You are not going to believe what just arrived in the Chicago Showroom. The following words are to be used as a guide and description but in no way can describe the sheer amazement you will feel when you first set eyes on this custom panel truck. First a bit of history: This vehicle started life as a 1956 Ford Panel Truck that was originally utilitarian in design and function. These were commonly used as repair and maintenance vehicles or to transport goods from manufacturers to retailers. This truck spent it’s early years in Arizona and the solid sheet metal made for a perfect canvas to start the design and build. From the first look of the high rise roofline and nostalgic front end this thing was destined to be tough and cool. Throughout the build and fabrication from then to now the design was meant to be Tough and Cool. And now the excitement begins… The Specs: For the powerplant a Ram Jet 502 Crate Motor was selected because it looks mean and industrial. The transmission is a GM TH400 built by the Tranz Shop in Batavia, IL . The rear end is a John’s Industries Ford 9 inch w/.370 Gear and Detroit True Trac. The suspension is a custom Fatman Fabrication with adjustable Air Ride Suspension. Custom aluminum radiator and shroud were painted black and the headers and exhaust were hand built. A Hurst Lightning Rod shifter was placed where it belongs – Overhead. Pilots need instruments so with the assistance of Stewart Warner everything was instrumented. The main instrument panel includes 14 gauges and 8 covered toggle switches, a touch screen Pioneer GPS system with audio system with rearview camera, HVAC air controls and the AC Vents. 11 additional covered toggle switches are mounted above the windshield. Digital Air Ride controls are mounted between the front seats. For added comfort this rig has power steering, power brakes and remote keyless entry with remote door release and an ultra cool push button starter. The Effects: The first thing that stops you dead in your tracks is the artwork on the side of the truck. This was completed at the hand of Dody Mondero . The line drawings are straight out of his creative head. The driver’s side mural is a wild biker riding a chopper. The wheels of the truck are the wheels of the bike and the truck exhaust is the bike’s exhaust. The passenger side has a hot rodder cruising his bucket T. The wheels of his rod are the wheels of the truck. To keep it authentic natural brushes were used for the design. The interior cargo department is meant to resemble an airplane cargo compartment. The rope lights and aircraft style rear lights brighten up the gorgeous suede upholstery. In addition to the flat screen TV there is also 2 hidden coolers which provide the ultimate tailgating experience. This vehicle also has a couple of expensive secrets yet to be revealed at the request of the builder. Located in our Chicago Showroom, this 1956 Ford Panel Truck Custom can be seen including an HD video and pictures at www.gatewayclassiccars.com. For additional information please call (708) 444-4488 or email Chicago@gatewayclassiccars.com Want to connect with us? Here’s how: Website: http://www.GatewayClassicCars.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GatewayClassicCars Google+: https://plus.google.com/117279883240095539866/posts Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/gatewayclassics/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gatewayclassics YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/GatewayClassicCars Don't forget to subscribe to our channel to see more videos of some of the greatest classic, collectible, and exotic cars the world has to offer.