The owner of this 1973 Ford F-350 Ranger XLT purchased the vehicle to serve as a parts car. However, once he delved below the surface, he discovered that it didn’t deserve that fate. Instead, he has decided that it needs to go to a new home and an owner willing to return the Ranger to active duty. Located in Seattle, Washington, you will find the F-350 listed for sale here on the Barn Finds Classified or here on eBay. Bidding has reached a mere $690 in what is a No Reserve auction.
The first thing to note with this Midnight Blue Ranger is its lack of significant rust. There is a small section in the rear edge of the bed floor that the buyer could address with a patch, but the rest of the Pickup is surprisingly solid. There is nothing visible in the panels or floors, while the frame is spotlessly clean. There is surface corrosion present in several exterior areas, but nothing that would require immediate attention. The Ranger would undoubtedly benefit from a repaint, but it would be interesting to see how it responded to a buff and polish. I think that the results could be quite surprising. The side panel for the spare tire compartment is missing, but finding good secondhand covers for around $100 is an easy assignment for the buyer to tackle. The camper cap appears to be in good condition, and while some of the exterior trim is damaged, most of it is in good order. I can’t spot any issues with the glass, and when you put all of these factors together, it’s easy to see why the owner was reluctant to dismantle the vehicle.
The Ranger XLT package brought a few creature comforts when compared to your garden-variety F-350. These included additional sound deadening material, faux timber trim, cloth and vinyl upholstery on the seats, and an AM/FM stereo radio. These items remain intact, and a previous owner has added a CB radio and a tachometer into the mix. As is the case with the exterior, the first port of call with this interior would be to give it a good clean. I think that the results would be surprising and will probably reveal that the only items that would need further attention would be the seat cover, a drooping headliner, and the steering wheel. The wheel is cracked, but a bit of patience in a home workshop could see its problems addressed without needing a replacement. It is possible that the headliner might be able to be glued into place, which would save the buyer a few dollars on the restoration. They might choose to throw a blanket over the seat in a case of “out of mind, out of sight.” However, with replacement covers available for under $250, I would be inclined to spend the money to make the interior look presentable.
Buyers in 1973 could choose from several engines to power their new F-350, and the original owner of this one went to the top of the class with the 460ci V8. This monster would pump out a respectable 245hp and a mammoth 342 ft/lbs of torque, which finds its way to the rear wheels via a 3-speed automatic transmission. With those sorts of numbers, it’s easy to see why these were a popular choice in the 1970s as tow vehicles or for hauling a slide-on camper. This F-350 doesn’t run, and it isn’t clear when it last did. The accumulated debris under the hood suggests that it wasn’t yesterday, but the news isn’t all bad. The owner says that the engine turns freely with a breaker bar, so coaxing it back to life might not be a complex undertaking.
I think that we’ve all seen situations where somebody has cannibalized a perfectly good vehicle to be used for parts. Sometimes this move is justified, while at others, it seems like an awful waste. I am glad that the owner of this 1973 F-350 Ranger XLT has had a change of heart because I agree with his assessment that it is too good to sacrifice. I would love to see a new owner return it to its former glory, and if the bidding doesn’t go ballistic, it could represent an affordable project for the right person. Could that be you?
I was looking for one of these Super Camper Specials
years ago,but couldn’t find one nearby.These are the way
when you need a proper towing vehicle.
I often feel sad when I sentence a car to death and often times justify it by saying parts salvaged will be used to make another one live. Last year I purchased a car to do just that. Running and driving I thought what a perfect way to assess the overall health of the power train I wished to harvest. Then I started to like the car and my friends ribbed me about it saying don’t kill it! So a year later and it still serves as my daily driver. I’m getting to the end though and after replacing the transmission and fixing the A/C it’s time to sell it on. The next owner will get a nicely sorted ride.
I think Adam’s analysis, and the seller’s description, are accurate and appropriate. Obviously the truck needs work, but overall it seems like a good candidate for restoration. Especially considering how rusty these can be in other parts of the country; this one doesn’t seem rusty at all. Maybe a Super Camper Special isn’t on the top of the desirability list, but it seems all Ford trucks of this body style are now collectible to some degree.
Out here in the NW corner of the USA rust is usually not a big deal unless something has been sitting in a field forever.
I refuse to admit I owened a truck like this in 1980. Wow, I am old.
This is one of those neat trucks with the extra long wheelbase. Careful readers will note that the rear wheel wells are located further back in the box side than nearly all other ford f series trucks. In 73 the 385 series 460 still had reasonable power output. My father ordered a super cab f250 new in 76 and by then the 460 had lost some of its glory.
When resurrected these super camper specials are quite unique and cool to me. I’m with the seller this is way too much of a vehicle to discard or part out, especially with the plethora of aftermarket repair and refurbishment parts available for these.
I hope it finds a loving home. Buyers were in for a treat in 73 as Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC all had fresh new designs for that model year.
It’s in WA? Color me shocked.
Wait a tic. I AM shocked after perusing the photos. What’s up with the rust on the tailgate and rot in the bed? Must’ve spent some of it’s life someplace else. Still super clean, just not as spotless as I come to expect from the PNW.