1969 Ford F100 – Caden E.

My name is Caden and I’m a Senior in high school. My pride and joy is a chrome yellow 1969 Ford F100. The truck belonged to my Great Grandfather. He bought it brand new from a Ford dealer in Oregon City. The truck was purchased on October 29, 1969. My birthday happens to be October 29th as well. The truck was bought as a simple work and commuter vehicle. My great grandfather drove the truck from their house to the mill and back every day. In an effort to save money, the truck is a base model with manual brakes, steering and a 4 speed manual transmission. The truck is 4 wheel drive and has a 8 foot bed.

When my great grandfather passed in 2016, the truck was put in the garage and then moved to an enclosed shop and sat for 5 years. When I started high school, I started in our automotive program and started loving cars, especially older vehicles. I knew that the truck was in the shop but I didn’t know a lot about it. I got the idea that I wanted to get the truck and get it back to driving condition. I went to my great grandma and asked to buy the truck from her. She refused to let me buy it and insisted that she give it to me as a gift. She insisted that my great grandpa would love for me to have it. My grandpa and I got it out of the shop and got the engine running again. Once we got it running, I had to learn to drive manual. I became the third generation of my family to learn manual on that specific truck.

After a bit more work, I was able to bring the truck home over spring break and it has been with me ever since. I am the second owner and the truck has been with my family for 56 years. I have began taking it to car shows and it even one best in show at a local show in town. I am so proud to have this truck and I am so happy to know the family history behind it.
-Caden E.