Never Restored: 1977 Ford F-250 Ranger

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Pickups occupy a different niche from other vehicles within the classic world. While high-performance and luxury cars tend to lead sheltered existences, the very nature of a Pickup means it generally leads a life of adventure and hard labor to justify its existence. That makes finding extremely tidy unrestored examples more difficult, but it isn’t impossible. This 1977 Ford F-250 Ranger demonstrates that because the seller claims it is unrestored. If that is accurate, the indications are that its owners have treated it respectfully and done an admirable job of preserving this classic. Its next adventure will be a journey to a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Caldwell, Idaho. Bidding sits below the reserve at $10,900, although plenty of time remains on this auction.

The seller indicates that the Alcoa wheels and BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires on this F-250 aren’t original. Otherwise, they claim it is original and unmolested. Its panels sport a winning combination of Copper Metallic and Indio Tan paint that looks exceptional. There is no evidence of patchiness, with the paint shining beautifully. The panels provide a similar story, with no signs of significant flaws or defects. I’m disappointed there are no shots of the bed because that aspect will typically give a clear indication of the life a vehicle of this type has led. However, the comprehensive series of underside shots reveals no evidence of rust or other problems. This is consistent with the seller’s claim that the Ranger has been garage-kept when not prowling our roads or beating a path into the wilderness. The chrome and trim are excellent, and the tinted glass looks flawless.

This is not the first Pickup we’ve seen from this seller, and they do an admirable job of providing excellent photos of every aspect of each vehicle. The exception is their engine shots, which never give a clear overview. This listing is no different, although piecing together the various images paints a positive picture. They confirm this F-250 sports a 351M V8, a four-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes, and the factory Tow Package. The 351M was a new addition to the F-250 range for 1977, providing a respectable 160hp. That made this classic an effective tow vehicle or load hauler. The dual-range transfer case and locking hubs made it an ideal choice for those seeking a life of adventure. The seller claims this Ford has 94,000 original miles on the clock but doesn’t mention verifying evidence. They retain the original Owner’s Manual and Service Book, which may support their claim. They describe the engine as strong, and the overall impression is that this is a turnkey proposition for potential buyers.

This F-250’s interior could prove to be one of its high points because its presentation is impressive for a vehicle of this type and age. The Tan cloth and vinyl seatcover shows no signs of appreciable wear or other problems, with the same true of the carpet. It is common to see stains from mud if the vehicle has spent time bashing its way through inhospitable terrain, but there is no evidence of that. The remaining upholstered surfaces and plastic trim are excellent, as are the dash and pad. It isn’t weighed down with factory options, with an aftermarket Alpine radio/cassette player occupying the spot typically reserved for the factory radio.

Examining the supplied photos makes it easy to understand why this 1977 Ford F-250 Ranger has attracted eighteen bids in just over one day. Its presentation is impressive, and its overall condition suggests it needs nothing. There is scope for the bid total and price to climb as the auction heads to its close, but are you tempted to contribute to those totals by making a play for this gem? I wish you luck if you do.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Rw

    Oh those mirrors.

    Like 2
    • Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TNMember

      … and, unfortunately, the sheet metal damage has been done.

      Overall, nice truck. This time the seller has (in my opinion) shown some restraint with the tire/wheel package. This generation of Fords has become particularly popular as the interest in trucks in the collector market explodes.

      Like 6
    • MikeG.

      Those are trailering mirrors .

      Like 6
      • Rw

        Those are destory a nice set of door mirrors

        Like 3
      • Fred

        That’s what you need for a work truck to stabilize the mirrors from vibration. Not for a show only truck when only looks matter !!!!!

        Like 3
  2. Troy

    Nice truck also one of my favorite styles of the the Ford. Kinda wish I was in a position to toss in a bid but in my opinion its already above market but for me I would use it and not keep it as a garage queen.

    Like 6
  3. MTBorst

    77-79 I had both. As for the writer and the underside of this truck , IT’S THE ROAD SALT that does the damage. I’ve seen plenty of that in Idaho and don’t understand why those trucks still look great ! Because they don’t last in Michigan. Beautiful truck, I’d love to have it for the right price. Tips for who gets it: advance the crank w/4° off-set key, drop a crane RV cam and lifters in it and if you can find a Holly or Rochester carb that’s around 450cc you’ll have plenty of power and improved mileage ! Did that to mine and I went from 10-11mpg to 15mpg on the highway w/4.10 gears and a “4” speed. 1st being creaper

    Like 7
  4. Midway

    2 point rotunda mirrors would be what this ford wants hugging it’s doors, pickup truck marker is hot right now, Mopar cars are starting to jump up in desirability, could be 180° in 5 years, play while we can………

    Like 0
  5. Thomas

    Somehow this seller comes up with these vehicles that are always one owner PLUS the seller. Since it is a stick we are not interested. The last two offered were not quite what they seemed. Be sure to personally check this vehicle out before making a bid.

    Like 1
  6. Melbostl

    $17,900 as of 07-16 and reserve not met. Nice truck. The auxiliary gas tank isn’t factory. Filler neck sticking out and toggle switch in dash.
    Being picky, I don’t think it’s original carpet. Way to perfect. No AC or other options is disappointing. I have a ’78 Supercab that has a really clean interior but paint is worn (patina as they say) with factory twin tanks, AC, cruise, tilt etc

    Like 1
    • Robert Holt

      So is yours a 250? I would guess it is, being a supercab, just curious if it’s for sale… this one’s a really nice truck, but already way outta my price range. I need an older 250-350 to pull my 10,000 lb Spartan, I’d like one a lil older, closer to the age of the RV, but these trucks are tried and true for this application…

      Like 1
      • Melbostl

        Nope it’s a 150 and not for sale. Although these prices are a lil tempting. Best of luck!

        Like 0
  7. C Force

    I’m sure the carpet has been replaced,the front driver area is too clean and the plastic protective covering is new.i keep a roll of that on hand at work to place on the carpet to keep it clean,that may be a factory toggle for the fuel tanks.my 72’F250 had twin tanks and had a switch similiar to that.i only used my saddle tank,never liked the idea of having 20gals of gas right behind my seat in the cab with me and removed it.

    Like 0
  8. Yblocker

    I’m thinking the carpet and seat cover were a later addition, as this is a Ranger, not a Ranger XLT, but not a big deal. Nice truck

    Like 0

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