You know you’re getting older when it feels like yesterday since it was 1977, and then you realize that it was actually forty-six years ago! That is the age of this Ford F-250 4×4 Pickup, which has probably aged better than I have! It received a repaint at some point, but it is an unmolested classic that is solid and in excellent condition. It has a few minor flaws of the type that almost anyone could tackle in a home workshop with basic tools and a bit of patience. This classic is listed here on eBay in Moreno Valley, California. Bidding has raced to $8,300, and if you’re not already tempted, the seller’s decision to list it with No Reserve could prove irresistible.
Ford’s Sixth Generation F-Truck range hit showroom floors in late 1972 for the 1973 model year. It remained on sale until 1979, with the original owner ordering this 1977 model in dazzling Bright Red. The seller admits to treating the Pickup to a mild restoration, but it is unclear when this occurred. I would describe the paint quality as a “good 10-footer.” It looks okay from a distance, but a close inspection confirms the seller’s statement that it isn’t a trailer queen. The panels sport a few dings and dents, and it seems the seller didn’t concentrate on removing these before applying the new paint. It is presentable, but some buyers might consider performing another refresh to lift its presentation. Rust is not an issue, and with the Ford spending its life in a dry climate, that is unsurprising. The chrome and trim look good, although the seller admits one hubcap won’t stay in place. The windshield is cracked, but the remaining glass shows no problems.
The “tidy driver” theme continues inside this Ford because the only noteworthy faults are splits on the driver’s side of the seat and a cracked pad. However, with a replacement cover retailing for around $350 and a pad costing $220, it won’t cost a fortune to lift the presentation to a far higher level. The door trims are in good order, the carpet is relatively new, and there are no headliner issues. The painted surfaces are surprisingly clean for a vehicle of this type and age, as is the dash. The factory radio has made way for a radio/cassette player, and an oil pressure gauge hangs below the dash. Otherwise, this interior is as it left the factory.
Ford introduced the 351M V8 to its F-Truck range in 1977, and that is what occupies this classic’s engine bay. It is backed by a four-speed manual transmission with a “granny” low gear to best utilize the off-road capabilities provided by the dual-range transfer case. Power assistance for the steering and brakes should make life more bearable in tight or confined spaces. The 351M is an engine emphasizing torque rather than outright power. Therefore, while the output figure of 161hp looks modest, the 260 ft/lbs of torque provides reasonable load-carrying or towing ability. The seller indicates the V8 underwent a rebuild around six years ago and is in excellent health. They supply this YouTube video of it in action, and the motor sounds as sweet as a nut. There is no smoke, odd noises, or other apparent issues. There might be a slight oil leak that occasionally deposits a drop on the ground, but the vehicle isn’t gushing gallons of the precious fluid. There are a few minor adjustments the winning bidder could perform in a home workshop, but the seller assures potential buyers they can slip behind the wheel and enjoy this F-250 immediately.
Older Pickups are hot properties in the classic market, particularly those that are largely original. This 1977 Ford F-250 4×4 ticks those boxes and is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. It would benefit from a light cosmetic restoration, but this could happen at the new owner’s leisure. It has attracted a relatively modest nineteen bids, although its No Reserve status could see that figure climb considerably before the hammer falls. A new home is only days away, and it will be fascinating to know whether it heads to the garage of one of our loyal readers.
Beauty round headlite model. Maybe the last yr of that. Probably the NP205 gear ⚙️ driven T-case too. Awesome combo with the 4sp and 351. Stance is perfect, love it.
FWIW, my friends ‘79 F100 came with round headlights as did another guys stripper ‘79 F150. My F150 “Camper”came with square headlights and a 351M (which, tho an underpowered gas guzzler until the Edlebrock and 600cfm carb).
And to the naysayers of the 351M-for the most part your absolutely correct but with at least 177k (maybe 277k) on the original motor it doesn’t know it’s POS and just Keeps On Truckin’.
Too-the truck moniker Dentside is VERY fitting in this case! LOL
I bought a new 1979 that appears to be the same color? Mine was an AT, 1/2 ton with a 302 motor.
These were good trucks, and although they were boxy looking, I somehow never got bored looking at them.
The 351M was strong, but usually after they got some miles on them, the oil pressure dropped and they developed a knock in the lower end of the engine.
I remember some mechanics telling me that the main bearings would wear out and that caused a knock, especially at low end torque.
I remember you could put the transmission is drive, hold the brake pedal down and accelerate the engine, and it would sit there and knock.
A rebuild was basically the only way to fix it?
I always assumed the M stood for “malfunction”, not modified?
Just my oponion!
Either way, they were garbage compared to the original Cleveland it replaced.
Bob, I totally agree with your comment.
The reason for the bottom end knocks was the oil return galleries would plug resulting in a wash out of the bearings! The returns just weren’t big enough. Removing the heads and using kerosene and long HVAC brush on a drill took care of that problem.
I also had a Cleveland engine in a 1971 Mercury Cyclone that was “Easter Egg Blue”.
I bought it new, drove it for a year, then sold it to my Brother, then about 6 years later, I bought it back and drove it for a couple of years longer?
Not sure when it died?
They were good motors, for sure!
Just my opinion!
I had a 1971 or 1972 Ford with the 360 motor and it had a similar issue, without all of the knocking, with the return oil holes stopping up.
It’s usually something simple to repair, but a person just shouldn’t have to do all of this to keep their engine from going bad?
Plus, not everyone knew that, nor had the ability to repair it?
Of course, Ford Motor Co., and most of the other car manufacturers usually try to deny there is an issue with something until the Attorney General sues them, then it’s too late?
By then, you have already sold the vehicle at a loss because it was basically a “lemon”?
I’m agreeing to your comments, but after all of this has been said, it really equally to a bad engine design, and that equals to a bad engine!
Just my oponion!
Would anyone like to venture a guess as to how high the bidding will go?
And, all else equal, if it were a “highboy” how much more (or maybe less) $’s would it bring?
It’s fairly easy to build the 351 to a very drivable 400hp/400 lb-ft with parts from Jon Kasse. Still no slough stock.
Bought one almost like it, a ’77 F150 4×4, had a 400 with the NP435 4 Speed….i bought it in ’88, was a trade-in at the GMC dealer, I matched his $2500 trade in. Ran well, 100K miles, cab and doors well very good for an IL truck, but the box was different. With a topper on, the tailgate & inside were good, but the box sides were Rusty. Talked to a Ford friend I knew, got me a deal on box side skins, another friend did the cutting, welding & painting…..made it a $4500 truck. Dad bought it for the farm, then 2 yrs later was sold at auction, $2500…..oh well. Would have kept it if were a supercab……