1970 Ford F-100 Ranger XLT

Description

We love trucks here at Streetside Classics. They offer confident V8 power, handsome good looks that never seem to go out of style, and let's not forget the practicality of a hobby vehicle that can also haul plywood. Looking dashing in basic black, this 1970 Ford F-100 pickup is one of those beautifully presented vintage haulers that offers a lot of virtues for not a lot of cash.

It's probably not possible to build a black truck this nice out of one that's been worked hard, the investment in getting the sheetmetal this straight would be astronomical. Fortunately, major surgery seems to have been unnecessary in this truck's case, with very straight panels that show off the glossy black finish to great advantage. Regular cab/short bed trucks offer almost ideal proportions without being clumsy around town, and even though the Ford is conservative, it has a sporty look with the upgraded rolling stock underneath. A splash of bright trim that was part of the Ranger XLT package slashes down the sides of the body and reinforces just how straight this truck is. There's also a jaunty wood applique inside the trim that's kind of a '70s retro-cool. The chrome, stainless, and other bright pieces are in very nice shape, particularly since this truck is coming up on 45 years old. And you won't have to worry about putting it to work because there's a really nicely done spray-in bedliner to keep things in shape.

The gray cloth interior is a very welcome upgrade from the usual sticky vinyl and gives the Ford a more grown-up look. Sure, you can take it to work, but it's also comfortable joining you out for a night on the town. The seat cover and carpets are recent, with original door panels and dash to complement. A deep dish wood-rimmed steering wheel may look familiar to Mustang fans, but it feels right here, too, and works well with the woodgrained inserts in the instrument panel. All the gauges show crisp markings, more evidence that this truck has been pretty sheltered all its life, and there's a newer AM/FM/cassette stereo with speakers stashed behind the seat to keep you company.

If you're just having fun, you don't need a giant, thirsty V8 to do it, and the G-code 302 cubic inch small block in this Ford is torquey and energetic enough to make it feel quick around town. Obviously the engine bay has been recently and extensively freshened with lots of new components, so it looks every bit as good as the body. Ford Blue engine enamel gives it a bright, factory-fresh appearance, and it sticks to the original specifications so it's going to be reliable, too. It appears that belts, hoses, and other tune-up parts are fresh and when you turn the key it barks to life with a great Mustang-esque burble from the twin tailpipes. Backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission and 9-inch rear, it's still got all the truck parts to be useful around the house and the condition of the underside should leave you with no worries about its history. Flashy aluminum wheels look great against the black bodywork and carry 235/70/15 Cooper radials.

Looking at this laser straight F-100, is it any mystery why we love vintage pickups? Call today!