Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tennessee
A V8 sound echoes in the distance among the rolling creeks and foggy roads of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Among the twisting and winding roads from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge emerge a line of Ford Pickup trucks, resounding the return of the annual Ford Grand National F100 Show for its 2023 event. The F100 show featured over 1,100 classic Ford trucks, with thousands of spectators descending on the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. In addition to the truck show, there was one of the largest swap meets of classic Ford truck parts, with new and old stock available.
Sightings of “Slick Sides”, “Bump Sides,” and “Dent Sides” were on display, both inside and outside the convention center. Everything is welcome within a 25-year-old or older format. Trucks featuring patina survivors, resto-modded remakes, and even high-end, complete custom builds. From custom engine swaps down to complete nut and bolt restorations, there are plenty of incredible rides from all levels of builds to see. One of the biggest highlights is a 20-mile cruise through the scenic Great Smoky Mountains on the last day of the show.
The cruise spans from Pigeon Forge through twisting, winding roads along scenic and serene sections to end in Gatlinburg. No radios are needed. It’s just windows down, wind blowing, and cool, crisp mountain air truly creating one of the best drives you could ask for. With dozens of areas to pull over and snap a once-in-a-lifetime shot of your vehicle, enjoy the peace and quiet of the great outdoors, or just take in the awesome sight of antique trucks roaming the mountainside; The Grand National F100 Show is truly one of a kind.
Held from May 18-20, 2023, the Grand National F100 Show was an auto enthusiast’s dream. Whether you’re a fan of Ford Trucks or not, it’s really all about one thing, and that’s community. This community is so open to nearly anything. Even a Chevy fan can appreciate a Ford truck with an LS engine swap. More of a Dodge or Ram lover, how about multiple trucks rocking a 12-valve Cummings engine swap?
The Grand National F100 Show displays traits like diversity and acceptance no matter the style of build you’re into. Lifted, lowered, modern power plants, old-school hot rods, work trucks — the list goes on and on as to what you will see. Just a few pieces that really stood out were a Dodge Hellcat-engine-swapped 1968 Ford F100 single cab with a short wheelbase. Others included a 1966 Custom Cab F100 with one of the highest-end and complete attention-to-detail restorations imaginable.
The show is a feast for the senses. The sight of so many classic Ford trucks is breathtaking. The sound of rumbling exhaust is exhilarating. The smell is intoxicating, and the feel of being with so many lovers of classic pickups is relaxing and inviting. The Grand National F100 Show is more than just a truck show. It is a lifestyle for young and old alike. There is something for everyone at the Grand National F100 Show. For more information, please visit the show website at www.gnf100show.com.
