The Ford F-250 Restomod is what happens when a Raptor daydream travels back to 1985. Oregon mechanic Matt Johnson took a neglected bullnose pickup and turned it into a showpiece with Ford Performance backing. It will anchor Ford’s display at SEMA this November.
A Bullnose Built on a Blown Engine
The project began with an old Toyota Land Cruiser, but Ford steered Johnson toward something more appropriate. He offered a photo of a 1985 F-250 with a blown engine sitting behind his shop. Ford agreed that the truck deserved a small-block heart, and the bullnose body proved the perfect candidate.
Johnson’s $800 shop truck, named Norma Jeane, received a full overhaul. Its original mill made way for Ford Racing’s 575-hp Boss V-8, mated to a Ford R680 six-speed automatic. Still, the truck keeps its period character, from the hubcaps to the vintage-style stereo.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 7.5L (460 cu in) Ford Racing Boss V-8 |
| 🐎Power Output | 575 HP |
| ⚡Peak Torque | (est.) 600 lb-ft |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | (est.) 0-60 mph in 5.5s |
| 🚀Top Speed | (est.) 115 mph |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | Ford R680 6-Speed Automatic / 4WD |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | Build cost not disclosed |
Ford Restomod Ethos Meets Raptor Attitude
Ford’s first Raptor arrived at the 2008 Baja 1000, so this truck is a nostalgic thought experiment. Imagine the widened, aggressive stance of a modern Raptor applied to a classic bullnose frame two decades earlier. The result carries a monolithic stance and unyielding overland intent. Enthusiasts who have followed the Oldsmobile 88 Rocket Restomod will recognize the same philosophy of blending period styling with modern muscle.
The 92-Part Build Story Behind Norma Jeane
Johnson documented every stage through a 92-part social media series, covering a custom suspension kit and freshly weatherstripped glass. The 40-day timeline stretched considerably once SEMA entered the picture. Along the way, his shop account, Doc Johnson Restorations, gathered a substantial following on Instagram and Facebook.
Why This Restomod Matters to Collectors
On paper, a 575-hp classic Ford with fresh mechanicals is a rare thing. In reality, this truck proves that purposeful brute force can still wear vintage sheet metal with dignity. Expect restomod enthusiasts to chase builds like this for years. Ultimately, the Ford F-250 Restomod may become a benchmark for how the Blue Oval honors its heritage.
Visit Auto News Magazine for more coverage from the SEMA floor. Ford’s official details are available at Ford.
Disclaimer: This article features an independent digital design study created by [Designer] and is neither officially affiliated with, endorsed by, nor produced by [Automaker].
Dominic Cross
Luxury & 4x4 Correspondent at Auto News Magazine. Authoritative reviewer of ultra-luxury flagships, bespoke coachbuilding, aftermarket tuning houses, and heavy-duty overland vehicles.
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