Fat Fender Garage 1978 Ford F-250 Highboy

When it comes to reimagining vintage trucks, few do it with as much flair and respect for history as Fat Fender Garage. Debuting at SEMA, their latest creation is a stunningly reimagined version of a 1978 Ford F-250 Highboy, a truck that carries all the ruggedness of its original desert heritage while blending it seamlessly with modern enhancements. This Candy Apple red Highboy retains its original exterior patina, proudly showcasing the scars and stories of its rugged past as a ranch and work truck in Arizona’s painted deserts.

The new Fat Fender Garage Highboy is a work of art that stays true to the spirit of its origins, with a Southwestern-inspired cabin and modern mechanical upgrades that make it a joy to drive today. On display at the Toyo Tires Treadpass in Las Vegas, this F-250 Highboy boasts a cabin that remains elevated, offering that classic Highboy driving position, which was an innovation in its day. The commanding stance is accentuated by black Method Wheels 305s wrapped in Toyo A/T III tyres, adding to its formidable off-road credentials.

Commissioned by collectors Avery Sly and Harrison Woodruff, this reimagined Highboy celebrates the 1978 models, which were among the last true Highboys ever produced. Originally introduced in 1967, the Highboy models became popular for their lifted stature, which allowed them to tackle the rugged terrains of rural Arizona with ease. The elevated design, made possible by a four-inch lift and a unique 4WD system, made these trucks capable overlanders that quickly earned a place in the hearts of drivers who needed a tough and reliable companion for unforgiving landscapes.

The Fat Fender Garage F-250 Highboy is a glorious tribute to this lifted truck legacy. It harks back to a time when lifted trucks were a necessity, not just a stylistic statement. While Ford transitioned to a different transfer case system in 1977, ending the true Highboy era, Fat Fender Garage’s latest creation is a love letter to those early lifted designs that still inspire enthusiasts today.

The interior is where this Highboy truly shines, crafted as a homage to Arizona’s vibrant desert landscapes. Fat Fender Garage has developed a fully custom cabin that feels rugged yet quietly luxurious. The centrepiece of this stunning interior is the saddle brown distressed Italian leather from Apex Leather’s upcoming Infinity Series. This unique material delivers a vintage feel while offering warmth and depth, creating a one-of-a-kind saloon vibe.

Adding to the charm are the Pendleton Grand Canyon fabric inserts on the bench seat, door panels, and sun visors. The hues of blue, burnt orange and earthy tones are a visual representation of Arizona’s stunning sunsets, giving the truck a narrative connection to the place it was born. Modern comforts haven’t been overlooked either—Fat Fender Garage has upgraded the seating with bolstered foam and leather-wrapped details, ensuring a comfortable ride for today’s drivers.

Ultra Blue square-weave carpet from Apex Leather completes the flooring, providing both a vibrant aesthetic and the durability required for an off-road vehicle. Underneath, a SoundShield membrane offers superior thermal and acoustic insulation, making this Highboy not only visually striking but also a refined ride in any season. Fat Fender Garage has even included a Gen-5 Vintage Air A/C system, ensuring the cabin remains comfortable while maintaining the classic look of the dashboard.

Fat Fender Garage’s 1978 Ford F-250 Highboy is a true celebration of classic design brought into the modern age. With its Southwestern-inspired touches, rugged upgrades, and luxurious interior details, this reimagined Highboy is more than a truck—it’s a statement of heritage, craftsmanship, and the enduring spirit of adventure.

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