We’ve seen quite a few Ford Rangers here on Barn Finds, but only two 1997 models, and one was also an Oxford White truck, which we saw back in January. This 1997 Ford Ranger XL is a little more expensive, but it’s a long-bed truck, and it has around 46,000 miles compared to over 100k miles on the last one. The seller has it posted here on craigslist in Custer, Washington, and they’re asking $6,800. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Curvette for the tip!
I don’t know if there’s any data on this (Bob_from_TN might know, he’s a data guy), but I’ve always thought that owning a white pickup would maybe slip under the radar more than a truck in another color, theft-wise? As in, ne’re-do-wells might just think it’s a random company truck or a meter-reading truck and leave it alone, to search out the nicest, colorful, chrome-laden pickup to see if there’s anything worth stealing. I could be way off.
I used to think and say that white was probably the easiest color to touch up, but a recent commenter mentioned that there are as many or more tones of white as any other color, so it’s likely no easier for touching up dings as seen on the left rear bottom of the bed above. I do like the white and black theme here, and the white letter tires are an interesting touch. This one is a long box, or bed, but with the toolbox in the back it’s effectively a short bed truck after all. That can be removed for any longer carrying needs, of course.
1997 was the last model year for the second-generation Ranger, which came out in 1992 for the 1993 model year. A small truck with manual windows and a 5-speed manual transmission seems so quaint, doesn’t it? I like it. The “Medium Graphite” interior looks perfect to me, and I like the cue ball-looking shift knob. The XL trim was the base level for ’97. They don’t mention rust, and it looks good on the exterior. Even better, the seller includes several underside photos. Here’s a brochure on the 1997 Ranger.
The clean engine is Ford’s 2.3-liter OHC inline-four (yes, similar to what was in the Pinto), which had 112 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by the Mazda-sourced 5-speed manual sending power to the rear wheels, the seller doesn’t say how it works, but it’s sure had a ton of work and it sounds like a winner. Almost every maintenance item has been addressed (clutch, throwout bearing, brakes, timing belt, fuel pump, oil change, etc.). Would any of you choose a long bed Ranger over a short bed Ranger?
I went & looked at a fairly basic Ranger.The owner,a friend of our
family quit driving & bought it new.Garage kept,& still looked new.He
wanted $10,000 for it,so I passed.I’m sure that he had to lower the
price later,but it was really nice for what it was.I don’t think that it had
many miles on it.
If he had been a 5 speed Super Cab,I would have been very
interested.