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
For a dent side crew cab 4X4 in nice shape that’s probably not a bad price. They’ve gone up crazy.
Anyone shopping for a truck like this will be happy with the content of features. All hardware like it should be. Nice clean rig.
Looks like a nice rig! These crew cabs are definitely hot these days.
48K?? Paso robles!!!!
For 48 grand I would expect that engine bay to be clean as the interior and the rest of the truck but that’s just me.
I was gonna say the same thing. See the rust in the bed/tailgate?
Almost $49,000 with a bed that is beyond repair small dents on both sides holes in the doors from different mirrors. You can find nicer trucks for that kind of money.
Put an 8 foot bed on it, and this would be my dream truck.
I didnt know this combo existed, being more familiar with GM trucks of this era where the crew cab ONLY came with an 8′ bed.
That being said I know the plain black vinyl bench seat was a HD upgrade for Fords and could be original, even with the blue door cards.
Fifty years ago these trucks were beginning to come in to their own. Lots more of these than you would have found even three years previous.
Whether they were a crew cab or a single (it seems to me that Supercabs weren’t available with 4×4) they were the toughest trucks built. That 360 engine was a good engine but it was severely crippled by emissions regs.
I lost track of the number of FE engines that I ran through the shop and de-snogged. They sure ran better afterwards.
Dual exhausts; Holley 500 2bbl; re-curve the ignition. A couple I went as far as changing to a different camshaft, but the end result was always better performance. It actually made a significant improvement to the fuel economy.
All in all, I wouldn’t kick this truck away. I don’t have a lot of use for it at this time but it would still be fun to have…
I’d spend my $48k on something new .
Brand new .
Can work Ford , Chevy and Ram dealers for a new truck at that price .
Again mass
Produced – less common survivor with 4 doors .
Not rust free .
Another $50k to fix it .
Pass .
People need to realize that some survivors are a lot of work and money – this is a money pit
No worse than the new junk that fails to run after it gets mixed up by the over the air programming. Happy to part with my 2023 F350 crew cab for something dependable.
Your on the wrong site.Good by.
I own shovel order for pick up trucks, but I never liked the ones like this one that had the gas tank inside the passenger compartment just behind the seat.
It was very dangerous and the constant gas sloshing around was very annoying.
“…an accomplished off-roader, …” not here, belongs back out West, too big for our closed in trails, vegitation, tight switch-back sort of wheelin. This is for interstate or other like lrg rd construction here, with the 4dor as crew hauler. Or overlanding & desert cruzin.
The 6th gen has been our bread’n butter for several decades. Buyers where this truck are want to use the vehicle every week they can and ask for the steering bx conversions, tank changes, larger motors, ZF transmissions, open D44 knucks and many other mods to Ranger & Ranger Lariat models. I like the F250 with i6 ‘million mi motor’ in the short bed, step side w/ 4WD.
Take this giant off roading, and you’ll definitely come back with dents and dings on your $49,000 F250. Way overpriced for what you get.
Since when did they stop using salt in Massachusetts?
Crazy! Ridiculous! Insane!
This one appears to be a factory assembled crew cab. I had a 1971 before the factory built crew cabs. Mine was a factory “authorized” custom built unit. But the same problem exists on this truck like mine. The back seat is just the front seat stuffed in the back. With the short rear doors only children can access the back seat. A normal size adult “might” get back there while playing “Twister”! I needed seats in my resto-mod so I grabbed some very nice and comfortable front bucket and the first row bench from a Dodge passenger van. That first row seat is narrower to allow other passengers access to the other seats. Centering it in the back worked perfect even for adults. And the kids appreciated the fold down armrests. I always received positive comments on my truck and I wish I had kept it.
$48.9K! WOW! Dream on!
Where’s that Z1R for 18 k?
Price is insane! $18000 tops
If could be bought for 35 to 38k I wouldn’t mind it at all. I’m not saying that’s all it’s worth in general for me personally that’s top dollar. Why? I’d get a livable driver quality paint job. Add a/c and tend to any possible mechanical needs it has. Not one bit a fuel efficient vehicle but the simplicity appeals to me far more than the multiple computer and sensors in new or newer trucks. Besides, newer 4dr trucks are dirt common whereas a truck like this absolutely is not. The 360 isn’t the most powerful engine Ford built but it’s decent overall. I would not be towing or hauling anything excessively heavy or trying to act like it was a sports car or drag car so it would be perfectly fine for my needs and wants. For handling and speed I have a newer model retired police unit Charger. This truck would be perfect for truck needs for me.
Mr. Kleeper? Yeah? You’re dreaming.