The new car market is flooded with stunning Pickups, with most accomplished performers offering a veritable truckload of creature comforts. That’s all well and good, but buyers pay a premium for the privilege of owning one and then must face the specter of depreciation that will rapidly wipe thousands off the value of their shiny new toy. That is where classics like this 1978 Ford F-250 Ranger step up to the plate. It is a tidy and clean low-mile survivor, and recent market trends suggest its value will climb in the coming years. It needs a new home, with the seller listing the F-250 here on eBay in Nampa, Idaho. Bidding has raced past the reserve to sit at $23,450, and there is still time for interested parties to stake their claim on this beauty.

This F-250 could be considered a genuine survivor if we leave the aftermarket wheels and tires out of the equation. It presents well in a two-tone combination of Copper Metallic and Creme, with no evidence of restoration or repairs. The seller supplies close-up shots that reveal minor paint imperfections, which could be one of its strongest attributes. It means that any further marks accumulated while delving into the wilderness are unlikely to cause similar stress levels as they might if this Pickup had recently rolled off the showroom floor. The panels are straight, and while the bed carries a dusting of surface corrosion, the underside shots confirm this F-250 is as solid as the day it was born. If ever we need evidence of the benefits derived from a lack of exposure to snow and salt, this Ford provides it. The bed edges are protected by aluminum plate, which is a wise move. The chrome is spotless, and there are no visible glass issues.

Powering this F-250 is the company’s venerable 460ci V8. The remaining drivetrain components include a four-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, the optional handling pack with sway bars, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. Emission regulations had taken a toll on the 460’s power and torque figures by 1978, but this V8 should still deliver 200hp and around 350 ft/lbs. That is enough to make effective use of this classic’s tow hitch or carry a bed-load of whatever takes your fancy. The seller claims this two-owner beauty has a genuine 65,000 miles on the clock, although they don’t mention verifying evidence. However, it is a turnkey proposition where the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.

This isn’t the first classic Pickup we’ve seen from this seller, and all seem to carry the same interior theme. It appears they are partial to replacing the seatcover and carpet before listing because those areas of this Ford are in as-new condition. The dash and pad are excellent, and the headliner looks tidy. An aftermarket radio/cassette player occupies the spot typically reserved for the factory radio. Still, by cleverly hiding the speakers for this behind the grilles in the door trims, the installer has made reversing this change pretty straightforward. Other aftermarket additions include a column-mounted tachometer, and although there is no air conditioning, the winning bidder receives cruise control.

Gauging the desirability of some classics can be challenging, but this 1978 Ford F-250 Ranger 4×4 leaves no doubt. It has attracted twenty-six bids, and with time remaining, there is scope for that figure to climb. If you didn’t receive what you wanted for Christmas, this Ford could make a wonderful New Year’s gift to yourself. After all, with the reserve met it is about to head to a new home. Can you think of a good reason why it shouldn’t be yours?