cooper Cobra Radials 225/15/15 and 275/65/15

Body & Paint

• Augmented distress/patina matte white
• Hand-painted door graphics
• New windows, seals, gas cap, and mirrors

Interior & Stereo

• Custom upholstered seat in distressed leather
• New carpet
• VDO Fuel gauge
• Smith tachometer

TECH SPECS

David white-  unique customs

Chassis & Suspension

• Mustang II front clip “Z’d”
• Flipped Ford 9” rear end
• Rear leaf springs
• Notched rear chassis
• Front air shocks

Powertrain

• Ford 289 V-8
• Summit Racing 2-barrel carb
• Edelbrock air cleaner
• C4 auto trans
• Custom headers and side-exit exhaust

Brakes

• OEM Mustang disc brakes – front
• OEM Mustang drum brakes – rear

Wheels & Tires

• Wheel Vintques 15×8 steelies painted off white
• BF Goodrich 225 and 255/70/15

Body & Paint

• Natural Holley Green Patina
• Spray-inc bed liner
• Vintage military tool box
• Custom spare carrier
• New lights all around
• New seals and mirrors
• Hand painted door and fender graphics

Interior & Stereo

• Custom upholstered seat in saddle blanket
• Grant 15” Mustang steering wheel
• New dash hardware and handlesr

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