The “old bodystyle”, or OBS Ford F-150 pickups continue to pick up steam in the enthusiast vehicle marketplace, with loyal Ford owners and next-generation collectors alike gravitating towards trucks like this one. Featuring a short wheelbase, Flareside bed, and the chiseled good looks that only an old-school F-150 has, the aesthetics alone make it easy to see why the OBS trucks remain so popular. The example shown here is a 1992 model that has been resprayed in its original color of Twilight Blue, and supposedly benefits from $6,500 in recent maintenance. Find it here on craigslist for $13,150.
What’s fascinating to me about loved generations of a specific vehicle is how the next era of a model is regarded. In the BMW world, many enthusiasts consider the last “true” 7-Series to be the E38, and the following generation featured a dramatic redesign that many despised (and still do to this day.) In a similar fashion, the OBS preceded what many consider to be the so-called jellybean era of the F-150, when it was completely redesigned and lost the chiseled, brick-like profile the earlier truck was known for. It was not unlike the hate that was directed to the redesigned Ford Taurus of the same era; however, unlike the Taurus, the basic recipe of the F-150 was still the same.
The reality is that the new F-150 was still a highly capable and extremely durable truck. Although the OBS’ ridiculously overbuilt inline-six was retired, many owners reported racking up huge miles on the 4.6L 2V V8, upwards of 500,000 without a major mechanical issue aside from the transmissions, which have a reputation for needing replacement around 300K miles (your actual mileage may vary.) Both generations are equally regarded as highly-durable machines, but the OBS trucks get all the love thanks to the iconic 90s styling like this truck has.
The 5.8L V8 in the seller’s truck produces 210 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque, and he notes that a Borla exhaust system has been installed. It supposedly has the H9 rear axle with a limited slip, which is a desirable factory option. The list of issues seems small but there are some that will need immediate attention, including worn front tires and the need for an alignment. There’s also a small transmission leak disclosed, so it’s far from perfect. In the grand scheme of things, these are all fairly small issues, but if I were the seller, I’d throw on some new tires and get the alignment sorted before asking for a strong price. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the find.
Looks like a solid F150. I like the OBS Flaresides, this one looks good in dark blue over silver. It has various upgrades which could or should be done (e.g. tires) but overall looks like a well-kept example. Pretty good craigslist ad.
I’m wondering if these will continue to move up the collectability (and therefore, price) ladder.
Thanks Jeff.
Decent trucks, tire alignment won’t be done at the local tire shop. That looks like a twin I beam issue. They are tough front ends and even with a heavy load they ride and drive quite well. As it’s an I beam has to be bent by a big truck shop once it’s determined everything is in order. Good write up!