1985 Ford F-150

Description

Growing up in the '80s, trucks this this 1985 Ford F150 were common, but not many folks took care of them. Today, finding a nice one is a pleasant surprise, particularly with Ford's famous 5.0 under the hood, which makes this pickup feel more like a Mustang with a big trunk than an industrial-strength hauler.

If you had serious work to do, you bought a long bed and maybe a bigger truck, meaning that this F150 has led a nice life as an occasional driver and hobby vehicle. As a result, it's in above-average condition for its age and still offers a lot of virtues for not a lot of cash. The paint still shines up nicely and as a regular cab/short bed model, it has pleasing proportions that give it a sporty look. It doesn't appear to have lived anyplace where snow and salt are common, so the finish is pretty close to how it must have looked almost 30 years ago. The bed is protected by a drop-in bed liner and shiny chrome rails up top, so you can still take it to Home Depot on weekends and bring home the big stuff. The front end is as familiar as your own mother's face given the longevity of these trucks, and the chrome on the grille and front bumper is in excellent shape. Out back, there's a heavy-duty step bumper with a hitch, so you can still put it to work in a pinch.

There's more evidence of this truck's easy life inside, where you'll find a comfortable gray cloth interior that's more luxury than working class. The factory upholstery is in very good condition, typical of the era's durable fabrics and it isn't as dated as you'd think for the mid-80s. The gauges are legible and clear, the door panels are in nice shape with only a light depression where the driver's elbow might have rested, and factory A/C is a welcome addition. Underneath those heavy-duty rubber mats, the factory carpets are holding up well and there's a matching carpeted pad atop the dash. For warmer days, the vent windows in the doors and sliding rear window make a pleasant breeze in the cab and the later AM/FM/CD stereo head unit sounds better than the original setup.

Best of all, there's a 5.0 liter V8 under the hood. With genetic ties directly to the famous Mustang 5.0, comparisons are inevitable, and the truth is, everything that was great about the engine survives in this pickup. It's torquey, smooth, and makes great V8 sounds from the twin tailpipes behind a single Flowmaster muffler. They're also known for being bulletproof reliable, and thanks to a recent tune up, it runs superbly. Backed by an AOD 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, it's punchy around town and just loafs along at highway speeds. The engine bay is orderly with signs of regular care, while the chassis is quite original and has nothing to hide, although it isn't shiny perfect anymore. And despite being a pickup, the ride is remarkably comfortable. Sporty factory steel wheels with trim rings add some flash and wear fat 235/75/15 Goodyear Wrangler radials at all four corners.

With handsome good looks, plenty of practicality, and a 5.0 that's just waiting for a few well-chosen mods, this F150 offers an inexpensive opportunity for lots of fun. Call today!