Meguiar’s officially kicked off the celebrations of its 125-year history by putting the spotlight on a special project at the annual Barrett-Jackson auction, held in Scottsdale, Arizona, from January 17 to 25.
The brand’s main highlight at the event is the 1956 Ford F100 named The Duomo, a pickup truck deeply connected to a family history and rebuilt with an absolute focus on engineering, craftsmanship, and legacy.
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The vehicle was developed by Fat Fender Garage, based in Gilbert, Arizona, for the Castellano family. Originally purchased more than 65 years ago by Steve Castellano’s grandfather to transport furniture for the family business, the F100 later passed to his father and, decades afterward, became the starting point for a project honoring three generations.
The goal was clear: to preserve the emotional memory of the utility vehicle while elevating it to contemporary technical and aesthetic standards.
The rebuild was comprehensive. The bespoke chassis was designed in-house by Fat Fender Garage and manufactured by Porterbuilt Fabrication, featuring modern suspension, Wilwood disc brakes on all four wheels, and 20-inch Schott wheels fitted with 245/35 tires at the front and 335/30 at the rear.
The mechanical package is led by a third-generation Ford Coyote 5.0L V8 engine, paired with a 10-speed 10R80 automatic transmission and a 9-inch Currie differential, delivering performance that matches the project’s level of sophistication.
On the outside, the finish stands out thanks to a custom BASF paint in a burnt orange shade that shifts between deep copper and vibrant orange depending on the light. Custom graphics and Cerakote details complete the look, reinforcing the pickup’s exclusive character.
The interior follows the same personalization philosophy, featuring a wooden floor throughout the cabin— a direct reference to its utilitarian origins—along with dual climate control systems, a Sony multimedia center with a touchscreen, a full audio system, and Dakota Digital instrumentation.
Displayed in Meguiar’s Big Truck area during Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, the Ford F100 “The Duomo” symbolizes the brand’s philosophy over its 125 years: valuing automotive history combined with technology, extreme attention to detail, and the preservation of vehicles that span generations. After the Arizona event, Meguiar’s will continue its commemorative schedule with the next stop at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California, carrying on the celebrations throughout 2026.
Source and images: Meguiar’s. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
