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California Export: 1976 Ford F-150 Ranger XLT

1976 Ford F-150

There are deals to be had in California! That’s not because things are cheaper there. It’s because they have stricter emissions requirements than most other States. That means that if you are okay having a mid-seventies vehicle like this F-150 shipped, you may be able to get it cheaper than you would in your local market. At least that’s the hope. This truck is located in Anderson, California and is listed here on eBay where bidding is currently at $1,325 with no reserve and only a couple of days left.

460 V8

This truck is well-outfitted and there’s even a big 460 V8 (the largest available in ’76) under the hood! It’s claimed to have only covered 77k miles since new and to have had a ton of maintenance work done in the last year ($771 to be exact). It does make you wonder why they didn’t do the work needed to keep it in California, but I’m guessing the upgraded Edelbrock carburetor hiding under that air cleaner might be partly to blame?

Hurst Shifter

Inside you will find another upgrade in the form of a Hurst shifter. That could probably stay, but those seat covers have gotta go! An upholstery kit, some new carpet, and a steering wheel will really spruce things up in here. The Ranger XLT package added a lot of nice upgrades. Many were visual, but things like intermittent windshield wipers and a glove box lock were true luxuries in your work truck back then.

Ranger XLT

The days of picking up post-emissions California cars on the cheap may have ended with the advent of the internet, but it’s still fun to think of the possibilities. I’m actually surprised this truck can’t be sold in California because trucks skirted the smog and safety requirements longer than passenger cars. Look inside for proof – no headrests or shoulder belts. Trucks were able to get away with not having catalytic converters longer too. Oh well, that just means more good stuff for the rest of us!

Comments

  1. Avatar Stephen

    If ever a truck was in need of a colour change!

    Like 0
  2. HoA Howard A Member

    Unless you are going to pull a huge rv or a battleship, the 460 is a bit much by today’s standards. Early in my driving career, I worked as a city delivery driver for an auto paint supplier, and the “new” truck, was one similar to this, only a 302, 2 barrel. It had plenty of power and delivered somewhat reasonable gas mileage. Those trucks were driven hard, everyday, and never missed a delivery. I’ve had several Ford pickups of my own of this era, ( and a full-size Bronco) and just the best of trucks. I can’t believe what has happened to modern pickups. Totally lost their way. Call me old school, but trucks should be trucks, not fancy sedans with a pickup box. Don’t think you could go wrong here.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar DirtyHarry

    California only tests cars that are newer than 1975, so this one is the one nobody wants. There has been some talk to increase the smog exemption up to 1980, so this “game” may change yet again.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Chebby

    The only thing worse than those LTD wheel covers are color-matched ones like these. Barf.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar PaulG

    460 = t-h-i-r-$-t-y….

    Like 0

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