It’s uncommon to see a 1959 Ford F-100 4×4 nowadays, but Jay Trowbridge gets to see one every day because he owns this incredible, rare truck. Recently, he shared it with 4×4 fans at the 2024 4-Wheel Jamboree Fall Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana, where it won an Award of Excellence.

First Year Of Factory-Installed 4WD In The F-100

The 1959 Ford F-100 was groundbreaking because it was the first Ford truck to be offered with factory-installed four-wheel drive. Prior to that, four-wheel-drive conversions were installed by aftermarket manufacturers. As you can imagine, finding a 1959 F-100 with factory 4WD is rare nowadays. In fact, Jay says that he has never seen a 1959 F-100 equipped with factory four-wheel drive, other than in pictures.

292 Cubic-Inch V8, T98 Manual Transmission, Divorced Transfer Case

His truck is powered by its original 292 cubic-inch Y-block V8 engine. The powerplant has some modifications including “Thunderbird 312” heads and an Edelbrock AVS2 600 cfm four-barrel carburetor. The engine is mated to a BorgWarner T98 four-speed manual transmission. This heavy-duty, top-loading transmission has a cast-iron case and a “granny” 6.39:1 First gear ratio. Power is routed through a Dana Spicer Model 24 divorced transfer case.

Both axles under the Ford are factory units. The front is a closed-knuckle Dana 44, and the rear is a Ford 9-inch with a limited-slip differential. Nestled between the axles and the factory frame are the original front and rear leaf springs with Monroe shocks. Two inches of lift are added to the front suspension to level the truck. The Ford rolls on 7.50-16LT (32.2-inch-diameter) Power King Extra Traction bias-ply tires. They are mounted to custom factory-style wheels made by Wheelsmith in Corona, California.

Original Body, Upgraded Interior

Jay’s truck is still outfitted with its original body, but it has been sealed in six coats of Ford-spec red paint. Inside, the truck retains its factory equipment but features a reupholstered bench seat and a Motorola AM/FM/eight-track stereo system, among other things.

The truck was completely restored several years ago, and Jay purchased it in September 2022 from a friend. His reason for buying the truck was simple: “I have always been a Ford guy, and this one is a purpose-built machine,” he says.

After purchasing the truck, Jay immediately went to work on it, painting the drivetrain, engine, frame, and underside of the cab and bed. He also installed the current wheel and tire combination to give the truck a factory-like appearance.

Jay Is Putting In The Work

This 1959 Ford F-100 4×4 is an impeccable, rare time capsule that reflects a significant period in Ford’s four-wheel-drive history. Jay is doing a stellar job of putting in the work to keep this uncommon truck in excellent condition.

Photos by Jay Trowbridge and Jeff Luckey