Survivor. Original Miles. Original Owner. Second Owner. These buzz words can raise an enthusiast’s pulse when looking at classifieds. Up for sale is a prime example of one of these types of autos. Check out this beautiful 1978 Ford F150 XLT up for sale here on Craigslist. Located in Dana Point, CA, this truck can be yours for $19,500. In this condition, is this a better deal than a modern truck? Thank you so much to Barn Finds reader numskal for sending in this find!
For a long time, the Ford F-Series was the heavyweight sales champion in the USA. For my money, they hit their stride in the “dent side” era from 1973-1979. There is a rugged manliness to these trucks that captivated many people, making these models one of Ford’s highest-selling vehicles. With many different engines and unique trim packages, the discerning truck purchaser could dial in their ride to match their tastes. Still using their patented “twin I-beam” suspension, these trucks saw every conceivable action the red-blooded American could throw at them in the 70s and 80s.
Reading through the seller’s description of this truck, we get a good idea of how easy of a life this truck has lived. A two-owner example that was used for fishing trips and has never left California, this rig is sprayed in the eye-popping shade of Bahama Blue. The seller states that it has been repainted by another Ford dealership in the local area. Inside the power barn is the largest motor offered by Ford in 1978, the big-block 460. These are strong motors that can go anywhere except past a gas station. According to the seller, the transmission was recently rebuilt and has power brakes, power steering, and a functional AC. If the description and pictures are half right, this truck is a real cream puff.
Full disclosure: My grandfather had almost the exact same truck in green and white, and I spent a large amount of my youth travelling around Arizona with him, making great memories. So, I tend to view these models with a heavy dose of nostalgia. But looking at this truck objectively, we can all see this is a truly excellent example of a classic F-Series truck. Original classic trucks this nice don’t pop up too often because so many from this period were used up as work trucks. So to whoever is fortunate enough to purchase this truck: Happy trails, and many good memories may be made from your travels (and the Duraspark ignition doesn’t leave you stranded). Cheers!
A very interesting post for me. I have a 1973, that I just finished. I did a very complete mechanical restoration and a very nice cosmetic restoration ,less the paint which is original and highly polished. It is a short box, standard 3-speed, 302 V-8 and factory A/C. It has been in storage since the late 70’s. It involved a lot more work and money than I expected, but it is like new and very nice. I want to sell it and I want more for it than this one,as much as 10 K more. So I will be interested to see how this truck does?
Priced like a short bed. No matter how nice, long beds sell at a significant discount because they don’t have nearly the following.
Steve R
Really nice truck especially with the big block, at first glance the 19+k price seems pretty high however being this clean with low mileage and a rebuilt transmission if your looking for a truck that’s going to be pretty darn dependable and easy and inexpensive to fix and maintain to use as a driver good luck finding anything close to one in this shape for $19k.
Great truck, spectacular in all regards, but as Steve R implies, priced too high for a long bed. Maybe this is the one you buy for use as a regular old truck for the next 20 years, beating it up and accepting that it won’t retain its current pristine condition, rather than paying $50k for a new one. Other than that I don’t see putting the money into a truck like this, pristine as it is. Hard to see it as a nice around town dd, especially with the 460, unless you own a gas station.
Of course, just my opinion.
Very nice. Someone likely ordered this one. An XLT with a 460 and air was not what most dealers would have for stock. Maybe in a higher altitude or if affiliated with an RV store. The swb might be more desirable but this rides better and it’s the one that works hardest for you.
It’s actually a ’79…has the “new for ’79’ rectangular headlamps.
In ’78 the headlamps were still round.
The Custom trim line in 1978 were the only trucks that had the round headlights. Higher trim lines such as Ranger and XLT trims had square headlights. In 1979 all trim lines had square headlights. I had a 78 custom F-150 and I still think of it as my fav of all time.