Some trucks wear their history on their sheet metal, and this ’63 Ford F-250 is one of them. At first glance it looks like just another American import with its steering wheel on the “wrong” side for South Africa. But for Ford enthusiasts, the bigger quirk is at the back — the bed doesn’t line up. That’s because this is one of the legendary “wrong bed” trucks.
Back in 1961, Ford USA launched the unibody pickup. On paper it was slick. In reality? Not so much. Buyers weren’t impressed and by 1962 sales were tanking. Ford had to move quickly, ditching the unibody design and returning to a separate cab and bed. The only problem? There wasn’t enough time to tool up a new bed, so they bolted the older ’57–’60 Styleside beds onto the ’63 cabs. The lines didn’t quite match, and enthusiasts quickly christened them “wrong bed” trucks. So, while it might look “incorrect,” this F-250 rolled off the line exactly as you see it. A quirk of history — and now a badge of honour.
From Farm Truck to Daily Driver Current owner Brennan Carey picked up the F-250 from a young man who had planned to restore it with his father before tragedy struck. The truck’s first big transformation happened in 2004 when Speedway rebuilt it with Jaguar front suspension, lowered stance, and a new drivetrain.
Gone was the original Ford 292 Y-block. In its place: a Ford 5.0 EFI Windsor, chosen for reliability, power, and daily drivability.
Later upgrades made it even sharper — a Spitronics fuel management system with sequential injector firing, a K&N intake, and a custom Powerflow exhaust with branches. The result is a truck with plenty of muscle on tap, but refined enough to use every day.
Paint That Stops Traffic Brennan wasn’t about to let the mechanicals do all the talking. After handling the prep work himself, he brought in Calvin de Jongh to lay down one of the most striking paint schemes you’ll ever see on a classic truck.
The body wears a complex three-stage PPG matte pearl job. Up top is Lamborghini Bianco Canopos white pearl, while the lower half is a custom-mixed matte blue pearl. Between the two runs a fine burgundy pinstripe — subtle but perfectly tied into the detailing on the badges, interior, and even the Wheel Vintiques.
The finish is so unique it leaves onlookers guessing. Some swear it’s vinyl wrap. Others think it’s plastidip. But no, it’s paint — meticulously sprayed, with the pearl in the base and a matte clear to lock it down. The effect? A flat finish that still shimmers under light.
Details That Matter The F-250 rides on 16-inch burgundy Wheel Vintiques with chrome baby moons, wrapped in Diamond Back classic whitewalls. Inside, it’s clean and classic.
The stock bench was retrimmed in tan leather, with everything else left period-correct except for a Lokar nostalgia shifter, modern aircon, and a discreet head unit. It’s simple, tasteful, and functional — exactly what a daily-driven RestoMod should be.
The Verdict Between its historical oddities, flawless colour scheme, and sorted driveline, Brennan’s F-250 nails the sweet spot: usable, stylish, and absolutely unique. It may carry the nickname “wrong bed,” but it couldn’t be more right.Tech Sheet – 1963 Ford F-250 “Wrong Bed”
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Owner: Brennan Carey – Durban
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Builder: Speedway
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Engine: Ford 5.0 EFI V8, BMW aluminium radiator, K&N intake, custom Powerflow exhaust with branches, Spitronics fuel management
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Transmission: Ford AOD
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Suspension: Jaguar XJS front, lowered stock leaf rear
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Brakes: Jaguar front, VW Golf GTi rear
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Wheels: 16-inch Wheel Vintiques, burgundy finish, chrome baby moons, Diamond Back classic whitewalls (235/55/16)
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Interior: Tan leather bench, Lokar AOD 23-inch nostalgia shifter, retrofitted aircon
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Paint: Lamborghini Bianco Canopos matte pearl / custom matte blue pearl / burgundy pinstripe & detailing
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Painter: Calvin de Jongh
