It is fair to expect a classic 4×4 Pickup with nearly forty years of active service under its belt to look a bit tired and rough around the edges. However, this 1987 Ford F-150 XL is an exception to that rule, with its cause aided by the fact that its odometer shows 41,000 genuine miles. Given the nature of these vehicles, that effectively means that it is barely broken in. This gem appears to need nothing but a new home, with the seller listing the F-150 here on eBay in Happy Valley, Oregon. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $5,751 with time remaining for the price to climb before the hammer falls.
Ford’s Eighth Generation F-Series enjoyed a relatively short production run by modern standards. The first vehicles hit showroom floors for the 1987 model year, with the last rolling off the line in 1991. Our feature F-150 is a first-year XL ordered by the original owner in stunning Light Canyon Red. The seller takes great pains in tracing the Pickup’s history, confirming that it has been treated respectfully throughout its life. Faulting its presentation is almost impossible, with the panels as straight as an arrow, and the paint holding an impressive shine. The bed carries scratches that prove it isn’t a trailer queen, but there are no dents or other imperfections suggesting it has been abused or mistreated. The underside shots reveal a frame and floors that are spotlessly clean and rust-free, while the side steps, rear step bumper, and hitch receiver are all practical features. The trim looks exceptional, and the glass is free from defects.
As an XL, this F-150’s interior isn’t loaded with factory options. Potential buyers shouldn’t go hunting for air conditioning, power windows, or cruise control. They receive a tilt wheel and an aftermarket Pioneer radio/cassette player, and interior trim that looks extraordinarily good for its age. The “Red” theme initiated by the exterior continues inside this classic. The vinyl and cloth bench seat is free from marks and significant wear, with the same true of the floor mat. The dash is spotless, the pad is crack-free, and the few touches of faux woodgrain exhibit no evidence of deterioration. This interior will undoubtedly receive rave reviews from anyone once they discover that this F-150 is a genuine and unrestored survivor.
This F-150 wouldn’t have been the most powerful version offered by Ford in 1987, but its mechanical specifications ensured that it would function as an effective load carrier, tow vehicle, or off-roader. The engine bay features a 5.0-liter fuel injected V8 delivering 185hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque. The ponies feed to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and manual locking hubs. The seller claims that this F-150 has a genuine 41,000 miles on the clock, although the backstory is quite convoluted. The CARFAX indicates that the odometer has rolled over, but this was caused by an administrative error. The seller states that for it to have actually rolled, the Pickup would have needed to cover around 100,000 miles in forty-one days between early December 1991 and January 1992. Therefore, it is safe to say that the mileage claim is accurate. The seller recently installed a range of new brake components to ensure this Pickup is in excellent mechanical health. There are no reported faults or problems, allowing the winning bidder to fly in and drive this beauty home.
It would stretch credibility to describe this 1987 Ford F-150 XL 4×4 as “factory fresh,” but you will struggle to find a cleaner original example in the current classic market. That begs the question of how high the bidding is likely to climb for this low-mile classic. Five figures is a no-brainer, and I certainly wouldn’t rule out $20,000 for a Pickup of this caliber. The listing statistics suggest that people are attracted to this F-150, but what would you be prepared to pay to take it home?
Looks a lightly used half ton. That bed is hardly marked up. Nice.
Today, in Ford parlance XL means “work truck.” In 1987, it was the mid-level trim as evidenced by the cloth seats and the bodyside moldings. This looks like a well-kept example.
I have a fun story about 1987 Ford pickups. At the time I was working for a major oil company as the superintendent of a small oilfield operation onshore Louisiana. My two foremen had company…. cars. Why not trucks? It went back decades in company culture, when the staff workers had ratty trucks while the supervisors drove “nicer” cars (think 50’s-60’s full-size Fords and Chevys). But by the 80’s, the “approved” cars weren’t big cars, rather…. intermediates. Specifically, they were driving LTD’s—- the smaller Fox Body, rebodied Fairmont models. Adding to the indignity, both were big guys who barely fit in the cars.
Their poor LTD’s took a beating and were old enough to be eligible for replacement. Though out of the norm I was able to pull some strings and get them new 1987 F-Series pickups. I even got permission for them to pick out the colors (like they would have done for a company car, as opposed to the field trucks being the company color). They were very happy campers.
Bob…… All I can say….. And I think I am speaking for a lot of folks here…..
I wish you were my boss!!!! I’ll take mine with a stick please, and the 300 straight six is just fine by me!!!!
Yep. That’s the profile pickups used to have, with a single cab and a long box.
Times have changed.
You make a good point Bunky. It used to be a rare sight to see a crew cab or an extended cab. Now its the other way around.
You can bet the reserve is high I think the market is cooling slightly for these trucks but they still bring a good price definitely one to watch and see if they hit the reserve or reach out to the seller and see if you are willing to pay what they want for it you will have one nice truck.
Love the long bed. I have the 78 F100 Ranger Lariat my dad bought new and remember going with him to pick it up. Lot was full of long bed trucks. Only one short. Ed on the lot. Dad said he never could see the usefulness of a short bed “Heck” he said, “you can’t even carry a 4×8 sheet of plywood in one of them!” Bunky, you’re so right – the times have certainly changed!