It isn’t unusual for owners to become confused when determining certain aspects of their classic, and that is the case with the seller of this 1976 Ford F150 Styleside. They claim that it is an Explorer, but it carries none of the badges identifying it as such. They are also off the mark with a couple of other details, but they claim it is original and unmolested, with 38,000 genuine miles on the clock. It needs a new home, so they have listed it for sale here on eBay. Located in Lakewood, Washington, intense bidding has pushed the price to $20,100 in a No Reserve auction.
While the owner states that this F150 is an Explorer, decoding the Body Tag reveals it to be a Custom. It wears Jade Metallic paint that is claimed to be 100% original. The F150 has never undergone any restoration or repair work, making its overall condition impressive for a vehicle of this type and age. There are a few minor dings and marks on the paint and panels, but none are bad enough to warrant immediate attention. If the buyer chose to retain the F150 untouched and drive it proudly as an original survivor, that approach would be understandable. The bed wears the usual scuffs and scratches, with some surface corrosion developing. However, that’s as close as you will come to finding anything resembling rust in this classic. The panels and underside are clean, but if I were to buy this beauty, I would treat the corrosion in the bed before it deteriorates further. The exterior trim and chrome remain in good condition, and there are no issues with the glass.
Apart from the trim level, the V8 occupying the engine bay causes the seller further confusion. They claim that we’re looking at a 390ci motor, but Ford didn’t offer that motor in the 4×4 version in 1976. Closer inspection confirms that we’re looking at the 360ci engine that should produce 145hp. The power finds its way to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The original owner’s decision to include power steering and power brakes should make light work of any adventure into the wilderness. The engine bay presents nicely, which is no surprise since the seller claims the pickup has 38,000 genuine miles showing on its odometer. I usually take such claims it a pinch of salt, but it seems they hold verifying documentation. They say it runs and drives extremely well, making it a turnkey proposition for its next owner.
The originality of this F150 continues when we open the doors and survey its interior. The original owner ordered the truck trimmed in Code MR Jade vinyl and cloth, which remains in excellent condition. There is some minor wear on the outer edge of the seat on the driver’s side and what appears to be a tear in the lower vinyl on the same side. If I were to buy this classic, I would consult an upholsterer to see if satisfactory repairs are possible. It would seem a shame to compromise the originality of this classic by replacing the cover because of those faults, and I wouldn’t like to see them deteriorate further. The wheel has a couple of cracks on one spoke, but the remaining interior trim, dash, and pad look excellent. There is evidence that the F150 may have housed a CB radio, but that is long gone. It isn’t loaded with luxury appointments, but the AM/FM radio should provide entertainment as the miles roll under the tires.
Leaving aside the seller’s confusion about certain aspects of this 1976 Ford F150 Styleside, it looks like a gem of a truck that its next owner could enjoy immediately. Its cosmetic needs are minimal, and while addressing them would be straightforward, many potential buyers will probably choose to retain the pickup as an original survivor. It ticks the right boxes for those seeking a classic pickup, with this fact demonstrated by it attracting forty-three bids. If it appeals to you, there is time remaining for you to stake your claim on this classic. Are you tempted?
Beautiful truck.. the only thing I would change is the tires.. put bigger one on with white lettering. And leave everything else alone. Good luck to the next owner..🐻🇺🇸
I think the Explorer confusion is coming from the hood ornament that says “Explorer”. If it was a true Explorer the badge on the glove box door would also say Explorer and this one clearly says “Custom” which is consistent with the rest of the interior trim. Also looking at a close up photo of the engine emission control sticker on the valve cover it clearly states that it is a 360 cu. in. engine so that clarifies that matter as well. All that aside this does seem to be a nice old truck that I certainly would not have any issue tooling around in.
In the description portion on Ebay there are additional photos. Not sure if it’s the angle of the camera or not but the front tires look all whopperjawed.
Thos one is a bit confusing. It had the explorer package stripe and hood ornament but the upholstery looks more like the custom setup. Explorer was an option package available on both the custom and xlt trim levels. It’s possible that it’s a custom explorer, versus the quite common cult explorer.
Gorgeous pickup.
Nice truck hopefully the seller remembers to tell the winning bidder to ware a bullet proof vest when they come to get it
I noticed that the Ford oval emblem is missing from the centre of the steering wheel. When I worked at Campbell Ford in Ottawa in the ’80s and ’90s, if I had a new car that was missing that detail, a whole new horn pad had to be ordered.
If this were my truck, I would lose the white-letter tires and switch to just plain blackwalls.
Looks like a camper special with the toolbox compartment on the side of box
on the passenger side
Looks like it is a camper special, with the compartment in the bedside on passenger side
I wonder if the seller will throw in the rest of the
Armorall that they used on the tires – if there’s any left!
I grew up with my mom driving a 2wd 76 F250 390 Explorer Camper special in this colour combination, haven’t seen one since.
Kind of interesting…memories.