Doug Maruzella’s 1955 F-100

FORD has been making the world’s best-selling trucks for decades, and it will only take a quick  look at this beautiful 1955 F-100 for you to understand why. Slinky elegance was never part of Ford’s ‘aerodynamic-adjacent’ body style. However, the square lines of the cab, offset by fat fenders oozing style, make the F-100 recognizable around the world. Some say it just needs a slight altitude adjustment, and it’s on its way to the winner’s circle. That was the minimalist approach that Doug Maruzzella adopted when he began infusing his own level of style into this 70-year-old Blue Oval. The guiding principle behind the customizing effort became ‘instantly familiar on the outside with subtle rejuvenation everywhere else.’

From Grant, Florida, Doug has been a car guy his whole adult life. He’s owned several vehicles over the years, but this latest Ford was unique, starting from the moment he saw it. The previous owner took very good care of it, especially when you admire the Wimbledon White paint job that is more than 25 years old! In fact, the truck’s amazing condition was the key element in keeping the factory original exterior. Underneath, however, was a different story.

Through word of mouth, Doug met up with Matt Verzi, owner of Streetheat Customs in West Melbourne, Florida. Matt is one of Florida’s premier fabricators, and he has had multiple feature articles published over the years and has a reputation that combines imaginative artistry with mechanical excellence. It was just that blend of talent that Doug was looking for, and the two laid out a plan for the ‘55.

The second subtle phase was the pickup bed, involving a genuinely unique approach using wood from the Gumbo Limbo tree. This rare Florida species is affectionately known to Southerners as the ‘Tourist Tree’ due to its red peeling bark that not-so-humorously resembles sunburned skin!

Since one of the primary goals for the truck was modern handling and an asphalt-sucking stance, Matt began at ground level with an upgrade to the existing chassis. From Fatman Fabrications, a Mustang II-style independent front end ensures precise handling and responsive steering. After cutting a C-notch in the rear, Matt installed Streetheat’s own custom two-link, bag-over-arm rear suspension that holds a 9-inch narrowed rear from Moser Engineering. Modern stopping power up front came from Wilwood 13-inch discs and 4-piston calipers, while updated drums manage the rear. Fingertip altitude control was an essential part of the build, and Ridetech ShockWaves transformed the front end, while a combination of bags and standard shocks modernized the rear. The bags are fed by a 5-gallon reserve tank with 3/8-inch lines.

As part of the plan to keep modern changes hidden from view, the single Air Lift compressor and performance management system were mounted under the bed and behind the rear axle. They allow precise control over both ride height and air pressure. No camouflage was involved in the next step, however, making the chassis a roller. Large US Mags Rio Grande rims forgo subtlety with ‘in-your-face’ 20×8.5s up front and 22x12s at the rear. Toyo rubber guaranteed a sticky contact patch. The tuned suspension struck the perfect balance between secure handling and a comfortable ride, while the ground-hugging stance created a trophy-winning profile without disturbing the truck’s iconic features.

The second subtle phase was the pickup bed, involving a genuinely unique approach using wood from the Gumbo Limbo tree. This rare Florida species is affectionately known to Southerners as the ‘Tourist Tree’ due to its red peeling bark that not-so-humorously resembles sunburned skin! Six wide planks were joined together, trimmed to fit around the new inner fender panels, then carefully separated with polished aluminum tee strips. After the initial carpentry was complete, the bed floor was removed and several layers of epoxy were poured to highlight the rich red/brown color—a shade that became the inspiration for the all-new interior.

