The great trucks keep rolling in here at Barn Finds. Big or small, 2WD or 4WD, automatic or manual, gas or diesel, long bed or short bed, two doors or four, it doesn’t matter, we love ’em all. Here’s another winner that checks every box for a lot of us: it’s a 1983 Ford F-250 4×4 diesel with a 4-speed manual and under 26,000 miles. It’s listed here on eBay in Lakewood, Washington. There is no reserve, and the current bid is $10,800.
I can’t believe there are still vehicles like this out there, but this is another case of a rock-solid truck that was loved and taken care of by its original owner, and then his daughter. This one clearly wasn’t used for tossing concrete blocks into the back of it or hauling firewood, although it could have handled both of those tasks without breaking a sweat.
The condition of this seventh-generation (1980-’86) F-250 is amazing inside and out, on top and underneath. The bed has been lined with a spray-in material, and that appears to be the only concession to not being bone-stock. The underside appears as solid as can be, and the story goes that this truck was bought new by a gentleman, and his daughter then became its caretaker after he passed away. The seller says they haven’t detailed or even washed it before taking photos, this is just how clean it really looks. Check out that clean rear bumper. I’d guess that has been repainted, but we don’t know for sure.
The interior is beautiful as expected, in matching color and style. This isn’t a top-trim truck, despite the nice two-tone (or, tu-tone) paint scheme, with the rubber flooring. But, it looks perfect, and even more perfect is the four-speed manual!
This clean engine is International’s 6.9-liter (420-cu.in.) OHV V8 diesel, which had just over 160 horsepower and just over 300 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by the four-speed manual and two-speed transfer case sending power to all four wheels, the seller says this one has had a new injection pump, new belts and hoses, and the tires appear brand new, but they’re the original tires (!) so they’re most likely not safe for travel anymore. Hagerty is at a mind-blowing $59,200 for a #2 excellent condition truck, and this sure looks like one to me. How much will this incredible time capsule sell for?
These were Landscapers’ special. Equipped just like this. 👍
Absolutely beautiful condition!!! This had to have been garage kept, or a nice barn with a concrete floor. Or perhaps their living room……. beautiful unique color combination too. More experienced individuals I’m sure will be able to share more ( Like Geomechs lol) about the 6.9. These were before the 7.3. I’m pretty sure I’m safe in saying they were very reliable.
This is just gorgeous Scotty. I enjoyed the write up.
I have owned several of the 6.9 deisel. I converted one to a vegetable oil burner. The one I converted was a flat bed. The 6.9 was a very stout motor. The manual transmission gives all sorts of towing options. Nor a snow plow truck. The clutch pedal will wear you out.
Joseph 2 guys i know plowed in a truck exactly like this. No problems encountered w the truck. And a stronger leg 🦵 probably as you pointed out 😃 👍
Nice ol’ bullnose.
Had a 6.9 dump truck, great truck, plow , load it up, not very fast but a strong worker, then a 7.3 turbo , that had more power both great trucks.
What a time capsule! A friend of mine had one of these (an ’86) in college. I remember driving up Mt. Lemmon (a large mountain outside of Tucson) and he just cruised up it in 4th gear. That’s when I learned firsthand about diesel torque.
Bring 5x more on bat
Spectacular.
nice truck!!
Anyone seeing a right front panel repaint?
Have to open the ebay listing to see. not sure if just a glare?
Auction update: this one was stolen at $21,800! Expect to see it on another website soon…