This 1975 Ford F250 Highboy is a tough-looking truck, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. Below the rugged exterior beats a stout heart that should make this an accomplished tow vehicle. It is also a vehicle that would command respect and attention if you pointed it at the nearest drag strip because it has received an engine transplant of epic proportions. The owner has decided to part with the F250 that is located in Boise, Idaho, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. When you consider the overall package on offer here, I’m not surprised to see that this vehicle has generated plenty of interest. There have already been 32 bids, and these have pushed the price to $8,500 in a No Reserve auction.

The presentation of the F250 isn’t perfect, but it is still pretty good for what is admittedly a 46-year-old workhorse. The combination of Ginger Glow Metallic and Wimbledon White paint shows its age, but it hasn’t deteriorated to the point where I would be ashamed to be seen in public in this truck. A cosmetic refresh wouldn’t go astray, but it isn’t something that would need to be tackled immediately. The panels wear a few minor dings and marks, but these indicate that this is no trailer queen and has worked to earn a living. Rust is not a concern here because the panels look clean, while the frame and underside seem spotless. The big wheels and chunky tires don’t just make this Ford look tough, but they would enhance its off-road abilities. The tinted glass appears to be in good order, and that massive front bumper houses a winch that would come in mighty handy if the next owner ever managed to find terrain that defeated this beast.

When it was shiny and new, the engine bay of this F250 would have been occupied by a 360ci V8 that was backed by an automatic transmission. With power steering and power brakes, it would have been an effortless beast to drive. With 143hp on tap, it also would have towed or carried some heavy loads without raising a sweat. However, if you are less interested in towing a trailer and had your eye set on something about the size and weight of your average house, the owner of this Highboy has you covered. The 360 has been consigned to the pages of history, and in its place is a genuine 428 Cobra Jet V8. With 335hp and 440 ft/lbs of torque available under the right foot, this monster makes the original V8 look like a wimp. When you combine all of the torque with the big wheels and tires and the 4×4 drivetrain, the F250 should be able to crawl into some pretty inaccessible locations easily. The engine bay presents well, but this truck is about more than good looks. The owner says that it runs and drives exceptionally well while it turns and stops perfectly. With a tow hitch on the back, you would have to think that this could be a pretty accomplished tow vehicle.

I would class the interior of the F250 as being serviceable but not spectacular. It shows its share of wear-and-tear, but nothing inside this classic demands immediate attention. How the buyer tackles this will depend on what their vision is for the vehicle. There is a substantial rip on the outer edge of the seat on the driver’s side. This could be repaired, but some nice replacement covers in vinyl and cloth are available for under $300. The carpet is also worn and stained, but if you add $120 to your budget, that will bring fresh carpet to the party. The only other item that the buyer might need to replace is the door trims. The lower edges of both are looking quite rough, although a close inspection might reveal them to be repairable. However, it isn’t hard to find these for $300 for a pair, and with all of these items replaced, and the rest of the interior treated to a deep clean, it would present pretty nicely. The owner has equipped the Highboy with some aftermarket gauges and a column-mounted tach to monitor the monster under the hood. There is also a radio/cassette player to help relieve boredom on those longer journeys.

While this 1975 Ford F250 Highboy might look tough, there is nothing visible to indicate what an animal this truck must be. It would have the power to burn, and I believe it would surprise a few people if you pointed it at a ¼-mile ribbon of tarmac. Classic pickups remain a desirable commodity in the market, and the bidding on this one graphically demonstrates this fact. How high the bidding will go is hard to determine, but I wouldn’t rule out $20,000. It might not be an original and spotless example, but that engine would make it an attractive proposition for many potential buyers. This is an auction that should be worth watching, although you might be tempted to take it further by joining the bidding party. If you do, I wish you good luck and hope that you come out a winner.