09/01/2026
Family Showcase:
James Smith / 1956 F100
Growing up in Walnut Creek, California, my neighbor Bob Flaner introduced me to the world of classic cars and hot rods. As a kid, I spent countless hours riding around with him in his ’56, never knowing how much those memories would shape my own story.
In the summer of 1981, my friend Jim and I went to San Jose to pick up my 1956 Ford F-100. It became my daily driver, and I even took my future wife on our first date in it at the drive-in.
By 1985, the truck was off the road. Over the next three decades, it followed us from Concord to Placerville, waiting while work, family, and life took priority.
After retiring in 2013, I made it a goal to finally bring the ’56 back to life. By 2017, it was running again, but my family convinced me it deserved a full restoration.
In December 2021, I reached out to Brandon Flaner—Bob’s grandson and someone I’ve known his entire life. Having the grandson of the man who first introduced me to hot rods restore my ’56 made the project feel like it had come full circle.
In March 2023, we delivered the truck to Brandon’s shop. In January 2026, he unveiled the finished ’56, and we immediately loaded it up and headed to the Grand National Roadster Show for its first showing.
More than 40 years after I brought it home, this truck is more than a hot rod. It’s a lifetime of memories, family, friendship, and a story that has come full circle.
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