Classic Pickups offer an enormous scope as project candidates. Owners can follow the faithful path, while custom approaches can range from mild to wild. This 1972 Ford F250 Crew Cab is an unassuming vehicle that presents exceptionally well. Its mild-mannered exterior hides a big secret, because the engine upgrade will provide performance that was unthinkable when this beast left the lot. The time has come for this award-winner to find a new home, with the seller listing the F250 here on eBay in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The current high bid of $100,500 may sound eye-watering and is below the reserve, but once you discover more about this Ford, you might feel that it is justified.
Ford’s Fifth Generation F-Series range graced showroom floors from 1967 until 1972, with our feature F250 rolling off the line during the final production year. The seller believes that its paint combination of Wind Blue and Bahama Blue makes it a 1-of-1 vehicle. That begs the question of why anyone would change or modify the Pickup if it is genuinely unique, but that is a choice that is made by a person willing to spend a lot of money in their quest to build something truly special. The project started with a rust-free Pickup that spent its life as a one-owner vehicle in Arizona. The seller pursued a rotisserie approach, massaging the panels to perfection before applying fresh paint. It appears that they may have replaced many of the vehicle’s original seals and gaskets, adding hide-away running boards for practicality. The trim looks exceptional, as does the glass. The F250 rolls on a set of steel wheels with factory dog dish hubcaps, giving no clues as to what lurks below the surface.
I wish that the seller had provided better engine photos, because this is one of this classic’s defining features. The VIN confirms that this F250 left the factory powered by the 300ci six producing 170hp. That figure was rendered irrelevant the moment the seller bolted in a 7.3-liter Ford Performance Crate Engine. They confirm that it generates 430hp and 485 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to the road via a ten-speed 10R140 automatic transmission, a Moonshine Mafia NP-205 transfer case, and Dana axles at both ends. Other upgrades include a Steerman electric power steering system and a range of Wilwood brake components. That’s a mouthwatering combination that should allow this F250 to provide phenomenal performance in all circumstances. If someone is searching for an accomplished tow vehicle, this Ford ticks that box handsomely. The seller states that they have only clocked a mere thirty-seven miles as a shakedown since the build ended, with the Pickup comfortably cruising at seventy without any rattles or odd noises. It probably requires a few more miles under its belt to loosen things up, and the performance will improve as that happens.
One attraction of this F250 is that, as a Crew Cab, it will comfortably seat six people. That makes it ideal for family journeys or for gathering a few friends together for a wilderness adventure. The interior shows the same level of attention to detail that we have seen elsewhere. The upholstered surfaces wear a custom mix of plaid cloth and vinyl that is in as-new condition due to the vehicle’s history. The carpet is perfect, and the dash is topped by a NOS pad. The factory gauges have made way for a complete Dakota Digital array, and the I-DID-IT tilt steering column allows the driver to perfectly tailor their seating position. The Vintage Air A/C blows ice-cold, and in-vehicle entertainment is covered by a retro-style stereo with hidden speakers and Bluetooth capability.
This 1972 Ford F250 Crew Cab is a sleeper, with its exterior providing no hints about what hides below the surface. The seller has left no stone unturned in their build, helping to explain why the Ford recently scored gold at the 2025 Grand National F100 Show. The seller states that they have invested a staggering $165,000 into the vehicle, and its specifications and spotless presentation make that figure plausible. The bidding has already climbed into six-figure territory, but how high do you think it will go before the hammer falls?
Outstanding build. The many upgrades are such that the truck still carries its attractive stock highboy look. Being an award winner at a high-end Ford truck show says something. But it took a stunning amount of money to get there. Bids into the six figures right now.
I can’t help but think about seeing a truck like this as a kid. Strictly a work truck, then. If you would have told me what money it would bring five decades later, ….
This is absolutely beautiful. The work performed, at least to my untrained eyes looks top notch. The high performance modern day 7.3. V8, and also that 10R140 10 speed automatic is what Ford puts behind not only this engine but also the Powerstroke in 3/4 ton and up models. That tells you something right there. ( Powerstroke is north of 1000 ft. Pounds of torque) This will most likely be a very reliable driver ( if that’s what the new owner choses to do). Very nicely done Ford. I love the stock steel rims and hub caps too!!! And the stock steering wheel and stock looking interior too. Truth be told. There’s nothing I wouldn’t like on this truck. The price is very high, but if you’ve priced out a new Platinum Ford, they aren’t cheap either. And this one will absolutely be noticed without a doubt. Very nice truck thanks for writing it up Adam.
Everything about this build is just great, really well done. It’s hard to believe that an old Ford pickup can command $100k+, feels like reality surged ahead of me while I wasn’t paying attention. I think the one upgrade that stands out for me is the electric steering. I have it on a couple of Hondas, and it’s excellent, have often thought I would go that way with a restomod as well. Not something I’ve seen commonly, though, in rebuilds. Seems to me it would render a tidier engine bay, the Steerman kit looks almost as unobtrusive as Armstrong steering.
Three words, work of art
Expensive for a reason. Early crew cabs from the big three have been rising rapidly for years. It will be interesting to see where this auction ends and if the high bid meets reserve.
Steve R
Retrofit Hillbilly Deluxe 🤠 👢 in the Ford robin-egg blue.
Lots of these out west, even 50+ years ago. Tougher than shoe leather! An absolute bear to park in the average modern parking lot. Get two of these across from each other and facing away, and the traffic is stopped.
I must have not been paying attention but whenever I think of a 7.3, I think of a Diesel engine produced by International from 1987 to 2003. I’m getting the drift that this is a new improvement to the 429 family. Whatever, It looks like it’s going to take an awful lot to stop it…
Lots of these out west, even 50+ years ago. Tougher than shoe leather! An absolute bear to park in the average modern parking lot. Get two of these across from each other and facing away, and the traffic is stopped.
I must have not been paying attention but whenever I think of a 7.3, I think of a Diesel engine produced by International from 1987 to 2003. I’m getting the drift that this is a new improvement to the 429 family. Whatever, It looks like it’s going to take an awful lot to stop it…
geo, these were all over the Forestry industry on the West Coast
⛰️ 🌳 🪵 🍁 except almost always manuals.
All new engine, no relation to the 385 series.
Love it. That Godzilla engine is no joke, either.
So much more interesting than what is being sold in new truck showrooms today.
Makes me miss my 1971 Ford F250 crew cab that I restored/resto-moded. Mine was repainted the stock “work truck” tan with stock style (later model wider) wheels with the dog dish hub caps. Tan interior with a narrower rear seat so that human sized people could climb in. (From the factory they come with 2 front bench seats which makes it very difficult for entry and exit.) I used to get many compliments on mine because you don’t see too many of this vintage. Prior to 1972 model (like mine) they were factory approved modified into crew cabs. The first thing the new owner did was install fancy shiny wheels and dual exhaust. I guess he did not like my 3″ single exhaust. After that, I never saw the truck again.
Nice truck I personally wouldn’t want it strictly because it’s a 4 door and I have never liked 4 door trucks
cool truck but not for that kind of cash.
I must not be on Barn Finds, there’s only one complaint about the price and the rest are compliments.
I’d rather have it all stock with the 300.
I also like that engine a lot, would be quite happy with it as well – it’s not like I’m gonna take that truck on a race track LOL. I see a regular cab 4×4 rebuilt to stock, over on BAT right now, fetching $65k+. My notion of old pickups is apparently outdated.