A Classic Ford Truck With a Modern Performance Twist
Fat Fender Garage has made a name for itself by bringing classic trucks back to life through modern engineering, custom fabrication, and contemporary performance components. Based in Gilbert, Arizona, the company has evolved from a restoration shop into a builder and parts manufacturer that gives old American trucks a new lease on life.
Its latest creation, the GT/FX, is a good example of what the company can accomplish. Unveiled at the Meguiar’s booth during SEMA 2026, the project takes a 1956 Ford F-100 and gives it the attitude and performance of a modern performance machine.
Owner Tony Peressini waited five years for this beast, with Fat Fender Garage pouring over 15,000 hours into design, engineering, and fabrication. It’s easily the shop’s most ambitious build to date.
Fat Fender Garage
Fat Fender Garage
An 800-HP Supercharged V8 Under the Hood
Power comes from a third-generation Ford 5.0-liter Coyote V8 fitted with a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger. The combination produces 800 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque, with a Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission handling the output.
The engine also gets custom valve covers and a Fat Fender Garage-built three-inch exhaust system featuring Borla XR-1 Raceline mufflers, JMD resonators, and electric cutouts.
Getting all that power to the ground is an FF1 Performance Coilover Chassis. The setup was engineered to give the classic pickup modern handling characteristics, with an emphasis on body control, cornering response, and stability under acceleration and braking.
Stopping power comes from six-piston Wilwood front brakes and four-piston rear units. These sit behind custom HRE wheels measuring 20 inches, wrapped in Toyo Proxes Sport 2 tires measuring 245/45R20 at the front and 315/35R20 at the rear.
The exterior receives equally extensive attention. Its all-steel body features a pancaked roof and hood, a two-inch sectioned cab, and widened front and rear fenders. Custom running boards, chin splitters, and a Ford Mustang GT350 rear diffuser add to its performance-inspired appearance.
Other details include flush-mounted glass, one-piece side windows, carbon-fiber mirrors, custom LED rear lighting, and a double-walled cargo bed with unique flares. Interestingly, the original factory grille remains, while the stainless-steel bumpers, trim, and hardware receive a Cerakote finish. Custom BASF champagne paint and racing stripes complete the look.
Fat Fender Garage
Fat Fender Garage
A Custom Black Cabin Completes the Build
Inside, it’s all custom black everything – premium leather, bucket seats, and a leather-wrapped dash. Modern gauges, a fresh audio system, and hidden climate controls that funnel air through a single custom vent keep things slick and up to date.
Fat Fender Garage also integrated its own wiring harness, steering column kit, and air-conditioning components. Custom door actuators and a push-button tailgate release add modern convenience without taking away from the truck’s handcrafted character.
As for the price, Fat Fender Garage and the build sheet do not provide an official figure. However, Meguiar’s announcement puts the project’s reported cost at more than $1 million. Of note, Fat Fender’s Designer Series starts at $400,000 (but can exceed $600,000) – in case you want something similar to this one.
Fat Fender Garage
Fat Fender Garage
Fat Fender Garage
Fat Fender Garage
Fat Fender Garage
Fat Fender Garage
About the author
Jacob Oliva
Senior Editor, Autoblog