Vehicle Description
We get a lot of handsome vintage pickups in our showroom, but this
particular Bullnose Ford 4x4 really deserves your undivided
attention. While most mid-'80s Ford pickups were ridden hard and
put up wet, this particular 1986 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat 4x4 has
lived a charmed existence in the warm South. Trimmed out with
top-of-the-line options, this low-mile (those 27,717 miles are
believed actual) shortbed features fresh black paint, an impeccably
preserved A/C interior, a commanding 4x4 stance, and a powerful
5.0L Windsor V8 under the hood. If you love the look of this
beautiful bruiser in our photos, wait until you see it in
person.
It's very refreshing to see a dialed-in truck from this era that's
not a GM Square Body. Ford did great business in the '80s with
their upscale off-roaders, and not many trucks were more admired
than the Bullnose F-150. Unfortunately, many of these trucks were
driven into the ground out on the trails, worked within an inch of
their lives, or simply left to wither away in scrapyards. That's
what makes this Bullnose so special, it's been insanely preserved
and restored to a level we've never really seen before in this era
of trucks. F-150s have always had a loyal fanbase, and they've
become prized possessions in the collector market - especially when
one from a rather underrepresented generation (7th) such as this is
found. It's really quite a gem, and you'd never think this bruiser
was 35 years old thanks to the high level of conscientious care
this truck has had since new. Recently resprayed (4 years ago) back
to its original shade of Raven Black, the finish is fresh and looks
great from all angles, offering a top driver quality presentation
not often found in 4x4s. It's not some trailer-queen, which is good
because you actually want to drive this rig, although with 27,717
believed actual miles on the clock and a heck of a paint job it's
about as dialed-in as they come. As a Lariat, it comes neatly
trimmed, and that brightwork has been polished up as a perfect
complement to the black bodywork. Heavy-duty chrome bumpers are
beefy endcaps that shine bright, and the iconic eggcrate grille and
surrounding Lariat trim really punctuate the killer look. All the
badging was reinstalled after the respray, all the lenses are
crystal clear, 'FORD' lettering on the tailgate was painted red,
and chrome side mirrors and Westin step bars are the perfect choice
for a rugged pickup like this. The shortbed features chrome bed
rails, a toolbox, and walls and floors professionally lined with
black bedliner to protect the original sheetmetal.
The red interior is another pleasant surprise, offering a
hermetically sealed cabin that's both super-clean and all-day
comfortable. Ford insisted on upscale appointments in their
top-of-the-line XLT Lariat models, and the soft-crush upholstery on
the bench is tasteful and durable, yet still stylish enough to not
look too dated. The red carpets are original and still feel very
plush with only minor signs of use, the original headliner is taut
and unblemished, and even the expansive dash is in great shape -
further proof that this truck has been babied since new. Lariat
door panels are originals and feature a bright band of accent
chrome and hardware, and the distinct lack of any major sun-fading
on these '80s materials is a feat all on its own. The fact that
there is so little wear on high-traffic areas like the pedals,
steering wheel, shifters, etc. serves as further proof that this is
very likely a real 27K mile truck. Woodgrain on the dash and
steering wheel was a trademark of Lariat trim in '86, and it really
does a great job making things feel sophisticated inside.
Top-of-the-line Lariats came loaded, including cold factory A/C
(recently upgraded with modern R134a hardware), power window/locks,
cruise control, dual gas tanks, a leather-rimmed steering wheel
atop a tilt column, a digital clock, a sliding rear window, and the
lone aftermarket upgrade: a Sony AM/FM/CD/AUX/BT head unit that
powers upgraded speakers inside. All the factory gauges ahead of
the driver are crystal clear and work great, as do the 'idiot'
warning lights, and with a column shifter managing the automatic
transmission below, things are very comfortable at the helm of this
truck.
Ford's erstwhile fuel-injected 5.0L V8 is a great choice to move
all this metal, providing plenty of low-end grunt that never feels
stressed. Despite a vast aftermarket for the venerable 5.0L motor
(aka the 302 Windsor V8), this one remains stock, and even though
Ford didn't stamp VINs on their blocks to 100% confirm
numbers-matching, the date-code confirms this to be a 1986 engine
and by the looks of all the bone-stock components we believe this
to be the original drivetrain. With low miles on the clock and
signs of maintenance throughout the engine runs great, with plenty
of horsepower and torque on tap for any occasion. The engine bay is
just as slick and original as the rest of the truck, and if it's
ever seen anything rougher than a gravel driveway, we'd be
surprised. With a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, a
2-speed transfer case, and a heavy-duty 9-inch rear end with 3.00
gears, this truck is equally happy at highway speeds or out on the
trail. Recent maintenance totaling over $3k upgraded the brake
system, introduced a Rough Country lift to the overhauled
suspension, and included a tune-up, which means this Ford is ready
for the road right now. The exhaust system sounds great, and with
power steering, power front disc brakes, and a rear sway bar this
big Ford is an easy and comfortable driver. Brand new ProComp
chrome wheels are in excellent shape, wearing fresh 35x12.5x15
Falken A/T radials that finish off the look perfectly.
Beautifully preserved and impeccably maintained, this gorgeous '86
Ford 4x4 is ready to dominate right now. Call today!
