When a seller claims that a classic has no rust or rot but their images show surface corrosion, it’s easy to doubt their claim. However, this 1976 Ford F250 Crew Cab Highboy has spent its time in a favorable climate. Factor in zero salt exposure, and it becomes clear that the surface corrosion is as bad as it gets. The new owner could perform a cosmetic refresh to recapture the Pickup’s youthful good looks, but they could do so as time and circumstances allow. The seller has listed the Crew Cab here on eBay in Stow, Massachusetts. They set their BIN at $48,900 with the option to make an offer.
Ford’s Sixth Generation F-Series range graced showroom floors from 1973 until 1979, but soldiered on for slightly longer in foreign markets. While the company’s latest offering rode on the same chassis as its predecessor, Ford incorporated several important changes to improve safety and corrosion resistance. Relocating the fuel tank from its former cab location to beneath the bed created a sturdy barrier between the tank and occupants in the event of a fire. The company also increased the use of galvanized steel and zinc coatings to reduce the risk of rust, which had previously been a bugbear. Our featured F-Truck is an F250 Crew Cab, a vehicle designed to accommodate six people. Potential buyers can consider the vehicle a survivor, because the exterior retains its original Wimbledon White paint. It looks tired after fifty years of action with chips, marks, and the occasional bump or bruise. Some readers might find the visible surface corrosion concerning, but the seller indicates it isn’t an issue. The Ford has spent much of its life in California, avoiding snow and salt that can wreak havoc on steel. The sole underside shot reveals surface corrosion typical of dry-climate classics, but there are no signs of penetrating rust. The bed is solid, the frame is structurally sound, and although it isn’t perfect, this F250 looks like a winner.
This classic features mechanical specifications designed to haul loads or carve an F250-wide path through the undergrowth. Lifting the hood reveals a 360ci V8, a four-speed New Process manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and Dana axles at both ends. The first owner’s decision to specify power assistance for the steering and brakes means that maneuvering this gentle giant in tight spaces should be relatively effortless. The 1976 model year marked the last hurrah for the 360, which was also the largest motor available in an F250 4×4. It produced a relatively modest 145hp, although the typical V8 low-end torque delivery provided better performance than that figure might suggest. Potential buyers can consider the Highboy a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives extremely well, ready for action with its next owner behind the wheel.
Compared to modern Pickups, life aboard this F250 represented motoring at its most basic. The buyer won’t receive air conditioning, power windows, or cloth trim. However, this interior is hardy and practical, resisting all of the mud and slime that an owner could throw at it during off-road adventures. It is presentable, having recently received new seatcovers and a new carpet set. The factory AM radio is intact, and, as with every interior feature, it works perfectly.
This 1976 Ford F250 Crew Cab Highboy isn’t perfect, but therein could lie its greatest strength. The mechanical specifications mean it would be an accomplished off-roader, capable of delving deep into the wilderness while brushing obstacles aside. Do that in a pristine 4×4 and a world of pain awaits as the vehicle accumulates scratches, scrapes, and dents. However, undertake the same journey in this Highboy and such damage will be less of an issue. Sure, it would look wonderful if fully restored, but I’d be tempted to leave it as-is, ready to climb every mountain and “Ford” every stream, with the Pickup treating any cosmetic injuries as inconsequential. Do you agree?
That’s a sweet lookin ride