1976 Ford F-100 Ranger XLT

Description

In 1976, when this Ford F100 Ranger XLT was built, the F-series was already on its way to becoming the best-selling vehicle in the world. Of course, that's easy to understand when they were as handsome and rugged as this short bed/regular cab example, which offers an awesome color combination, options like factory A/C, and a great-running 390 cubic inch V8.

This vintage hauler offers just the right combination of functionality and flash, and the current condition is a wonderful testament to someone's rather large investment in its restoration. The sinister black paint accentuates the truck's square-jawed look, and it looks like there's no project it can't handle. It also appears that this has always been a super clean original truck, because there's no evidence of panel replacements or metal surgery under the paint, and as a lifelong southern truck, rust is not an issue. All the trim is in great condition, including the cool stainless side molding that stretches the entire length of the truck, accentuating the length of the 6-foot bed. The front bumper is chrome and in excellent shape and the grille with its trademark high-mounted parking lights is instantly recognizable as a Ford from a mile away. In back, there's another shiny chrome bumper and the solid bed has been finished with a non-skid bed liner material, making this truck ready to work or play. Oh, and a set of bed rails gives it a sporty look that's also highly functional.

The handsome black cloth interior is so nice it almost hurts your eyes to look at it. The neatly upholstered bench seat wears funky '70s style cloth and shows that even a working class truck can have some style. The seat cover and door panel inserts appear to be brand new, while the gauges and instrument panel are original and in very good condition. Ford gave F100 buyers a comprehensive set of instruments, but in 1974, things like A/C and an automatic transmission were expensive options (fortunately, this truck has both). There's a newer AM/FM/cassette stereo in the center of the dash feeding speakers in the doors and upgraded units behind the seat, and it sounds impressive given the well-insulated cabin. Newer black carpets certainly help with that and look great at the same time.

390 cubic inches is more than sufficient to get this truck moving in a hurry, and the engine bay itself is extremely clean and nicely detailed for a stock look. You'll find nice Ford Blue paint on the engine itself and satin black engine accessories like the massive A/C compressor. New hoses, plugs, wires and other maintenance items were installed during the restoration, so it runs and drives beautifully, with a great V8 rumble to the exhaust, which comes complements of Flowmaster. The 3-speed automatic is virtually bulletproof and the chassis is proof enough that this is a clean truck from down south, one that's had a good amount of cash poured into it. Color-matched wheels with chrome trim rings and centers are exactly the right choice and carry 255/75/15 Firestone radials.

If you're of a certain age, you grew up when these trucks were everywhere, but today nice ones are hard to find. Beautifully finished, surprisingly fast, and totally practical, this is an awesome truck at an awesome price. Call today!