By Fuelish Media – Images by the Author
The Southern California sun shined down on Featherly Park in Anaheim, California, a familiar warmth for a crowd of Ford truck enthusiasts gathered for the 2025 F-100 Western Nationals. The air buzzed with the rumble of classic engines and the excited chatter of friends catching up. This wasn’t just any truck show, it was a testament to the enduring passion and a living history lesson of Blue Oval machinery.
It all started humbly in 1968, when a handful of ’53-56 “Effie” F-100 fans, driven by a desire to connect with more like-minded folks, decided to form the club Pickups Limited. For years, they simply hung out, sharing stories and admiring each other’s prized possessions. As the years turned into decades, club members became a bit older and wiser. By 1983, they decided to channel their shared love for these trucks into something more. They threw their first show in Lake Havasu, Arizona, not just for fun but to raise money for prostate cancer research. The event hopped around a few locations, but by 1992 it found its permanent home at Featherly Park, a green oasis in the heart of Orange County, California.
Fast-forward to recent years and a younger Ford truck enthusiast named Brandon Hamner found himself drawn to the F-100 Western Nationals. He wasn’t just there to spectate; he wanted to immerse himself in the camaraderie and surround himself with fellow Ford truck friends. His passion for these classic machines grew deeper with each passing year, and soon he became a member of Pickups Limited. Recognizing his youthful energy and fresh ideas, the seasoned club members saw as him the perfect successor to lead the show. Before long, Brandon was at the helm as the chairman with a vision to expand the event’s reach.
Under Brandon’s leadership, a significant change was made: the show opened its doors to all commercial classic Ford trucks, ’83 and older. This meant that trucks larger than the iconic 1/2-ton F-100s and even Broncos were now welcome. This inclusivity proved to be a game changer. The event tripled in size, becoming the largest classic Ford truck event on the West Coast. While 300 trucks might not sound like a massive gathering compared to some other automotive events, the quality on display at the 2025 F-100 Western Nationals was undeniably top-tier.
Every truck, from gleaming and meticulously restored beauties to rugged and perfectly patinaed workhorses, told a story. The atmosphere was exciting and friendly, a true celebration of the Ford truck legacy. We spent the day “chopping it up” with fellow Blue Oval fans, catching up with old friends from Fat Fender Garage, Tradesman Custom Seats, and even the folks from Boling Brothers Early Iron. The shared passion was deep, making for a truly amazing show.
The dust has barely settled on the 2025 event but plans are already in full swing for next year’s F-100 Western Nationals. Mark your calendars for June 27, 2026 as Featherly Park will once again be the place to be. You can bet we’ll be there, eager to witness all the latest and greatest Ford truck builds on the West Coast.
Check out this story in our digital edition here.
