This 1965 Ford F100 Pickup will leave its new owner with choices to make. It will command respect in its current form, with its aged appearance confirming that it isn’t a trailer queen, but has worked to earn its keep. However, the mechanical upgrades and the spotless interior may prompt the buyer to lift the exterior appearance to match. Regardless of your leanings, I am sure that you will join me in saying a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this gem listed here on eBay in Olympia, Washington. The seller set their price at $12,500 OBO, and when you learn what you’ll get for your money, this F100 is mighty tempting.
Ford produced its Fourth Generation F-Series between 1961 and 1966, with its commercial range selling in impressive numbers. This F100 rolled off the line in 1965 and will leave the buyer with choices to make. The existing Blue paint probably isn’t original, as the seller believes someone performed a cosmetic refresh years ago. The tired appearance seems to make a repeat performance a no-brainer, but is it? The Pickup retains its original steel throughout and is a rock-solid vehicle with no rust issues. The panels sport a few minor bumps and bruises, all of which could be easily repaired. Therefore, returning this F100 to a factory-fresh state would be surprisingly straightforward. However, preserving this gem in its current form is a viable alternative, and once we assess its interior, it may be one some people find irresistible. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the F100 rolls on restored steelies with dog dish hubcaps and narrow whitewalls.
The range-topping motor available to F100 buyers in 1965 was the 352ci V8. Ford’s Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 208hp and 315 ft/lbs, providing impressive performance. However, this Pickup offers the new owner more bang for their buck. Lifting the hood reveals a 390ci “FE” V8, backed by a four-speed T18 manual transmission. The power feeds to a 9″ rear end with 3.50 gears, while power steering and a Dentside front power disc brake conversion make life easy for the driver. The vehicle’s aggressive stance comes courtesy of a 3″ front drop, with a 2″ drop at the back. Although they don’t have the exact specifications, the seller states that the idle is lumpy, courtesy of the upgraded camshaft, with the air and fuel entering the V8 via a rebuilt Holley Demon 750 Double Pumper carburetor. The upgrade and maintenance list becomes quite extensive, but the upshot of significant TLC during the nine years since the seller purchased this beauty is that the F100 is a turnkey proposition that will comfortably cruise at 80 on the open road.
One look at the interior reveals the startling contrast mentioned earlier. The seller dismantled the interior before media blasting every surface. They applied stunning Deep Blue Metallic paint, and bolted it back together with a new seatcover, carpet set, and tuck-and-roll headliner. They installed plenty of sound deadener, stating that the interior is remarkably quiet for a Pickup of this vintage. The presentation is first-rate, with no cosmetic issues or shortcomings beyond one small seat repair on the passenger side. The buyer could live with that or spend around $400 on a replacement cover to provide the ideal finishing touch.
I admit that this 1965 Ford F100 leaves me feeling conflicted. It is a prime candidate for a cosmetic refresh, and lifting the exterior presentation to match the interior would allow the new owner to create something truly stunning. However, the existing contrast between those two aspects of this classic will still turn heads, offering someone the best of both worlds. The interior would be comfortable and receive praise, while the aged exterior would command respect. I tried tossing a coin to make a definitive call on my preferred path. Heads or tails, it didn’t matter. Every time I thought I had the answer, I could always find a reason to take the opposite tack. You may be more certain than I, and if you are, would you consider making that vision a reality by approaching the seller? I would love to see the finished product if you do.
A nice truck and full body long bed too.
If I had room ….it would be in my collection.
My dad had a 65 step bed with a mahogany wood bed plus an upgraded 289 instead of the I6. It was a fun lil truck shipped back from PI in the early 1970s.
This will sell easily. The 390 would be my runner for engine.
Great looking truck. My dad’s new 1965 F-100 was red (upper) and white (lower) and a 6 cyl with three-on-the-tree. One of the most complete descriptions by the seller that I have seen. There was one component of the interior the seller did not address … is the puppy included in the $12,500.00 listing ?! If so, I may have to make a trip northward! Regardless, with the multiple improvements that have been made, the asking sounds like the deal of the century. The new owner will no doubt drive home with a big smile on his/her face.
Nice truck. Looks like it has had plenty of work, and lots of attention to detail relative to the theme of the restoration. Very thorough description. Someone will get a cool truck.
Ford lightly restyled their pickups in ’65, and it was also the first year for the “twin-I-beam” front suspension, which would carry on for many years. This truck looks nice and it’s built for hauling something-fast. It would be easy to live with as a daily driver if you don’t mind stopping at the gas station often.
good solid truck at a great price. the stick kills it for me though. love the dog in the pics.