Rarity claims must always be taken with a grain of salt in the absence of documentary evidence. However, the seller holds a Marti Report which seemingly confirms that only 222 buyers ordered one of these classics in 1977 where they combined the Free Wheeling package with this Pickup’s paint and trim combination. These are inherently desirable vehicles, which helps to explain why this F150 has attracted twenty bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Lakewood, Washington. This has pushed the price to $12,200 in a No Reserve auction.
Ford introduced the “Free Wheeling” package to its F-Truck range in 1977 as a cosmetic enhancement option. It brought vinyl graphics that were anything but subtle, although it would be unfair to class them as tacky or gaudy. The first owner ordered this F150 in Code J Silver Metallic, which is accentuated by the stripes. I am unsure about the seller’s rarity claim, but a search of the Barn Finds archive reveals that most Free Wheelings we have featured were ordered in Black. That makes this 4×4 a breath of fresh air. The seller is candid about the vehicle’s overall condition, admitting that the paint is older. It is presentable but has begun to exhibit the type of patchiness often seen with age. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and this gem is rust-free. The bed sports a wide array of scratches that are hidden under a rubber mat, but the trim and glass are in good condition.
This F150’s interior looks surprisingly good for a Pickup of this vintage. There is slight damage on the outer edge of the seat, but the Black and Gray upholstered surfaces are generally in good condition. The dash and carpet look excellent, while the pad and other trim items are free from problems. The first owner didn’t order this classic loaded with interior options, with the factory AM radio making way for an AM/FM radio/cassette player. The sports wheel is the only other visible addition.
The first owner ordered this F150 with the 400ci V8 that sends 169hp to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Power assistance for the steering and brakes should provide an effortless driving experience. The power figure looks modest by modern standards but was in line with buyer expectations during the late 1970s. It is worth noting that these engines are renowned for their low-end delivery, making them ideal for towing and off-road exploits. Potential buyers can consider this F150 as a turnkey proposition. The seller states that it runs and drives perfectly, producing no smoke or weird noises that might signal developing mechanical woes.
This 1977 Ford F150 Ranger 4×4 Free Wheeling isn’t perfect, but its presentation is consistent with its survivor status. It has no immediate needs, although the winning bidder may decide to treat it to a fresh coat of paint to lift its appearance. That isn’t a decision they need to make immediately, and there are undoubtedly some who would choose preservation over restoration. It will be interesting to gauge how the percentages fall among our Barn Finds readers on the subject, and whether any of you are tempted to pursue it further.
Good looking truck, it deserves to be preserved in this condition.
I agree with The Sir Duke.
I’ve seen a few 2wd versions of this package.
Even some long bed.
This truck does $50xxx on BAT
Nice truck. I like the proportions of the old er trucks. I had a 1977 Explorer 4X4, blue with white stripes 400 motor. It was a beautiful truck to drive and looked sharp, but as the seller honestly says, fuel usage was horrendous even 40yrs ago.
I had a 77 short bed 4×4, ordered it pretty well stripped down. 351 4 speed , #1 was granny. I usually averaged about 12mpg. Didn’t know until a few years later when I owned my 79 F250 that a crane rv cam, a 4° advanced offset crank keyway and a 450 mechanical 4bbl could turn the miles up to 15 mpg on the highway. The thing about all this ” improved” engines, my 96 Chevy 350 5 speed stick only got 17 on highway. The difference ( overdrive). That’s it more efficient was not the case in just the engine. But I had loads of fun in that shortbed !
I often forget that ‘Ranger’ used to be a trim package on the full-size trucks, not a separate compact truck line.
Pretty unusual truck here. There’s also one on hemmings at this time.
I had a ’79 F100 shorty, silver with orange stripes, 351, automatic. This one takes me right back. There’s only 3 things keeping me from bidding on this gorgeous truck. Time, space, and money.
Nice looking truck. Would probably look great with fresh paint, but looks good as-is. This generation of F-series is my favorite.
Ford is offering a Free Wheeling package on the Bronco Sport. Plus a Heritage edition on it and the Bronco, available in several colors including Robin’s Egg Blue, and I do see these on the road. I wonder if these eye-catching trim/colors indicate a brewing backlash against the sea of black/ gray/ silver/ white vehicles we see today.
Man, I love these trucks. Brings back a lot of memories.
My 1st new vehicle was a ’77 F150 4×4 with the 351M and the 4 speed manual with the granny 1st gear. It got 15 MPG.
SOLD for $23,200.