…and now for something completely different. Check out this California Cool 1969 Ford F-250 Highboy Wrecker that has been well maintained and is still up for the job. As Nick the seller states, “This is NOT a tired, worn-out truck that needs a restoration. It has been well maintained as this machine was a large part of a working mans livelihood. I would not hesitate to drive this truck anywhere.” It’s called California home since it was purchased in the Summer of ’69 (ironic Woodstock Festival and Bryan Adams song reference) and is located in Buellton, California where it is for sale here on eBay (the clock is ticking, though, as the gavel falls at 5:00 pm today). As I’m writing this, 40 bids have been placed with the price sitting at $12,600, but not enough to meet the seller’s reserve.
I like the seller, Nick, because he gives you just enough information (not too much, not too little) about this Ford and provides good photographs of the outside, inside, and underneath. The wrecker last served out of the Weaverville Garage in Weaverville, California, and was in use until 2016 when the owner/operator passed away and his business and its assets were sold. This F-250 came from Ford’s San Jose Factory painted Wimbledon White with a Cordovan (orange) interior. In the early 70’s, it was converted into a wrecker and given a ’70’s mod paint job which is showing its age but has a near perfect amount of fading and thin spots. As the seller says, the tow truck has the usual amount of dents and dings considering its past life. The most noticeable is the driver side headlight surround which looks like it took a right upper cut from Smokin’ Joe Frasier, and the driver side factory side trim is missing.
But rust is not an issue and all of the cool exterior lights still work including the original orange beacon light and backup spotlights. The seller also shares “The early Warn Winch on front (made by Bellview) needs new cables to operate. The rear unit is a Braden chain driven PTO unit that works great. The bed of the truck is remarkably stout and was built by the Brownebilt Body & Wrecker Company in Emeryville Ca.”
The truck’s original interior is painted and trimmed in Cordova, which I think is a pleasing shade of orange/brown, and black. Except for the duct-taped driver’s seat, the rest of the cabin is in remarkable shape considering its age and occupation. The seller states that all the interior lights work as well as the heater. The only thing not working is the factory original radio.
The Highboy is powered by the factory-original 360-cubic inch V8. The sellers says it “fires up immediately and settles into a well tuned idle.” It’s mated to a manual transmission with a floor shifter and the seller states “Shifting into 4×4 is smooth and effortless. The steering is true and straight and the drum brakes work great. The odometer shows just over 70k miles and based on how it drives I would say the mileage is original.” I really like this ’69 Ford F-250 Wrecker. What’s not to like? Plus, the next owner could earn a few bucks on the side in a tow truck capacity if they so choose. What do you think of this rare survivor workhorse wrecker?
If duct tape was ever used for heating ducts, I’d like to see it. Well, I tend to disagree, the only thing going for it is it’s a Cal. truck, otherwise, it IS a tired, worn out truck that will need everything. 1st, it’s not a tow truck by todays standards and missing an important piece, a wheel lift. I’ve never seen an orange interior unless it was a municipal truck, and probably what this was. The lift looks homemade, possibly by the county shop, and couldn’t support much. Today, as is, all this truck is good for, is skidding logs out of the forest. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a really neat unit, the switch next to the winch control is a hydraulic brake lock, and not sure why a tow truck, if it is a tow truck, would need a siren, but a cool rig none the less.
Siren ????
In some states tow trucks can go Code 3 (lights and siren) and in some states they cannot.
I am pretty sure that is an Oga horn
Amazing that anyone would pay this much for this rig, and that’s what it is….a rig. I have had a 75 Chevy 3500 with a Holmes 440 unit and it is an original rust free fully working unit. This unit here isn’t even a duel wheel F350. I used a 70 F350 tow truck decades ago at the wrecking yard and it was duel wheeled heavy duty. I doubt this would pick up a 70 Fleetwood or and of the hundreds of whales I towed with that Ford or my current Chevy. I will say I bought my Chevy unit 22 years ago to used as an engine lift which this unit would be perfect for. Anyone that has old cars or fools with them needs something like this but 12+k. I won’t even say what I paid for mine but SHEESH, is the world this nuts.
An old tow-truck is super handy around to have around. I have a 1976 Chev ex-military (Canadian) 350/gas 5/4 ton with a Sagness wrecker, and snow-plow. The extendable boom is great for engine-pulling all kinds of projects.
The truck shown here is relatively useless: the boom does not extend, and the sling assembly is completely missing. Being a F-250, it also has limitations on how much weight it could actually lift. A F-350 is a far better choice.
There are lots of more capable trucks available for much less.
BTW, if you want an old tow-truck to cruise around public roads , check with your insurance company first. Insuring a tow-truck is very expensive. Most classic car/truck insurers are reluctant (at best) to insure a tow-truck, even for personal use.
Actually one of the more noteworthy carriers has mine and it is very inexpensive. I also have vintage rollback that I carry regular coverage that is also pennies in today’s world. Neither do any commercial work any longer but function perfectly.
I always avert my gaze when I see wheels duel.
That is rolling artwork. I love it.
It’s perfect for hauling your lowrider. When your Chebby Impeller blows out its air compressor.
That odometer has probably rolled a couple of times but I think this thing is cool
In words of one Rocket J Squirrel; Now, here’s something you’re gonna really like. Or not, judging by some of the comments. But hey, it’s burely, different and largely there. Don’t ever lose sight of the fact that this is over fifty years old and half a project. What you’re buying is hopefully a solid foundation that you can make work for you. Want a turn key show stopper? Keep looking.
Where cool and valuable are an oxymoron.Did someone really pay $15k for this ?
Nope, the reserve wasn’t met.
Nice truck.
For all the criticism here … it’s served somebody well for their needs for a long time from what we see.
Personally I’d probably want to change out the bed for something else, but this truck looks like a good truck that’s ready to keep on trucking’.
you may be able to trade the bed steel for a truck box. But you will have 300 hr. on this redo project and 10K less in your wallet
??
That’s interesting,a GM HEI distributor….
You’re not familiar with a country called China?
I’d love to have an old heavy duty truck like this, especially with a manual transmission. But the first thing I’d do is get rid of the wrecker bed and lift then replace it with a period correct bed and camper top. Then I’d spend my retirement exploring all the dirt roads and logging trails I could find in the mountains, looking for the perfect trout stream and camping spots. I’d be so far back in the woods, nobody would even know where to start looking for me. And I’d love every second of it.
Until it broke down out there.
That’s the great thing about old trucks like this one- you can fix them with basic hand tools and a hammer, and most parts are available at every auto parts store. I wouldn’t worry at all about it breaking down.
Neat old truck. Not legal to use on rotation as an actual wrecker. Single boom, no wheel lift, etc. Note the Amber lens up top. Capacity is limited by single wheels. Pretty limited as to uses.Hopefully someone has a job for this old girl.