Vehicle Description
In 1976, when this Ford F150 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 long bed/regular cab example, which
offers an appealing 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 care. The
pretty Bahama Blue 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 significant
metal surgery under the paint, and as a lifelong southern truck,
rust is not really an issue. All the trim is in good original
condition, including the cool stainless side molding that stretches
the entire length of the truck, accentuating the length of the
8-foot bed. The front bumper is chrome and in pretty nice 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 just been
finished with a non-skid bed liner material, making this truck
ready to work or play. Oh, and a bed-mounted tool box helps keep it
functional.
The handsome blue crinkle cloth interior is original, but it's
still in good shape and probably shouldn't be restored. The bench
seat wears funky '70s style patterns and shows that even a working
class truck can have some style. The seat cover and door panel
inserts are holding up well, while the gauges and instrument panel
are also original and in very good condition. Ford gave F150 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/CD stereo in the center
of the dash feeding speakers in the doors, and it sounds impressive
given the well-insulated cabin. Newer blue 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. There are signs that some cosmetic
clean-up was done a few years back, including nice Ford Blue paint
on the air cleaner and valve covers, and basic black engine
accessories like the massive A/C compressor. New hoses, plugs,
wires and other maintenance items were installed recently, so it
runs and drives beautifully, and there's a big aluminum radiator up
front. A full dual exhaust system offers a great V8 rumble, which
comes complements of new mufflers out back. The C6 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. Basic steel wheels with full wheel
covers are factory-issue and carry 235/75/15 Michelin 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!