Vehicle Description
Growing up in the '80s, trucks this this 1980 Ford F100 Custom were
common, but not many folks took care of them. Today, finding a nice
one is a pleasant surprise, particularly with Ford's famous 5.0
under the hood, which makes this pickup feel more like a Mustang
with a big trunk than an industrial-strength hauler.
If you had serious work to do, you bought a long bed and maybe a
bigger truck, meaning that this F100 has led a nice life as an
occasional driver and hobby vehicle. As a result, it's in
above-average condition for its age and still offers a lot of
virtues for not a lot of cash, and with only 60,024 miles on the
clock, it's got a long way to go ahead of it. The black paint still
shines up nicely and as a regular cab/short bed model, it has
pleasing proportions that give it a sporty look. It doesn't appear
to have lived anyplace where snow and salt are common, so the
finish is pretty close to how it must have looked almost 40 years
ago. The bed is protected by a drop-in carpeted liner and a tonneau
cover up top, so you can still take it to Home Depot on weekends
and bring home the big stuff. The "Bull Nose" front end is as
familiar as your own mother's face given the longevity of these
trucks, and the chrome on the grille and front bumper is in
excellent shape. Out back, there's a heavy-duty step bumper with a
hitch, so you can still put it to work in a pinch.
There's more evidence of this truck's easy life inside, where
you'll find a comfortable red vinyl interior that's more luxury
than working class. The upholstery is in very good condition (the
bench seat was likely reupholstered at some point), typical of the
era's durable fabrics and it isn't as dated as you'd think for the
80s. The gauges are legible and clear, the dash is free of cracks,
the door panels are in nice shape, and factory A/C that's been
upgraded to handle R134a refrigerant is a welcome addition.
Underneath those heavy-duty floor mats, the factory vinyl floor mat
is holding up well and is perfect for a truck because it can just
be quickly hosed off of any dirt. For warmer days that don't
require A/C, the vent windows in the doors make a pleasant breeze
in the cab if needed.
Best of all, there's a 5.0 liter V8 under the hood. With genetic
ties directly to the famous Mustang 5.0, comparisons are
inevitable, and the truth is, everything that was great about the
engine survives in this pickup. It's torquey, smooth, and makes
great V8 sounds from the twin tailpipes behind a single Flowmaster
muffler. They're also known for being bulletproof reliable, and
thanks to super low miles and great maintenance throughout the
years, it runs superbly. Backed by a rare 3-speed manual
transmission that would've probably been special-ordered, it's
punchy around town and just loafs along at highway speeds as well.
The engine bay is orderly with signs of regular care, while the
chassis is quite original and has nothing to hide, although it
isn't shiny perfect anymore. And despite being a pickup, the ride
is remarkably comfortable. Upgraded Ridler add some flash and wear
fat 235/60/18 front and 255/60/18 rear Nexen radials at all four
corners.
With handsome good looks, plenty of practicality, and a 5.0 that's
just waiting for a few well-chosen mods, this F100 offers an
inexpensive opportunity for lots of fun. Call today!
