The 42nd Annual F-100 Western Nationals Truck Show rolled into Canyon RV Park in Anaheim, California this June, and the place rumbled with the sound of history on four wheels. Hosted by the legendary Pickups Limited Car Club of Orange County, the event has become the West Coast’s premier gathering for classic Ford trucks and their fans. From 1947–1983 Ford F-100 pickups to Mercury cousins and rare F-250 workhorses, the show honored tradition while showcasing modern creativity.
Engines at Dawn: The Scene in Anaheim
Spectators and owners arrived early as the morning sun lit up polished chrome and weathered patina alike. Gates opened at 8 a.m., and by mid-day the Canyon RV Park was filled with hundreds of classic Ford trucks in California. Enthusiasts poured in for just $10 a carload—an affordable ticket to vintage truck heaven.
The event wasn’t just about nostalgia. All proceeds supported Cruisin’ for a Cure, a nonprofit dedicated to prostate cancer research, giving the show heart as well as horsepower.
Show Highlights: Restorations, Customs, and Survivor Trucks
The Western Nationals doesn’t shy away from variety. You’ll find:
- Meticulously restored Ford pickups that look like they rolled straight out of history.
- Custom creations with chopped tops, candy paint jobs, and performance upgrades.
- Survivor trucks proudly wearing their dents, scratches, and faded paint as badges of honor.
From fleetside to stepside, lowered cruisers to lifted workhorses, each build carried its own story of sweat, steel, and stubborn pride.
Tradition Meets Innovation
The Western Nationals keeps one tire firmly planted in the past, but that doesn’t mean innovation is left in the dust. Builders blended modern performance with classic styling—fuel-injected powerplants under old-school hoods, disc brakes on solid axles, and custom interiors stitched with both comfort and nostalgia.
This unique balance is what makes the F-100 Nationals in California so special: it’s where tradition meets progress, without losing the grit that defines the Ford truck legacy.
West Coast Pride vs. East Coast Muscle
While Tennessee’s Grand National F-100 Show in Pigeon Forge set a record this year with over 1,300 trucks, the Anaheim gathering proved that California can hold its own. The West Coast show carried a distinctly laid-back SoCal vibe—shade trees, barbecue, swap meets, and plenty of camaraderie. The East might have numbers, but the West has character.
Final Take: Why the F-100 Western Nationals Still Matters
The F-100 Western Nationals isn’t about trophies or bragging rights—it’s about preserving a living heritage. These aren’t just trucks; they’re rolling testaments to hard work, American design, and the community built around them.
In a world chasing the next shiny thing, the F-100 Nationals stands firm as a reminder that steel, sweat, and stories still matter. And as long as the Pickups Limited Car Club keeps the tradition alive, this California classic will continue to be the must-attend Ford truck show of the year.
