In 1979, Ford introduced the iconic Ford F-150 Indy 500 Special Pickup, following the trend set by GMC with their Indy 500 “official truck” replicas. The Ford F-150 featured a striking silver, black, and orange scheme, matching that year’s Mustang pace car. Unlike GMC’s limited runs, Ford offered the “Indianapolis Speedway Official Truck” package on all F-series trucks, selling over 6000 units.
This particular 1979 Ford F-150, now up for sale on Bring a Trailer, underwent a meticulous frame-off restoration from 2015 to 2017, bringing it back to its original glory with only 59,000 miles on the odometer. The truck showcases like a brand-new vehicle, highlighting the enduring appeal of the Indy 500 pace car replicas.
The concept of an “official truck” replica was not new, with GMC pioneering the idea back in 1974. GMC supplied support trucks for the Indy 500, painted in a Hurst/Olds-like gold-and-white scheme, and created replica models for dealers to sell in limited quantities. Ford took a page from GMC’s book in 1979 by introducing the F-150 Indy 500 Special Pickup, capitalizing on the marketing potential of the iconic event.
To obtain the “Indianapolis Speedway Official Truck Package,” buyers had to opt for the Ranger trim in silver metallic and select a range of required options, including an auxiliary fuel tank. The package was available on various F-series models, ensuring a wide range of customers could enjoy the unique design and features.
While over 6000 “Official Truck” packages were sold, not all trucks received the iconic graphics upon delivery. Some dealers had to apply the lettering and decals themselves, leading to variations in the final appearance of the vehicles. Despite the potential for rust issues, the F-150 Indy 500 Special Pickup remains a durable and robust truck, especially when subjected to a thorough restoration process.
The current owner of this 1979 Ford F-150 spared no expense in restoring the truck to its former glory, including stripping the body to bare metal, repainting it, and fitting it with reproduction graphics. The engine was also fully rebuilt, ensuring optimal performance and reliability for future adventures.
Owning a restored piece of automotive history like the Ford F-150 Indy 500 Special Pickup opens up opportunities for classic truck enthusiasts to showcase their passion and appreciation for vintage vehicles. Whether driving to a classic truck event or visiting the speedway, this “Official Truck” is sure to turn heads and spark conversations about its unique heritage.
As the auction for this exceptional Ford F-150 comes to a close on July 17, interested buyers have the chance to own a piece of Indy 500 history and experience the thrill of driving a true classic on the open road.
