There are many reasons why a classic can appeal to potential buyers. It could be its inherent desirability, condition, or features. Of course, when a seller plasters the words “No Reserve” into their listing, it is guaranteed to attract attention. This 1978 Ford F250 Lariat XLT ticks all those boxes and is only a few days away from finding a new home. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Lakewood, Washington. The price has raced to $15,100 due to some fairly frantic activity. However, time remains for interested parties to stake their claim on this classic.

Many classic Pickups start their lives as workhorses before someone treats them to some well-deserved TLC. I don’t believe that is the case with this F250 because it carries the hallmarks of a vehicle that has been treated respectfully since Day 1. The color combination of Dark Nectarine Metallic and Light Chamois is as classy as they come and shines impressively. The seller is this Ford’s second owner, and they claim it has never suffered any accident damage or repairs. If that is accurate, its overall condition is especially impressive. There are no signs of dings or dents, and the underside shots confirm it is rust-free. Someone has laid on a coat of Black in the bed, but the lack of physical damage suggests this may have been to protect a potentially scratched surface from deterioration. I would probably perform a bed repaint in the original shade before adding a plastic liner for protection. The glass and trim are spotless, and the larger wheels and tires will improve the Lariat’s off-road ability.

I’ve debated what I would consider this F250’s strongest attribute, and its interior is a strong contender. The sorts of lives these Pickups tend to lead will often leave trim and upholstery battered and bruised. This F250 has avoided that fate, and my only criticism is the sagging door pockets. This is a common flaw, and I have seen owners work some magic with elastic to return the pockets to a respectable state. Otherwise, the dash and pad are excellent, there is no wear on the carpet, seat, or other upholstered surfaces, and no evidence of abuse. An aftermarket radio/cassette player occupies the spot typically reserved for the factory radio, but that appears to be the only modification. It isn’t dripping with options, but the new owner will welcome air conditioning and cruise control.

Ford has a history of offering Pickup buyers a broad selection of engines to power their new purchase, but the 400ci V8 under this classic’s hood was only available for three years during the Sixth Generation F-Truck’s production run. It sends 169hp to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Those unable to “muscle” their classic will celebrate the original owner’s decision to order this gem with power assistance for the steering and brakes. The 400 wasn’t the most potent engine offered in 1978, but it still provided enough power and torque to satisfy most owners. The buyer could use the Lariat as a shop truck or for off-road adventures or utilize the hitch receiver to transform it into an effective tow vehicle. It is in excellent mechanical health, with no issues or problems. The seller uses it as a daily driver, which is another option open to the new owner.

Shop truck? Off-road escape vehicle? Tow vehicle? Daily driver? What does this 1978 Ford F250 Lariat XLT potentially represent to you? It should not be pigeonholed because it could serve effectively in any or all of those roles. It has already attracted thirty-nine bids, which will undoubtedly climb before the auction ends. Potential buyers could walk into a Ford showroom today and drive away in a shiny new F250 Lariat, but they will pay dearly for the experience. The new vehicle will leave no change from $70,000, but they could own this one for a fraction of the price. That’s an enormous difference, and that’s before we consider the topic of depreciation. The value of the new F250 will plunge significantly during the next five years, but recent history suggests the value of our feature truck should head in the opposite direction. If I faced the choice, I know which option I’d choose. How about you?