Vehicle Description
With both its original powerplant and exterior color on display and
a camper shell mounted firmly in place, this 1971 Ford F-250 Ranger
stands ready, willing and able to begin its next chapter of
service, whether that might encompass daily nostalgia-infused
journeys to a worksite with equipment stowed in back, or escorting
you on adventure-filled outings.
Well over 45 years have gone by since this truck first saw the
light of day, but a quick lap around will provide ample proof that
it's still a vital-looking workhorse. It's actually pretty hard to
find trucks of this era that can rightfully boast true survivor
status while also being free of corrosion and this specimen has
that box checked. Sure, you'll see evidence of its toil over the
years cropping up on its original red exterior - this is a
task-oriented pickup, after all - but in all respects, this vintage
Ford has aged exceptionally well. The bumpers in both front and
back and those long stretches of chrome trim on the sides remain
straight and level and are surprisingly clean, the glass
surrounding the cabin is nice and clear and the gaps between body
panels are still impressively even. Both the sturdy push bar up
front with its pair of fog lights in place and the hardshell camper
mounted over the bed reinforce the notion that this venerable
pickup is all ready to hit the road and get things done. A set of
late-issue Ford wheels injects just a touch of modernity into the
mix.
The black vinyl interior has yet to have ventured into an
upholstery shop for freshening but is fully ready for action just
as it stands. The bench seat shows some signs of wear - again this
truck is approaching a half century old - but it remains well
padded and plenty comfortable for even longer excursions and the
door panels to each side look to be fairly recently added and cling
firmly to their surrounding steel frames. Just in front of the
sizable stock steering wheel, the dash area also remains in its
original configuration and is crowned by a black dash pad that
shows no serious blemishes, while just below, the original factory
gauges still perform properly. An AM/FM/Cassette stereo is on board
to provide a period-appropriate audio experience and an underdash
air conditioning system is in place to keep you and your passengers
comfortable while on the road.
Beneath the hood, the engine compartment has been well maintained
and a 360 cubic inch V8 - likely the very same motor this venerable
truck began life with - sits at the center with its properly
painted blue block, valve covers and air cleaner. As a member of
Ford's line of FE powerplants, it's part of a class that has forged
quite a reputation for uncomplaining durability over the years and
features an array of heavy-duty internal components to make it well
suited for rugged use in a truck like this. It's fed by a
factory-issue 2-barrel carb and pairs with a "three on the tree"
manual transmission that's shifting in top form, sending a deep
commanding note out of the aftermarket dual exhaust as this classic
gets down to business on its set of 16" wheels wrapped with
Sumitomo Encounter HT tires that still appear to have quite a bit
of tread remaining. Below, the frame is straight and sturdy,
leaving it well-positioned for plenty more chapters of
adventure.
Looking for a capable, sturdy vintage pickup that's ready to tackle
anything you can throw at it? You have to check out this 1971 Ford
F-250 Ranger. Call today!