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Luxury Hauler: 1987 Ford E350 Cabriolet

Tow vehicles come in many shapes and sizes, and most of them tend to be quite utilitarian by design. However, the occasional exception to that rule will appear on the market, and that is what we find with this 1987 Ford E350 Cabriolet. Not only does it feature a big-block under the hood with enough muscle to haul some heavy loads, but the interior is loaded with luxury touches to make life pleasant for the vehicle’s occupants. It is now looking for a new home, and it seems to offer a lot for a surprisingly modest asking price. Located in Quincy, Illinois, you will find the E350 listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. This slice of motoring magnificence can be yours for a mere $9,500.

The presentation of the E350 is pretty striking for what is a 34-year-old workhorse. It is finished in White and is adorned with vinyl graphics in various shades of bronze, gold, and brown. The paint looks to be in good condition, and it holds a very respectable shine. The panels are straight, with no noticeable dings or dents. The bed floor is lined with aluminum checker-plate, and this hard-wearing material means that the bed has remained in good order. Some of the painted surfaces in the bed show some scratches and marks, but the lack of dents suggests that the vehicle has been treated with care and respect. The trim and lights are free from significant defects, while the tinted glass looks excellent. A set of shiny aluminum wheels add a perfect finishing touch to what is a striking exterior.

The interior of this Ford doesn’t need much because it has survived in excellent condition. The plastic on the engine cover is scuffed, but that is par for the course with vehicles of this type. I would attempt to clean it to see if it is possible to reclaim a fresh appearance. If this doesn’t work, I would probably treat it with something like a penetrating vinyl dye. This would cost less than $50 and would make a significant difference. There is a hole in the dash where the original radio would have been, but I would have no hesitation in slotting a decent CD player in there to relieve boredom on longer journeys. The front-seat occupants find themselves seated in captain’s chairs that are upholstered in plush cloth. These look to be in good order, while the remaining upholstered surfaces, dash, and carpet are equally impressive. Adding to the feeling of luxury are air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise, a CB radio, and a tilt wheel.

Rear seat occupants don’t miss out on comfort, with seating provided on a folding sofa bed that is upholstered in the same material as the captain’s chairs. They also have access to dual rear sunroofs and some classy cabinet space both above and below the seat. There is also adequate lighting, and the large windows should relieve any potential claustrophobic feelings that they may experience.

There are no engine photos, but we know that the E350 is powered by a 460ci big-block that should be producing 225hp, along with mountains of torque. This monster is backed by an automatic transmission, while power steering and power brakes take the effort out of the driving experience. The E350 Cabriolet was engineered to haul travel trailers, although they are equally at home hauling enclosed trailers for transporting race cars and other heavy loads. The Reece towing hitch on this classic could be put to good use, and you can’t help but think that this would be a pleasant way to tow a trailer to your next holiday destination. The cruising range should be quite reasonable because, in addition to a side tank, there is an additional 50-gallon tank mounted under the bed.

Hauling heavy loads, especially over long distances, can be an exhausting and largely tedious experience. This 1987 Ford E350 Cabriolet proves that this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. It offers potential buyers the option of taking a refreshing break mid-journey. Simply pull up, unfold the sofa, and grab a quick forty-winks. From a safety perspective, that makes this an attractive proposition. It isn’t perfect, but its condition remains impressive. It is well-equipped, and when you consider the asking price, it offers a lot to its next owner for a modest outlay. With warmer weather just around the corner, now is the ideal time to consider how you will make your holiday escape. The timing for this vehicle coming onto the market could be perfect, making it well worth a closer look.

Comments

  1. Avatar SquareLeft

    If you ever had the ‘pleasure’ of working on one of these, you’d know why the seller has set a ‘reasonable’ price. A rally buddy of mine bought a similar E350, powered by a 460 to tow his car. I’m sure that – at some time – I’ve worked on a vehicle that was more difficult to service, but I can’t recall what it was. He was ready to throw a party the day it left!

    Like 5
  2. Avatar Steve Clinton

    One question…why is this referred to as a ‘Cabriolet’?

    Definition:

    1. a car with a roof that folds down.
    2. a light two-wheeled carriage with a hood, drawn by one horse.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Larry

      Steve,

      These vehicles came from a company in Constatine, Michigan in which they were given the name of Cabriolet (with a raised roof) and Centurion (with a flat roof). This company purchased these vehicles from Ford as 350 Cutaway Vans and then finished them out there

      Like 7
    • Avatar Scott L.

      Fancy way of saying Cabin? (Sounds better than Cabinet.)

      Like 0
    • Avatar Steve Clinton

      And surely it had more than one horsepower. ;-)

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Larry

    Cabriolet

    Like 13
  4. Avatar j

    Just like the Astro/Safari vans, a PIB to work on, wrenches charge Xtra, had to change the plugs from underneath. But they were easier to pilot around then these monsters, I’d go W/450 now

    Like 0
  5. Avatar John Walsh

    Oh man cool as ** or what. I would have that n a moment if it were in the UK. I can just see me hauling my trailer with two of my classic Lotus on the back to shows in the UK. Someone stick it in a container for me please. Once it arrives I can either add LPG r convert to diesel.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Larry

      John,

      Worldwide delivery is available.

      Like 0
      • Avatar John Walsh

        mmm. Yep. I have taken 2, S1 Esprit’s over, one from California and one form Boston a couple of years ago. But what would it cost to ship that beauty.

        Like 0
      • Avatar Larry

        John,

        The delivery charge to the UK is $2,600 USD

        Like 0
  6. Avatar Evan

    From the days when an F-350 was a work truck, and wasn’t available kitted out like a modern King Ranch, if you wanted to tow in luxury and comfort, this was your choice.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar PAW

    Calling this Cabriolet is almost equally amusing as trying to find a Coupe in Mustang classic lineup

    Former is marketing magic, latter is – I assume – people talkin up desirability of hardtop cars. Each of their own

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Walt Monroe

    7 mpg a serious downside

    Like 0
  9. Avatar John Walsh

    Larry Member
    Feb 18, 2021 at 1:19pm
    John,

    The delivery charge to the UK is $2,600 USD.
    That’s cheaper than I expected. I’m guessing VAT would have to be applied to the purchase price and shipping. Does the $2,600 include all the required documentation, customs etc.
    You can PM me on jwl344@aol.com

    Cheers.

    John

    Like 0
    • Avatar Larry

      Price has been lowered down to $8500

      Like 0
  10. Avatar Walt Monroe

    7 mpg max…..do that math

    Like 0
  11. Avatar peter k

    take that 460 out and swap in a 7.3 diesel instead…. Then it might be worthwhile..

    Like 2
  12. Avatar SteveTheD

    Decent, but way over priced. Look around as there are better examples available for less. Looks like rust in pillars, drip rails, door openings, and areas where fiberglass attaches to metal. I’m also seeing something going on between back of fiberglass cab and bottom of bed on driver’s side. Alignment is way off.

    Like 2
  13. Avatar chrlsful

    I all ways find the wiring a rat;s nest too. Dump the 460 as w/a modern cam they R a great race engine. 12v and an allison – the swap will B repaid in gas savings quickly, more power too.
    I love these things just cuz they are~
    History (the companies, what they did, how the passed them on, their other jobs…interesting too). Some van-ups I like (the 3 dor) some not~

    Like 0
  14. Avatar David Wisner

    I’m interested, how much for delivery to 306 brantley rd Warner Robins,GA 31093

    Like 0

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