- Seller: Rosann S (Contact)
- Location: Madison Township, Pennsylvania
- Mileage: 94,460 Shown
- Chassis #: F14SLFA9272
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 460cui V8
- Transmission: Automatic
Some trucks come with a story that goes well beyond the usual “ran when parked,” and this 1979 Ford Ranger—now listed as a Barn Finds Exclusive—falls squarely into that category. According to the seller, this pickup has been in the same family since new. The owner’s father bought it brand-new in 1979, and instead of being used up like so many workhorses of the era, this one ended up spending an incredible 34 years stored inside a garage.
That kind of long-term indoor storage is almost unheard of for a late-’70s truck and immediately sets this Ranger apart. The listing notes that it shows 94,460 miles and carries a clean title, along with its original VIN: F14SLFA9272. Under the hood sits a 460 engine paired with an automatic transmission—Ford’s big-block combination known for heavy grunt and durability. Trucks optioned with the 460 weren’t particularly common, and finding one that stayed with its original family for over four decades makes this example even more appealing.
The seller also mentions that the truck has FOP and includes two back sides and two front fenders. While the listing doesn’t elaborate, it’s clear that these additional pieces accompany the sale and may be useful to the next caretaker, whether for preservation or future repair work.
Given the long period of storage—from what’s described as three-plus decades in a garage—it’s reasonable to assume this Ranger has avoided the worst of the weather and road wear that typically claim ’70s F-Series trucks. That alone makes it an interesting candidate for anyone looking for an original-family vehicle with a known history.
The truck is located in Madison Township, Pennsylvania, and is being offered as a classified listing rather than an auction. That often means the seller is hoping to find a buyer who understands the significance of a one-owner family vehicle and will appreciate it for more than just its specifications.
With vintage trucks continuing to gain interest—not just pristine restorations, but honest survivors with real family provenance—this 1979 Ranger presents an opportunity you don’t often see. Whether you’d revive it mechanically and return it to regular road use, preserve it as a survivor, or start a careful restoration, trucks with this kind of background don’t come along very often. Would you wake this long-stored Ranger gently back into service, or would it become the foundation of a full restoration project?
As usual, great writeup Elizebeth.
Looks like a half ton. 460 motor must’ve been rare in these.
Nice looking truck. It has Ziebart plugs so maybe the cab is not as bad as the bed. S code 400-2bbl based on the 351. No 460 in F-150 4×4 until ’83 I believe, though it could have been swapped. Bed sides on this generation are famous for going wobbly then (if not repaired) falling off. I love the look and the Ranger XLT trim on this F-150. Undercarriage shots might give more confidence on the asking price. I believe those are even Cruise buttons on the steering wheel. I like it. Best wishes to the seller and new owner. Thanks, Elizabeth!
Agreed on the S code being a 400 but they did offer a 460 in 79 f150 just rare and was only a factory option in 2WD none came from the factory in 4WD.
Why, not sure but out of all my 150s and Broncos which are my favorites before 1980 when they changed. None of mine had a 460 most were the 351 and the 351m(400). I had one with the straight 6, strong for a 6 too. This is a nice truck but id like to see some info on how the 460 got in the truck which it doesn’t say.
Need more pics of underside and engine compartment.
The 460 was a real stump puller, due to tremendous low end torque! This truck has dual fuel tanks, which are really needed, due to the fact that the 460 is also a very thirsty engine. Probably 8-10 mpg would be tops!
Had an almost identical one to this, only a SuperCab version, bought from the original owner. F250 4WD, same color, same interior. Had a 351M (I think). Unfortunately, it did not fare as well as this one, and the guy who bought it from me about 10 years ago (after advertising it on eBay for nearly 3 years – and at ever decreasing prices) bought it more or less only for the front axle. Good workhorse truck, trailered SOOO many cars with that truck, but the rustworm so prevalent here in Ohio really got to it.
Rusty all the way around. Not sure the price makes up for that. I’d rather pay more, put up with unknown provenance, and get a nicer truck. Don’t love the 460 either. Maybe I’m just in love with my ’74 250 with its 390….
That truck didn’t come with a 460 in it. The serial number indicates it was built with a 400 V8. Plus to my knowledge in a F150 4×4 a 460 wasn’t offered. But a 460 was offered very limited in a fewvF150 4×2