In 1998 the Ford Ranger design got a facelift, with new sheet metal, a new grill and revised headlamps. The wheelbase on the regular cab model was stretched to provide more cabin room, and the engineers also increased the base engine displacement. For even greater flexibility, the 1997 model’s I-beam was also replaced by a short and long arm suspension. The result: a sleeker, more powerful, bigger truck with better cornering capabilities. What’s not to love?
This meticulously preserved XLT is still owned by the original owner’s family and is being sold on behalf of his widow. It has been recently serviced with fresh oil, filter and antifreeze.
As you peruse the photo gallery, have a look at the detail and care that the owner put into this truck. As evidenced by the surprisingly low mileage, this pickup has been driven sparingly, and no one has ever smoked in it. The gray cloth interior, dash and paint work are immaculate, and there is no evidence of stone chips anywhere.
Evidently the Ranger was loved, as there is a bug deflector on the hood, wind deflectors attached to each door and mud guards behind each of the four wheels. Protecting the steel bed is a DuraLiner bed liner; no evidence of scratches in the bed shows this truck has certainly lived a good life.
There is a bumper hitch package with plug for trailer lights but, again, there’s no evidence that a trailer was ever hitched to it.
Additional options include an AM/FM radio with cassette, air conditioning, a sliding rear window, and black rubber floor mats. Cooper GT radials adorn the special aluminum wheels.
A low-mileage original truck in this condition rarely comes up for sale. It has never been used for a business . . . just tenderly cared for. The new owner will benefit from having a vehicle that is still in very good condition, hopefully continuing the same love and care that it has been given during the last 25 years of ownership.
