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Clean and Original: 1977 Ford F-100 Free Wheelin’

By the second half of the 1970s, vehicle manufacturers were doing it pretty tough. Tightening emission and safety regulations reigned in the performance sector, which left many special edition vehicles as little more than cosmetic packages. Some of these were more successful in the market than others, and one of the more successful ones was the Ford F-100 Free Wheelin’ Package. It sold in significant numbers, but the passing years and the sort of hard lives that they lived has seen the numbers dwindle. This 1977 model is quite a nice example that is listed for sale here on eBay. It is located in Lewiston, New York, and bidding has now reached $4,050 in a No Reserve auction.

This Free Wheelin’ appears to be in quite decent condition, with all of the original graphics and decals intact. The distinctive black front nudge-bar is also present, and I think that the original black paint would come up quite well with a buff and polish. The vehicle has had very little use since the current owner purchased it in 2014, and it does still carry all of the dust that has accumulated from its inactivity. There are a few minor marks to be seen around the F-100, but none of these are bad, and it wouldn’t take much to return the vehicle to its best. The mismatched wheels also shouldn’t present the next owner with any dramas, because a set or four original wheels are also included in the sale.

The interior of the vehicle is something of a revelation. The upholstery on the seat is said to be original, and it really is hard to fault. The dash and pad also look good, while the original AM/FM radio is still fitted into the dash. About the only thing that isn’t original is a sticker on the glove compartment door, but that’s pretty easy to fix. It is rather nice to find that the F-100 is also fitted with air conditioning, which is perfect for the warmer months. Really, there is nothing to do but to slide behind the wheel and enjoy yourself with this pickup.

Powering the F-100 is a 302ci V8, while the vehicle also has an automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The photos of the engine aren’t very clear, but the engine bay looks like it is relatively tidy. While the vehicle hasn’t had a lot of use since 2014, it does get started and driven occasionally, and it is said to do this well, with no real problems, leaks, or smoke. The owner says that he believes that the 89,000 miles showing on the odometer are original, but he doesn’t hold any evidence to verify this.

This really is a cool pickup, and while the 302ci V8 might not be the most powerful tool that Ford had in its armory at the time, it still provides the Free Wheelin’ with respectable performance. This one appears to need very little to return it to its absolute best, but there is no reason why it couldn’t be driven and enjoyed as it stands today. It looks like whoever buys this one is going to own a really nice vehicle.

Comments

  1. Avatar Rex Kahrs Member

    I love the name of it, Free Wheelin’. So what were the specific things that made it a Free Wheelin’ besides the decals? My favorite movie line is from Splash with Tom Hanks, where John Candy explains why he brought a date to his own wedding by saying “I’m a free-wheeling dude!”.

    Like 4
  2. Avatar On and On Member

    I was also confused about the name. I have always thought that free wheeling referred to a disconnection of power or restriction of engine braking effect when the throttle is released……………….

    Like 3
  3. Avatar CanuckCarGuy

    I remember building the model-kit of this one in my youth, thinking it was an awesome looking truck…still hold that same thought. I also recall seeing Broncos with this same package.

    I interpret the Free Wheelin’ name as being a spiritual reference to the freedom found in cruising, as opposed to being a literal reference to the geartrain.

    Like 4
  4. HoA Rube Goldberg Member

    No, no, no, it clearly was to cash in on the “Free Wheelin’ Franklin” craze, and if you have to ask who Free Wheelin’ Franklin was, you missed out on a lot of fun,,,

    Like 0
    • Avatar bobk

      At the risk of dating (and categorizing) myself, Free Wheelin’ Franklin was one of the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers.

      I really need to put my Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers comics up for sale soon. Sigh.

      Love this truck, btw.

      Like 1
  5. Avatar TimM

    Ditch the running boards, fix the mirrors, burn the bug shield and the fog lamps!! Then pull the kept me awake all night stickers on the side and you have a good looking truck!!!

    Like 0
    • Avatar J GLEN

      The stickers were the whole point!

      Like 1
  6. Avatar PRA4SNW

    Sold for $4,300.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar chrlsful

    U 4got the 4 matchin wheels, Tim, none R orig, worse is the axels don’t match

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Ryan Hilkemann

    Mine is a 77 short box that I crown vic chopped. No has mustang wheels and the 4.6 cop car engine.

    Like 0

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