Ol' Blue
A 1979 Ford F-250 with a Texas Legacy
THE ORIGIN STORY
January 1979: This truck was special-ordered directly from Ford, bypassing dealership limitations. At the time, dealerships told the original buyer—my grandfather,Fred Currey, a young Texas businessman—that his preferred combination of features couldn't be built.
But Fred wasn't one to take no for an answer.
Using his connections through the Young Presidents' Organization, Fred picked up the phone and called someone most buyers could only dream of reaching: Henry Ford II. That call led to a direct-from-Ford special order, routed through Horn Williams Motors in Texas—a dealership known for Shelby Mustangs, not farm trucks.
But this was no ordinary farm truck.
TRUCK SPECS
FACTORY OPTIONS
A LIFETIME OF WORK
Affectionately known as "Ol' Blue"
The truck served Fred well—used as daily transportation for about three years, then as a ranch truck at his property outside Decatur, Texas.
It taught grandchildren to drive and was last registered and running in 2007 before being retired to rest quietly out back.
"More than transportation—it was family."
THE RESTORATION
2016: THE QUESTION
Fred asked his long-time friend and Engintech business partner Joe Munoz if he knew anyone who could restore the truck.
"I'll do it. For you, and for everything
you've done for me and my family."
THE CONDITION IN 2016
After 9 years of rest, Ol' Blue awaited its second chance
Front view showing weathered paint and overall condition
Rear view on the trailer, ready for transport
Original interior showing wear from decades of use
Classic Ford grille and weathered hood
"It had good bones, but needed everything else."
THE RESTORATION PROCESS
2016-2019
Frame-off restoration
LABOR
Painstaking detail work
TOTAL
$41K body & paint
Click any image to view larger
"Every bolt, every part, every detail mattered."
THE UNVEILING - 2019
When the truck was unveiled in a surprise ceremony at Engintech, Fred, then 86, quietly inspected it, climbed in, and said with a smile:
"I had no idea Ol' Blue could
ever look like this again."
When Joe asked if he wanted a ride, Fred responded, "Only if I drive."
He hopped in and drove it like he'd never stopped. The upgraded T Meyer flat-top pistons and RV cam clearly impressed him — "It's got a lot more power than it used to," he noted.
The Unveiling Ceremony - Click any image to view larger
"A moment 40 years in the making."
A TRIBUTE TO FRED CURREY
This truck is more than a machine — it's a tribute to Fred Currey's legacy: his tenacity, love for the land, mentorship, and belief in hard work and family.
Ol' Blue is a rolling heirloom, rebuilt with love,
carrying over four decades of memories
down every road it travels.
RESTORATION BLOG
Follow the complete restoration journey from start to finish, with detailed photos and progress updates.
Featured article showcasing the incredible transformation and attention to detail in this restoration.
Community discussions, advice, and preparation steps before beginning the restoration process.