“No Reserve” are two words that guarantee a classic will generate interest when it hits the market. Such is the case with this 1974 Ford F-250 Ranger Highboy. It is an unmolested classic, and while it isn’t perfect, it is a solid survivor that could make an excellent tow vehicle. It is listed here on eBay in Nampa, Idaho. Bidding has scorched to $22,100, and with No Reserve in play, the Highboy is days away from finding a new home.
Documentary evidence can make a significant difference to the worth of any classic. Whether the owner holds paperwork to verify one of the more significant claims made about this F-250 is unclear. They state that Ford only produced two examples of the 1974 Highboy finished in a combination of Wimbledon White and Pastel Lime. This is said to be one of those Pickups, and the included Marti Report may supply the answer. Otherwise, the claim must be taken at face value. This F-250 is a survivor, with its paint sporting minor imperfections, while the panels feature small bumps and bruises that don’t detract from its overall appearance. Performing a cosmetic refresh would be straightforward due to the lack of rust, although preservation is viable. The seller supplies several underside shots in their embedded listing gallery, confirming the floors and frame are rock-solid. The chrome and glass are in good order, and the hitch receiver is a practical addition that would make this an effective tow vehicle.
We have seen several classic Pickups listed by this seller, and all seem to feature new seatcovers and carpets. This F-250 is no exception, with these recent additions helping the interior to present acceptably. The wheel is cracked, and the painted surfaces have minor nicks and marks. However, the most apparent issue is the badly cracked pad. Reproduction pads retail for under $300, and fitting one would be a worthwhile investment to boost the appearance further. Factory options include air conditioning and an AM radio to make life on the road pretty pleasant.
The towing potential of this F-250 is enhanced by its 360ci V8, producing 196hp and 327 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, while the dual-range transfer case and Dana 60 axles with a limited-slip rear end virtually guarantee this Pickup could crawl into some pretty inaccessible locations. Getting there wouldn’t be hard work, courtesy of the power assistance for the steering and brakes. This classic is in excellent mechanical health, with the seller claiming it has a genuine 84,000 miles on the clock. As with the paint combination, they don’t mention verifying evidence. However, it seems this is a turnkey Highboy where the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.
If you have been searching for a classic Pickup, is the 1974 F-250 Highboy one that might make your shortlist? It is understandable if that is the case because it has much to offer a new owner. It appears you may have strong competition, with this Ford already attracting thirty-five bids. People like what they see, and it would be unsurprising if the action intensifies as the auction draws to its conclusion. You might have to fight for it, but the best things in life rarely come easily. However, they are always worth it.
Nice truck, I like it.
We see Ford trucks of this era from this seller every couple of weeks. He must have quite the operation, including a network to find the trucks. Most fit the same theme: nicely reconditioned, including (some degree of) body work/paint, (some degree of) interior work, and (some degree of) mechanical work including a tire/wheel package. When one studies the pictures, one can see that he isn’t going for perfection: dings and scratches, interior defects are typically still present. He provides lots of pics to illustrate the results.
Overall the trucks end up being quite attractive and bring the big bucks. Sure looks like he knows his market.
Nampa used to be a nice little farm community in years gone by but it’s quickly becoming a bedroom community for Meridian (home to Hewlitt Packard). If you take the backroads to Marsing on your way to Winnemucca you’ll see that it’s still got the farm town roots-repelete with a surplus Dodge halftrack parked on a drainage ditch outside of town.
Point is, this guy has a bunch of decent old farm trucks to pick from and does a nice job of refurbishing them if that’s his deal..!
A buddy of mine flew from Houston to buy one of the trucks from this seller. It was a 1978 f250 4×4. he drove it back to Houston with zero problems. He said it was described perfectly in the add as a fly in and drive home truck. Sadly.. after a couple of years.. while working on the trucks engine.. he hadn’t put it all the way in park and the truck was wrecked along with the neighbors house. The house was repaired but the truck is still waiting on new fenders and a bed. but it runs perfectly.
