When boss man Joe linked us up with Kobus & Sons Classic Cars, the plan was to shoot their freshly finished 1967 Pontiac project. But as is the case with these kinds of builds, there were still a few final touches left before it could stand in front of our lens. No matter—because what they wheeled out as a stand-in was no compromise. Waiting in the wings was a brutally beautiful 1955 Ford F100 Pickup, and just standing next to it felt like stepping into a 1960s time capsule—retro signage, old Americana, vintage tools and all.
Photos & Words by RestoMod
What blew us away was just how sorted this F100 was. It wasn’t just a patina truck or a back yard build—it had presence, polish, and power. And to think, just 18 months ago it was a rusted-out relic forgotten on a farm in Tarlton. Most people would’ve walked away. Not Jaco Smit. He saw soul beneath the surface, and the East Rand-based workshop of Kobus & Sons became its resurrection ground.
The build kicked off with a clever move—a donor chassis from a later 1980s F100 was sourced, bringing with it better bones, standard disc brakes, and a legendary Ford 9-inch rear diff. From there, it was all hands on deck. The body was stripped, rust chopped out, and where panels couldn’t be sourced locally, they were imported to complete the job right. The cab was repaired the proper way—by hand-forming fresh sheet metal, not hiding flaws under filler.
Subtlety was key throughout the build. At first glance, the widened rear fenders are barely noticeable—but they’re crucial when you realise the team tucked 10-inch wide Chip Foose wheels under the arches. Those wheels, in gloss black, combined with a deep wood-slatted load bin, fresh chrome in all the right spots, and that laid-down stance, give the truck a presence that’s nothing short of menacing.
And then there’s what lives under the hood. Staying loyal to the Blue Oval, a 351 Cleveland V8 was built up with care and intent. The sub-assembly was rebuilt with fresh parts and fitted with 4V heads, roller rockers, a stage 2 camshaft, and a massive 750cfm Edelbrock carb. The result? A vicious 400hp with matching 400Nm of torque—and a V8 bark that doesn’t whisper, it roars. The engine revs eagerly, and yes, this truck hauls like it means it.
The interior is no afterthought either. Modern Jeep Cherokee seats were reworked and wrapped in genuine cowhide, offering comfort without clashing with the classic vibe. A centre console, wooden 3-piece imported steering wheel, and a no-nonsense B&M shifter complete the setup. There's no radio, no touchscreen—just the natural soundtrack of a properly tuned Cleveland V8 doing what it does best. Jaco wouldn’t have it any other way.
This build is the kind that makes people stop and stare. It’s tight, clean, and clearly built with intent. No fluff, no gimmicks. Just old-school cool backed by serious craftsmanship. Hats off to the team at Kobus & Sons Classic Cars—you’ve nailed it. And as for Jaco? Let’s just say the man proves lawyers can have seriously good taste in street machines.
