This 1978 Ford F250 Ranger XLT Crew Cab graphically demonstrates the ongoing popularity of classic Pickups. The auction action has been intense, which is easily understood. It isn’t perfect, but it is a genuine survivor, ready for action with a new owner behind the wheel. Adding to its appeal is the V8 under the hood, making this F250 an ideal tow vehicle. The seller has listed this survivor here on eBay in Hayward, Wisconsin. Bidding has raced to $26,200, which is below the reserve.

Ford’s Sixth Generation F-Series range hit showroom floors for the 1973 model year. Vehicles remained available until 1979, with this F250 Crew Cab rolling off the line in 1978. It would have looked impressive in its time, with its imposing physical dimensions enhanced by the Midnight Blue Metallic paint. Time has taken its toll on the exterior, with the paint showing signs of wear and the panels exhibiting minor bumps and bruises. However, there is no evidence of significant rust issues, and none are mentioned in the seller’s listing. This F250 would seem a prime candidate for a light cosmetic restoration, returning the Pickup to its former glory. The trim looks surprisingly good for a classic of this type and age, and the glass is clear.

Lifting the hood raises a question about this F250, and I hope some of our readers can clarify it. The “Item Specific’ section of the listing indicates that this classic features a 460ci V8, but Ford didn’t offer that motor in 4×4 versions at this time. The 400 was the largest engine buyers could order, but the VIN decodes that this Crew Can left the factory with a 351M V8. Whatever the truth, this survivor also features a three-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The seller indicates that, apart from a lift kit and the swapped air cleaner, this F250, with a claimed 90,000 miles on the clock, is in excellent mechanical condition. It sees service during weekends, running and driving extremely well.

One area where this Ford shines is its interior. The painted surfaces exhibit visible wear, but the Blue seatcovers are excellent, and the plastic is extremely good for its age. The matching carpet looks impressive, making me wonder if the seller might have replaced it to lift the appearance. I can spot some lifting faux woodgrain, but breaking out the glue would eliminate the shortcoming if the buyer doesn’t want to splash cash on replacement trim. There are no detailed interior shots, so assessing the dash and confirming the presence of any form of radio or stereo is impossible. However, I can spot that this classic features cruise control.

This 1978 Ford F250 Ranger XLT Crew Cab has attracted an impressive thirty-three bids for the price to reach its current level. The listing statistics suggest there’s still some way to go before the hammer falls. That may prompt some readers to question why they should pursue it further. You could ignore this classic and opt for a shiny new F250 Crew Cab, but that would leave no change from $60,000 for the most basic version. That brings with it the worry of panel and paint damage during off-road adventures, and depreciation will take a significant bite out of the vehicle’s value during the first few years. However, 4×4 Pickups of this vintage continue to enjoy a strong following in the classic world, meaning that this F250 could be an appreciating asset. Personally, I’d keep the extra cash in my pocket by bidding on this Ford, knowing it will potentially at least retain its value in the future.