If you’re searching for a vintage truck with both character and history, this 1975 Ford F-250 Custom 4×4 might be the one. Listed here on craigslist in Mariposa, California, the seller calls it a barn find and states that it has been in their family for more than 40 years. They even suggest it’s possible their great-grandfather was the original owner, though that has not been confirmed. Powered by a 360 cubic-inch V8, the truck has been sitting for more than two decades, but the seller notes that it was last started about 8–10 years ago after careful preparation and ran cleanly from an external fuel can.
The truck wears its age well, with the seller describing the body as “well preserved inside and out.” While the exterior shows the expected patina from years of storage, it remains largely intact and straight, offering a solid foundation for revival. Equipped with a period-style camper, this F-250 was likely used as both a workhorse and a recreational rig during its active years. The camper shell appears to have helped protect the bed and may add to the truck’s survivor appeal.
Under the hood, the seller states the 360 V8 ran briefly when last started. They caution that the truck will need attention before returning to road use, including fresh fuel lines and either cleaning or replacing the tanks. Tires and other rubber components will also need to be replaced after sitting for so long.
Inside, the seller describes the interior as a 9.5 out of 10, with upholstery, dash, and trim appearing very well preserved. For a truck of this era, that’s an impressive claim, and one that should make restoration easier for the next owner.
Overall, the seller believes the work required to return this truck to the road “is not much,” pointing to its strong cosmetics and history of occasional engine starts. With a clean family history, four-wheel-drive capability, and a rugged Camper Special-style look, this F-250 represents the kind of heavy-duty survivor that continues to attract collectors.
Would you return this F-250 to its former glory as a working truck, or preserve it as a family-kept barn find?
Well, it indeed is a desirable model. And it doesn’t look bad— from what one can see (or visualize) through all the dust. I suppose it wasn’t possible (or the seller just didn’t want to put in the effort), but it would be an easier sell if it was out in the open and cleaned up. Factory air and AM-FM. Not cheap.
This is a true Barn Find. Its been sitting in there so long I swear you’d probably find Sabre Toothed Dust Mites on it somewhere!!! Its optioned great with the 360 and 4 speed. And just like Bob said above its a very desirable year with desirable options that air conditioning is a major plus here. I don’t mind thr “As Found” photos to start, in fact I love them. But I’d love to see this thing cleaned up and outside with the daylight hitting it so you have a better idea of whats lurking under that layer of dirt. That being said, if its solid, this is going to be a great project for sure. I’m on the fence with the cap. I was never a huge fan of them. But seeing as how this one may very well have been bought brand new in ’75, I’d try to keep it seeing as how its period correct. This is a neat find, and hope it goes to a good new home.
“… Sabre Toothed Dust Mites..” 😆👍🏻
A friend of mine had a near twin to this truck. We used to take our snowmobiles to the mountains and trucks like this did very well. Lots of clearance and tough. I had an F-100 4×4 which did the job just fine but my friend’s F-250 could go further.
He had (1) major drawback though. He converted his truck to propane and it ran OK but 60K miles and his valves were done. I tuned mine up with a Holley 500 2bbl and a re-curved ignition, not to mention that mine went through final assembly in San Jose and managed to get shipped with a California Emissions engine, plus 100 lbs of emission control crap.
Took an entire weekend to get that garbage out of the engine bay.
Anyways, these highboys were some of the best 4×4 trucks every built. Lots of them still being used out west. If I had room on my driveway, I’d take a closer look…
Geo fair to say the F250 and 350 4wds were some of the toughest rigs going for a long time. Stick shifts seemed to outnumber automatics almost.
Its funny how times change. There was a time back then if you walked through a parking lot full of 3/4 or 1 ton trucks more than half of them would have a manual transmission. Nowadays they’re all but gone. Which is a shame.
Manual transmissions are quickly becoming the latest anti-theft device. A foot-operated starter and a manual choke and you would be all set…
Manual transmissions in trucks— to put an exclamation mark on Driveinstile’s and geomech’s comments, I remembered the last F-Series trucks with manual transmissions to be about 2009. I was close; AI says it was 2008 for F-150 and 2010 for F-250. I did not check for heavier models. If that is something you like, now’s the time to find one.
Foot operated starter…and manual choke…like this??? Sold my ’50 Studie Champon at Iola a few years back to a young lad..told him to get in and fire it up- he almost twisted the key off before I caught him!!
“This posting has been deleted by the author”, which typically translates to “SOLD”.
What was the asking price? Once the ad is deleted there is no way to find out.
Steve R
There’s no way to find out the asking price once sold on CL…. unless Scotty wrote the article. He always includes a shot of the original posting.
Good write up though, Elizabeth. :) That’s a cool truck.
I was hoping someone would remembered, it’s been available to members since the 22nd, 5 days ago. Good deals don’t last that long.
Steve R
I’m going to jump on that bandwagon too. I always like it when theres a screenshot of the original posting to see the price and where it was located. So many Craigslist ads go away when they’re still sitting on Fast Finds. They didn’t even make it long enough for someone to write up.
Yes, this is frustrating. I understand some of the reasons for providing the link, such as an auction when the pricing changes. But when there is no way for us to see the price once it has sold is not advantageous for us. We like to keep up on current pricing. In this case vehicles listed in the Mariposa CA area are typically priced lower than average. Because that area is tough to get to and the sellers know that and price them accordingly. (Back side of Yosemite.)