For the 1972 model year, Ford offered their iconic F100 in several trim levels. While the base trim level was the Custom, the Ranger brought some significant trim upgrades to the table. For a buyer seeking a middle ground, the Sport Custom was the perfect choice. This F100 features that trim level and is a largely unmolested and original vehicle. It needs its share of cosmetic attention, but its healthy drivetrain means it is ready for immediate enjoyment. If that isn’t enough, the original owner ordered it with optional Four-Wheel-Drive to allow it to access harsh territory. The F100 is listed here on eBay in Grand Island, Nebraska. Bidding has raced to $4,050, although it is yet to hit the reserve.

Ford’s Sport Custom package brought a few cosmetic upgrades to the F100, most of which remain intact on this vehicle. It still wears what the company called mag-style wheel covers, chrome rocker moldings, an alloy trim panel with black background on the tailgate, and “Sport Custom” badges. Most are in good condition, although the badge on the passenger side of the bed is damaged. The panels wear accumulated marks and dings, and the hood may be bent upward in the center. It is difficult to be sure because the significant damage to the grille may have created an optical illusion. The Calypso Coral paint isn’t bad for a vehicle of this type and age, but some rust issues require investigation. It is visible in the lower sections of both front fenders. It hasn’t progressed far, and a skilled buyer may be able to fabricate patches to address the problem. There is no information on the floors or the frame, making an in-person inspection advisable. If that reveals no significant issues, this is a project that a competent person might tackle in a home workshop.

When we dive inside the F100, we find an interior requiring a deep clean as a starting point. The door trims are fine but have been cut to accommodate speakers for the aftermarket radio/cassette player. The seat sports a slipcover, so the state of what should be a two-tone seatcover is unknown. If it has deteriorated, locating a replacement for around $350 is possible. A better slipcover could be a viable alternative if the buyer wishes to stick to a budget. A few smaller items require replacement, and the wheel is cracked. Most of the painted surfaces look okay, and the floormat might present acceptably once clean. Therefore, while the interior refresh could consume a few dollars, the new owner may be able to minimize the cost if they are willing to compromise.

If this F100 has a highlight, that honor falls to its mechanical condition. Lifting the hood reveals the optional 360ci V8 that produces 196hp and 327 ft/lbs of torque. That second figure is important if potential buyers consider this classic a possible tow vehicle. It is also a factor because the original owner equipped the F100 with a four-speed manual transmission and a transfer case that adds the versatility of Four-Wheel-Drive. It isn’t a dual-range unit, but with that lump of V8 iron producing a healthy level of torque low in the rev range, it could still crawl into some hostile territory. The seller indicates it has a genuine 72,000 miles on its odometer but doesn’t mention supporting evidence. They say it runs and drives well, allowing the buyer to indulge in some immediate off-roading while contemplating how they wish to attack this restoration.

Buying a new pickup can represent a significant financial outlay, and it is one that many people can’t afford. Those that do need to deal with the specter of devaluation and the fear that any off-road adventures will inflict damage on the panels and paint. There are no such qualms for the winning bidder of this 1972 F100 Sport Custom. It needs attention to present at its best, but if the floors and frame prove solid, returning it to an acceptable state should not prove difficult or expensive. The buyer may aim for pristine presentation, but a compromise would take less time and not stretch the budget. If you were the winning bidder, which option would you choose?