The talented team at TMI Products specializes in custom restomod leather and fabric packages that enable you to create genuine one-of-a-kind interiors. Color choice is always important, and Doug, being an avid baseball fan, wanted a ‘dark baseball glove’ shade of natural leather. TMI’s Whiskey and Saddle suede became the perfect choice. The factory bench seat and door panels were covered, and, thanks to an extra roll of matching leather, both the headliner and the lower panel on the dash were matched up. In keeping with the minimalist approach, the Ford’s dashboard is essentially stock, with Doug’s ‘do not disturb’ policy going so far as to retain the tiny original Ford starter button on the far left. The Dakota Digital RTX gauge package was another clever compromise, chosen because the single digital module matches the original F-100 opening perfectly yet provides modern monitoring of all vital functions. Keeping the driver in close touch, an Ididit tilt column holds a custom Billet Specialties wheel. The wood-grained rim picks up colors from the interior and the bed. With just one small concession to modern demands, Matt added a lower dash extension from Fat Fender Garage to incorporate the Vintage Air Streamline four-knob A/C control panel and vents. While there is no stereo, that’s not to say there is no sweet music associated with this ride. It just comes from under the hood.

Applied artistry throughout the engine room ensured maximum show points—beginning with the bright white firewall and smooth inner fender panels that showcase the warmed-over 302 Ford

V-8. The carefully chosen Corvette Flame Red accent color on the block, intake, air cleaner, and valve covers immediately catches your eye. Verzi is a diehard Bow Tie fan, so the Ford had to have Chevy in there somewhere! The same distinctive shade appears on the powdercoated US Mags rims. Additional sparkle under the hood comes from the CVF polished accessory drive that handles the 140-amp alternator as well as the A/C compressor that has been fitted with Vintage Air Proline braided stainless steel lines and fittings.

Because Doug had no desire to run at the back of the pack, the V-8 was treated to a comprehensive upgrade package, beginning with Speed-Pro .30-over pistons and a High Energy Comp cam with double timing chains. A 650 cfm Edelbrock AVS2 carb on a Weiand dual-plane manifold supplies the raw fuel, HEI electronics lights the fire, and Doug’s Headers dump spent gases through Streetheat’s own 2.5-inch ceramic-coated exhaust. The combination of an X-pipe and Magnaflow bullet mufflers is music to any enthusiast’s ears while ensuring Doug never arrives anywhere unnoticed! Power is funneled through a C4 automatic to a Truetrac Posi 3.42 rear.

The completed build combines modern handling and power without disturbing the Ford’s legendary lines. The collection of multiple upgrades only appears after close investigation. Body mods were kept to an absolute minimum with Holly LED RetroBright headlights and a chrome bumper up front, followed by NOS Ford taillights and a black bumper bringing up the rear. The amazing Wimbledon White paint job is 25 years old and still looks flawless. The minimalist approach has proven to be a winning combination since the truck has won multiple best of show awards with a collection of about 25 trophies in the last three years. The blend of classic looks and go-anywhere reliability makes this unique restomod the best of both worlds. It’s just what you need for that high-speed ride to the winner’s circle!

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TRUCK SPECS

 ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

• Streetheat Customs, West Melbourne, FL
• Ford 302 V-8
• Speed-Pro .30-over pistons
• High Energy Comps cam
• 650 cfm Edelbrock AVS2 carb
• Weiand dual-plane manifold
• HEI electronics
• Doug’s Headers
• 2.5-inch ceramic-coated exhaust
• X-pipe and Magnaflow bullet mufflers
• Corvette Flame Red
• C4 automatic to a Truetrac Posi 3.42 rear

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

• Shop: Streetheat Customs, West Melbourne, FL
• Fat Man Fabrications independent front end
• Two-link, bag-over-arm rear suspension
• C-notch rear
• Narrowed Ford 9-inch
• Wilwood 13-inch disc brakes with 4-piston calipers, drums in rear
• Ridetech ShockWaves up front
• Bags and shocks at the rear
• Air Lift compressor and performance management system
• 5-gallon reserve tank
• 3/8-inch lines

WHEELS & TIRES

• 20×8.5 and 22×12 US Mags Rio Grande rims
• 245/45/20 and 295/30/22 Toyo tires
• Flame red powdercoat

BODY & PAINT

• Wimbledon White paint still sparkling after 25 years

INTERIOR

• Streetheat Customs, West Melbourne, FL
• Bench seat and door panels covered in leather and suede
• Leather headliner
• Dakota Digital RTX instruments
• Ididit tilt column
• Billet Specialties wheel
• Vintage Air A/C
• TMI Products seats