Finding an appropriate and potentially affordable tow vehicle can be challenging if the buyer isn’t in a position to hand over the considerble cash required to park a new vehicle in their garage. That is where this 1979 Ford F250 Ranger Lariat rides to the rescue. It presents well for a Pickup of its vintage, featuring the range-topping 460ci V8 under the hood. A few minor upgrades shold have unleashed some additional power and torque, while the first owner’s decision to add the Trailer Pack will allow it to haul heavy loads. If all of that isn’t tempting enough, the seller’s decision to list the F250 with No Reserve could make it irresistible. They have listed the Ranger here on eBay in Cleveland, Ohio. Strong bidding has pushed the price to $13,300, and with No Reserve to hamper proceedings, this Ford is days away from finding a new home.

Ford released its Sixth Generation F-Series range in late 1972, with our feature F250 a final-year example that rolled off the line in 1979. The first owner ordered the vehicle in a color combination of Light Sand and Gold Metallic, giving the vehicle a classy appearance. The seller is candid in their assessment, because while they believe that the paint is original, a close inspection will reveal minor imperfections. However, it retains a healthy shine, the Gold hasn’t become patchy, and the panels are straight. The seller doesn’t mention the presence of rust, and I see nothing in the supplied photos that cause concern. The trim looks extremely nice for its age, and the glass is clear.

It was hardly surprising news that emission regulations took a large bite out of engine performance in the 1970s, and Ford’s F-Series wasn’t immune. This F250 features the range-topping 460ci V8, but with the factory quoting power and torque figures of 230hp and 362 ft/lbs, the large V8s were shadows of their former selves. However, there might be more on offer for the new owner of this classic, because someone has performed work that will help the engine to breathe better. Apart from the cosmetic enhancements, in sports an Edelbrock intake, an upgraded carburetor, and headers. The power feeds to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case, with the first owner adding power assistance for the steering and brakes. The final piece of the puzzle for those wishing to utilize the hitch receiver is the Trailer Pack. Ford offered two versions in 1979, and I believe this F250 may feature the more rugged of the pair. It brought improved engine cooling, a transmission cooler, heavier suspension components, and other goodies to the party. The seller states that this classic has seen little recent use, and although it starts, runs, and drives, it appears that a thorough inspection would be a wise move before undertaking any long journeys. The believe that the odometer reading of 62,250 miles is genuine, but there seems there is no verifying evidence.

If this F250’s exterior condition is impressive, the interior lifts things to a higher level. The door pockets are slightly sagging and the seller admits the air conditioning doesn’t blow cold, but those appear to be the only major criticisms. The Brown vinyl trim looks excellent, the carpet is clean, and the pad hasn’t succumbed to UV exposure or age. The luxury feel of this Ranger is accentuated by the spotless faux woodgrain trim, cruise control, and the aftermarket radio/cassette player.

The numbers tell the story of this 1979 Ford F250 Ranger Lariat. The listing has received almost 450 views in the past day, and nearly 100 peope have added it to their Watch List. This has translated into twenty-four bids with time for those figures to climb further. You could head into your local Ford dealership and drive away in a shiny new F250, but you will pay for the privilege, because the starting price is around $60,000. This 1979 example will cost someone considerably less, and shouldn’t suffer the level of depreciation a buyer would typically expect from a new vehicle. If you are on the hunt for a tow vehicle, this F250 could be a strong contender.