1968 Ford F-100

Description

Don't look now, but these handsome Ford F-Series pickups like this 1968 Ford F-100 are becoming legitimate collectors' items today. We can't seem to keep them in stock, and while it took a while for them to catch up to their Chevy competition, they represent a great way to get some vintage iron for not a lot of cash.

Of course, the biggest problem with collecting old pickups is finding the clean ones. You know, the ones that haven't been beaten, used to push a plow, or just ignored while tools beat up their beds. Fortunately, this F-100 seems to have been treated well for most of its life, so the bodywork is in good order and it doesn't feel used up. The classic red paint job recalls the glory days of early working-class pickups, and this one has just a bit of patina on it that makes it look right at home out by the barn. It was repainted in the 20th century, so it's not a show piece, but it doesn't need any immediate help today and offers a nice, clean, honest look. The grille is shiny, the bumpers are new pieces, and it must have been a real challenge to find a tailgate insert that well-preserved. And speaking of the tailgate, the bed is in good shape with just enough scuffs to let you know it doesn't mind working to earn its keep.

Working class accommodations don't have to be crude, but we'll admit that the original vinyl bench needs a new seat cover. Today it's protected by a traditional "Mexican blanket" cloth cover that gives it a familiar look and is actually rather comfortable. Gray carpets on the floor brighten things up and that handsome Grant steering wheel really dresses things up inside. The gauges look like they were borrowed from some '50s show car, offering a complete array of instruments to watch the engine, all surrounded in a stylish bright metal bezel. There are also auxiliary gauges under the dash, just ahead of the big B&M shifter for the C6 3-speed automatic transmission underneath. Even the original AM/FM radio is still in the dash, although it's probably due for an upgrade today.

Ford trucks got their own line of engines, with the 390 cubic inch V8 in this one being a very popular choice. But there's no V8 that can't be made better with the addition of things like an pair of aluminum Edelbrock heads, a matching Edelbrock intake and 4-barrel carburetor, headers, plus a rumbling dual exhaust system. It's also quite neatly dressed, with a chrome Edelbrock air cleaner and Ford Motorsport valve covers, just for effect. It's got less than 500 miles on the build, and both power steering and brakes are part of the package, so you can drive this truck daily if you feel like it but it'll be hard to keep your foot off the loud pedal once you feel all that torque. The chassis is quite clean, somewhere between immaculate original and an older restoration, but you won't find any rust or structural damage and plenty of evidence that this truck was purely transportation and not a workhorse. It has just the right stance to look sporty, which is surely enhanced by the new Pacer aluminum wheels wearing fresh blackwall radials.

The market has definitely noticed these trucks, and with a little polish and elbow grease, this could be a very impressive addition to the field. Call today!