Ooh, that’s a bad day! I feel his pain though, my 2000 Silverado rolled down my driveway a few weeks ago and whacked a maple tree, effectively rendering it undrivable. The prospect of putting it in a shop for repairs is out of the question, I paid 3 grand for the truck a couple of years ago, and I’m sure the cost of repairs would probably come close to twice that amount, and with 360,000 miles on the ticker, that’s just not good math. But I’m seeing all these early to mid 70’s trucks selling (or being offered for sale)in the 20 thousand plus range, and thinking that if I invest the money in mine, in 15 years I should be able to sell it for 20 grand… Whatcha think, should I fix it or part it out?
now about those rolling out the driveway situations–when my middle son was about 3 he managed to reach up, open the door and attempt to pull himself up into my F250 by grabbing the brake release. I always left it in neutral (4 spd, 2wd) but was careless about locking the doors. We had a neighbor across the street, our driveways lined up, slight downgrade on our side. The neighbor had his prized Mercedes Gullwing coupe in his driveway. You guessed it, the pickup rolled out our driveway across the street but came to a rest about 6 inches from his Gullwing. First fear was is my son ok, luckily he managed to jump back, clear of the pickup and with the next level of luck the F250 came to a stop right before a point of contact. Lesson learned: Lock the door stupid. Gullwings are somewhat replaceable, sons aren’t.
I agree with Bob and Nevada. I wouldnt change a thing. Its very nicely done, clean without going over the top. Id just hop in and enjoy it. This is one of my favorite generation of Ford pickups. A lot of my Dads friends had ones like this from the same generation, lots of great memories as a kid growing up riding in them, Dad was a Chevy guy, he had a number of squarebodies when they were new, but I know he always admired Fords too, and later on in life switched over from GM to Ford.
That’s awesome! Brings back good memories for a kid that graduated in 1975.
I know they talk about the Malaise era, but thats when Im from, and there were a lot of good times and good memories. We all knew cars and trucks didnt put out the power like they used too, but it was generally accepted as how thats how it simply was. Many of those who I remember having these cars and trucks are gone now, but I still remember them every single time I see their vehicles or ones similar, especially on Barnfinds and really do appreciate all the work and effort that goes i to all these write ups.
Nice looking old Henry. In my mind this is what a truck really is. Built for a purpose. Almost too nice to abuse.
You’re right Adam, “no reserve” will generate BOTH positive and negative interest. In this case, what I’m seeing is mostly positive. If the owner is thoughtful enough to get a Marti Report, wouldn’t that prove the owner’s claim about the color combination to be legit?
As I’ve often said here,I hate to see the flippers/dealers
buying these up,then flipping them for a profit,denying the
guy who’d love to find one for what they paid for it.
Of course I live in a (unreal) World where vehicles like
this go to someone who will love & keep them.
How do you know that the people who buy from dealers don’t love and keep their cars?
I wasn’t referring to those who buy from sellers/flippers like this.
If we’re being honest, we are all just jealous when we see a car being flipped because we wish we had found it first!
Must be “Truck Tuesday”. Back in the day when these were new one of my coworkers had one. His was all blue with custom chrome wheels. Really nice looking. I used to love riding in it because it sat so high. I always like that BF brings back the memories for me. Hadn’t thought of Dennis’s truck in many moons. Thanks.
Love but. But, look at this 79 the seller has; I would rather have those great period side decals!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/335213321358
These had the old “slave cylinder” power steering until 1976, even though Ford had gone over to integrated power steering o 2wd trucks in 1969. Guess they had a lot of parts leftover, so they used them in the 4wd trucks because people don’t expect those to handle anyway.
I had a 1975 F100 with the old steering, and it wandered all over the road. There was a company offering a kit to change to integrated steering, so I ordered one and installed it in mine. It was a big improvement, but required some proficient welding.
I’m typically not a Ford fan but I could see this in my garage. Nice older example of a pickup from back when they were made to work, not run momma and the kids to soccer practice and the grocery store in Cadillac like comfort. Just enough bump and bruises in body and paint to show this one earned its keep but wasnt abused.
Graduated in 75, purchased a 72 F-350. Had a gutless 360 with worn off cam lobes. Being a FE giy my entire life got a 428cj out of a wrecked torino and put it in the truck. Working in construction it was indestructible and had more then enough power to haul trailers and equipment, had full tool boxes loaded and truck always carried 3000 pounds. The only way to get a decent ride it was sprung so heavy. Had maual steering and could rip your jand off if inside wheel and drove in a chuck hole. Was great pulling at the fairs as everyone thought it was a 360. Also 4 speed but drove as a 3 because 1st was for stump pulling. I Was in fantastic shape those 10 years of my life and was a volunteer fireman. Upgraded to a new 79 350 and the 351 m was gutless so got a 429cj you guessed it out of a torino. Well as I gotten older the trucks got more user friendly. I’m 67 now and would no way want to drive that 72 again but have kept my 97 powerstroke 7.3 diesel and is a show truck now. Have had 20 F-350s and still have a few. Best trucks ever