BURBANK, Calif.(Aug. 1, 2014) — A seminal Class 8 1976 Ford F-100 that was the first to conquer the Baja off-road race on radial tires is going on the auction block today.
The truck was campaigned by Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Famer Frank “Scoop” Vessels, according to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). Proceeds from the truck's sale will benefit that hall of fame, which is housed in the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nev.
The truck was built for Mr. Vessels in 1976 by Charlie Haga. Not only was the F-100 the first to win an off-road race on radial tires, SEMA said, but it also ran on propane. The F-100's 404-cubic-inch Ford V8 was converted to an Impco LPG fueling system by Don Bass.
Behind the Ford V8 is an Art Carr race-prepped Ford C6 automatic, while its rearend was built by Jack Chrisman. Other period components include Rough Country shocks, custom disc brakes, American Racing wheels, BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires and F-250 spindles with knock-off hubs.
The truck is estimated to sell for $75,000 to $100,000 at auction, SEMA said.
Tthe truck was recently housed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in California following a multi-year appearance at the Reno off-road hall of fame. Bidding takes place today at Auctions America's California sale at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel. Remote bidding options are available on Auctions America's website. The Culver City, Calif.-based firm, which handles collector car auctions, also has offices in Florida and Indiana.