If you’ve ever felt like the legendary 4.9L inline-six found in the OBS Ford trucks wasn’t quite powerful enough, perhaps a 5-speed manual would make it more enticing. In terms of a virtually unkillable option, the I6 and a stick is about as good as it can get for Ford truck ownership. This example, a 1995 extended cab model listed here on craigslist for $12,000, looks downright perfect if you’re in need of a working rig that can double as a charming weekend driver. Clean cosmetics and just 132,000 miles makes it a home run in my book.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mike F. for flagging this fine find. The OBS F-150 is already a fast-appreciating classic. It works on both subjective and objective qualities, which is rare in a workhorse. Subjectively, it’s one of the best-looking era of Ford’s top selling truck. The looks have endured and still look reasonably modern today. In fact, when the next generation F-series came out, there was a mild uproar over losing the squared-off looks of its predecessor. And objectively, the drivetrain is a proven product, with a reputation for clearing 300,000 miles with ease.
The engine itself is loved not only for its durability but also its stump-pulling torque and excellent towing abilities. This being a 4WD truck may make its appeal as a tow rig less relevant, but that doesn’t change the fact you can load the bed up and bring home heavy loads with ease. The mileage truly is downright low, just like it would be on another car known for its legendary mileage potential, the W123-era Mercedes. The seller doesn’t mention much about the engine, which isn’t all that surprising considering how low-maintenance it is. In 1995, it made 150 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
The cloth interior looks clean overall, and the seller notes he recently had the wood trim refinished. Given the interior is a light color, the condition suggests the F-150 was never used as a true workhorse. Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of older drivers buy the best truck they could find as their final ride, and never actually use it as much more than an in-town rig. The asking price seems very fair to me, especially if you are looking to use this classic F-150 as a quasi-daily driver and something to preserve. Is this the best-spec for a 90s Ford truck or would you prefer a V8?
A good-looking, good-condition truck from a popular generation of F-Series. With a desirable, highly-respected powertrain (as Jeff points out). Lots to like here.
Owned a 4×4 300 w stick. Great and tough, but they are slow. I’d take a 302 if given the chance.
Cool truck w 2 sticks, 3 pedals and manual hubs as a four wheel drive should have. 👍
A terrific truck for the DIY guy or girl without spending an exorbitant amount of money. Unless you have to have the cooler/heated cup holders as opposed to the very functional ones in this well loved rig this would be the best thing for hauling sheets of plywood or a stack of 2x4x10’s.
A V-8 in this sweetheart would be necessary only if your local hardware store is down the highway some ways away. And plan an extra 1/2hr-45 minutes when you show up at that old family owned store-most folks that go there will appreciate your truck and want to tell you about theirs back in the day.
Great honest truck for a VERY reasonable price and one that most folks with any mechanical inclination can work on besides.Barden bumper, manual locking hubs, a stick to row, cool old school truck.
That 4.9 straight six is possibly my favourite Ford engine, coupled to a manwell transmission, it is probably a truck that’ll last longer than any of us. This pickup looks amazing, but I’d be a little conflicted owning it. It has a powertrain that I would want to work hard, but I’d hate to sully the machine’s wonderful condition.
One of the most reliable trucks ever. Sad to recall how many were sacrificed during cash-4-clunkers.
A great weekend work horse, back up daily driver, and conversation starter at Cars and Coffee at a reasonable price. I would take it in a heartbeat!!
I had one of these back in the late 1990to early 2000s same specs.towed my 20ft. horse trailer from Washington to Alaska & back loaded with furniture on the way back ,made the trip twice , great trucks should have never sold it.
Yes, that 300-6 engine is a phenomenon. I had one in a 1990 F150 a few years back. Peak torque at 1,800 rpm I believe. The one I had was super high mileage and we ended up upgrading to something bigger and newer when we started doing cross country towing trips, but if I were still just using a truck for running around locally and shorter towing jobs I’d happily have another 300-6.
It’s perfect. 🫶🏼
Except for being over the budget I’ve set for myself for what might turn out to be my “ last ride “ tm. 😉