When classic American automotive heritage meets cutting-edge off-road engineering, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. That’s exactly what Sam Collins achieved with his Ultra49Ford, a unique Ultra4 machine built for the King of the Hammers. Combining modern race technology with the body of a 1949 Ford F8, this garage-built masterpiece turns heads both on and off the track. Immerse yourself in the Ultra49Ford: A Vintage Soul Built for the Toughest Races.
Beyond the Big Teams: The Heart of Ultra4 Racing
King of the Hammers is often associated with factory-backed teams, professional drivers, and high-budget builds. But the real essence of Ultra4 Racing lies in the privateer teams—passionate individuals who invest their time, money, and skills to compete in one of the toughest off-road challenges in the world. These racers embody the true spirit of determination, and Sam Collins is one of them.
Discovering the Hidden Gems of Hammertown
One of the most exciting aspects of being at the lakebed is exploring the outskirts of Hammertown. This is where you find the most interesting stories—privateer-built vehicles that are as much works of art as they are race machines. Ultra49Ford is a perfect example.
Sam Collins: A Life Built Around Off-Roading
“I’m Sam Collins, and I live in the woods of Washougal, Washington, with my wife, Sarah, and our three daughters, Giulietta, Sophia, and Rosalie,” he shared when we met. “I work as a superintendent in a carpentry shop, and I do all the work on my off-road vehicles myself. Most of my friends are off-road enthusiasts, and I started driving a 4×4—my dad’s 1966 Ford—when I was just 10 years old.”
Years later, he transformed his father’s truck into a competition rig and began racing in events like W.E. Rock. But rock crawling wasn’t enough. “I was tired of going slow,” he admits. That’s when some friends introduced him to Ultra4 Racing, and in 2016, he started building what would become Ultra49Ford.
Collins debuted his creation in 2017. The following year, he finished 47th out of 114 at King of the Hammers and took first place in the 4400 class at Vegas to Reno. In 2019, he improved his KOH ranking to 17th, and this year, he crossed the finish line in 30th place—an incredible feat for a privateer team.
What Makes Ultra49Ford Special?
Ultra49Ford isn’t just another race truck—it’s a blend of heritage and innovation. Collins designed and built the entire chassis himself, using 2-inch steel tubing. For the body, he kept things true to Ford, incorporating the cab of a 1949 Ford F8.
The first-generation Ford F-Series (1947–1952) came in eight different chassis configurations, ranging from the lighter-duty F1 pickup to the heavy-duty F8, known as the “Big Job” series. Collins’ choice of an F8 body gives his Ultra4 machine a striking vintage appearance without sacrificing performance.
Under the hood, Ultra49Ford is powered by a 2015 Ford Coyote 5.0L V8 pushing 450 HP. It’s paired with a TH400 transmission and a Hero 3-speed transfer case. The truck runs on Spidertrax axles—3.5” Pro up front and 4” Pro in the rear.
The suspension setup features a 4-link design with Fox Factory 3.0 shocks, 4-tube bypass dampers, 2.0 coilovers, and PAC springs.
The build is completed with SMT American Forged 17×9 wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Racing KR3 40×12.5 tires.
Built for the Passion of Racing
Ultra49Ford isn’t just about speed or competition—it’s a testament to passion, craftsmanship, and the relentless pursuit of adventure. Sam Collins has proven that with dedication and ingenuity, even a garage-built machine can take on the toughest off-road race in the world.
Ultra49Ford tech sheet
Chassis
Chassis Design: Custom Tube
Frame / Chassis Materials: 2″ main chassis with 1.75″ and 1.5″ non-supporting tubes, all .120 wall
Cage Builder / Cage Material : Sam Collins, Same as chassis
Overall Wheelbase: 115″
Overall Length: 163″
Belly Pan Clearance: 17″
Overall Height: 75″
Wheel Track Width: 84″
Overall Weight (Estimate if uncertain): 5000 est.
Tires & Wheels
Tire Make / Size: BFG Racing KR3, 40×12.5
Wheel Make / Size / Bolt Pattern/ Backspace: SMT AMERICAN FORGED 17×9, 8on6.5, 4.5 backspacing
Suspension
Front Suspension Type & Material: 4-Link 7075 Alum.
Front Sway Bar: PAC
Front Shocks: Fox Factory 3.0, 4 tube bypass, 2.0 coil over, PAC springs
Front Bump Stops: 2.0 Fox
Rear Suspension Type & Material: 4-Link with trailing arms
Rear Sway Bar: Ruffstuff
Rear Shocks: Fox Factory 3.0, 4 tube bypass, 2.0 coil over, PAC springs
Rear Bump Stops: 2.5 Fox
Axles
Front Axle Housing: Spidertrax 3.5″ Pro
Front Differential / Locker: Gearworks HP 10″
Front Axle Shafts: Spidertrax 35 spline innner, 40 spline outer 300M
Front U-Joints: CTM
Front Drive Flanges / Hubs: Spidertrax Unit Bearings
Front Brakes: Wildwood 6 piston
Front Steering Components: Howe 9″ ram, PSC CBR pump and PSC accessories
Rear Axle Housing: Spidertrax 4″ Pro
Rear Differential / Locker: Gearworks HP 10″
Rear Axle Shafts: Spidertrax 40 spline 300M
Rear Drive Flanges: Spidertrax Unit Bearings
Rear Brakes: Wildwood 6 piston
Ring & Pinion Manufacturer & Gear Ratio(s): Gearworks 6.20
Powertrain
Engine Manufacturer: Ford Coyote 2015 crate motor
Engine Displacement, Liters or Cubic Inches: 5.0L
Engine Horsepower: 450
Engine Torque: 400
Engine Modifications: Stock
Battery: Odyssey group 31
Radiator / Fans: CBR
Air Intake: Custom 3.5″ tube with KN filter
Exhaust: 304 stainless with Racetek Mufflers
Transmission Make & Type: Reid TH400 with billet internals, built by Maximum Transmission
Transmission Cooling System: Griffen Large offroad cooler
Torque Converter: TCS custom billet
Transmission Shifter: Art Carr
Transfer Case(s): Hero 3 speed, 1-1, 1.4-1, 3.0-1
Front Driveshaft Builder & Components Used: Allied Fab 1350, 2.125″x 3/16″ wall tube
Rear Driveshaft Builder & Components Used: Allied Fab 1410-1480 3″x 3/16″ wall tube
Fuel Cell or Tank, Type, Size & Builder: Jaz 26 gallon
Fuel System Pumps & Filters: Bosch 044 dual in tank pumps, Holley hydromats
Body / Interior
Body / Body Panels: 49 Ford F8
Body Modifications: Minor trimming
Skid plate / Material: Hardox 500 1/4″
Painter Name: Original Paint
Hood / Grille: Factory hood, no grille
Floors / Firewalls: Aluminum panels
Dash / Gauges / Switches: Factory dash, aluminum guage and switch pods, Speedhut Guages
Steering Column / Wheel: Custom column, Joes racing wheel
Pedal Assembly / Cutting Brakes: Wildwood dual master cylinders
Seats / Harnesses: PRP
Electronics: Lots of race stuff all wired by Allied Fab
Lights Interior / Exterior: Baja Designs LED
Safety – Fire Extinguisher: 3x5lb fire extenguishers Winches – Front / Rear – Brand & Capacity: Warn 9.5ti
