390/4-Speed? 1967 Ford F-350 Camper

Last week, we covered this unusual Brazilian VW camper. Yes, it looks like a handful, considering its height but the majority of comments zeroed in on its 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine that is sure to provide glacially slow acceleration. Well, today, we’re going to do camping right with this 1967 Ford F-350, a sound vehicle with good, old reliable FoMoCo power under its hood – let’s look it over. This camper is located in Vancouver, Washington and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $2,025, reserve not yet met. Thanks to Larry D for this discovery!

As opposed to a standard VW Type II chassis/cab with an outsized tin can plopped on its rear, our subject vehicle is a heavy-duty Ford camper special doing exactly what it was designed to do. And this camper does it courtesy of what the seller claims is an “FE” 390 CI V8 engine that should spin out approximately 265 gross HP. The problem with the claim is that Ford literature of the era doesn’t include a 390 engine as an option for the F-350 and the fourth digit of the VIN, “Y”, indicates that there is a 208 gross HP 352 CI engine in place. So, either the seller has got it wrong or this camper has undergone an engine transplant somewhere in its long 54-year past. Regardless of engine, there is a four-speed manual transmission performing the hook-up so that this rig can get itself, the owner, friends/family, and all of their stuff into the great outdoors and then back again safely. The seller doesn’t wax on about the capability of this truck with its 92K accumulated miles other than to state, “Everything works and has been reliable for us for family camping trips“.

The occupancy portion of this camper, though dated, is very clean and in excellent nick; the seller adds, “Has sink, nice new mattress, propane cooktop, furnace, electric refrigerator“. OK on the mattress if it is new and unused…  As with the VW camper, spatial size realization is hard to interpret from pictures. Ford period literature states that the 159″ wheelbase Camper F-350 can handle a 14 ft camper body, while the shorter 135” model is good for a 12-foot camping container – not sure which version this is. Regardless of size, these camper bodies are never something that would be considered commodious but they’re usually adequate for the job.

The cab of this truck is in fine shape – surprising actually, as it shows little wear in spite of its age and mileage. The crimson carpet and seats are very clean though there may be a single crack in the dash pad. There appears to be a vintage Sun “Super Tach” strapped to the steering column.

The cab of this old F-350 is showing fade from all the passing years but the black finish, with its still present shine, still shows well and there is no indication of dents or rust-through. And the camper body has an old aluminum-skinned Airstream look about itself. There is some discoloration or oxidization that has occurred to its flanks, and it certainly looks like its era, but there appear to be no issues of concern or attention that is immediately required. I actually like its look because it’s not new, beige, and covered with indecipherable Jackson Pollack brown, white and black scribbles.

OK, decision time folks, an ’84, top-heavy Brazilian Karmann-Ghia inspired VW Type II, that requires taking steep hills in reverse or a sure-footed, relaxed, FE-powered Ford F-350?