1978 Ford F-100 Ranger

Description

What other pickup exudes the go-anywhere, do-anything kind of attitude that this 1978 Ford F-100 Ranger does? Rugged, powerful, and built when trucks were industrial-strength tools, not image machines for guys with insecurity problems, this truck remains an outstanding piece of Ford history and a heck of a lot of fun to boot.

Obviously this one has been freshened a bit, but that gorgeous Cream and Dark Jade color combination is how the factory built it and it's gorgeous! The big-rig look of this truck comes from a combination of the heavy-duty suspension and the straight, clean lines that were a common sight on the back roads and farms of America for two decades. There's a lot of time invested in this big guy, and thanks to easy living down south, there's no signs of major bodywork. The paint is a few years old, but given this truck's capabilities, it appears that it has not been used all that aggressively, and the shine it carries is better than anything 1970s paint technology could have managed. All the upscale XLT Ranger trim remains in place, including the chrome front bumper, polished stainless grille surround, and the sweeping trim that stretches from nose to tail. Other features include a heavy-duty rear bumper that looks to belong on a semi-tractor, a custom tubular front bumper, and a drop-in bedliner with tonneau cover, so it's practical no matter what the weather's doing.

There's more of that awesome and tasteful color combination inside, where an original style bench seat gives this truck comfortable accommodations for three. Thanks to the XLT Ranger upgrade, it also offers some faux wood that's maybe not as convincing as it should be, but heck, this is a truck, not a Lexus. That burled walnut does surround a nice array of gauges, all of which work properly and show surprisingly crisp markings, and you really do have to be impressed by the level of preservation inside this big pickup. Factory A/C is an unusual option on a '70s pickup, but it's more than welcome here, along with the upgraded AM/FM/cassette stereo that still sounds great. And yes, as a product of the '70s, it does have a CB radio, which was all the rage back in the days before cell phones. It also includes a trio of auxiliary gauges tastefully installed under the dash and the fat woodgrained steering wheel may not be factory original but it's very welcome here.

Power comes from a stout 351 cubic inch V8 which offers a great soundtrack and impressive performance. Tuned for low-end grunt, it moves the truck effortlessly and you'll probably find yourself enjoying the stoplight grand prix more than you expected in a big pickup. It's not quite the way the factory intended, with a 600 CFM Edelbrock carburetor, intake manifold, MSD electronic ignition, and dual exhaust system deviating from original specifications, and there's a bit of chrome to help it show off a bit. Underneath, it's clean and tidy, with a 3-speed automatic transmission and heavy-duty rear end with towering 2.72 gears inside, so it's actually quite comfortable on the highway. Four chrome Cragar SS wheels with spinners are wrapped with huge 265/70/15 Goodyear Wrangler radials that look great and fill the big wheel wells perfectly.

These Fords were renowned for their reliability and style, and this one definitely takes it to the next level. Call today!