So, what’s in a name? Descriptions and terms, like “One Original Owner” get bandied about and let’s face it, there’s no limit to how far those descriptors get stretched in the matter of automotive marketing. Today’s review is that of a 1966 Ford F100 pickup that is proclaimed as, “One original owner purchased new in 1966 at Harris Ford, Lynnwood WA“. So, is the original owner selling this truck or is it a flipper who has acquired it from the original owner? And regardless, does it matter? Let’s review and you decide. This truck, discovered by Matt R, is located in Everett, Washington and is available, here on craigslist for $15,500.
We cover a lot of pickups on Barn Finds and I know that I have encountered a lot of ’67-’72 Chevy/GMC variants and they are a hot topic these days. Early ’50s Fords are, likewise, very collectible. The beat goes on and mid-late ’60s Fords, such as our subject truck, have joined the hit parade too.
I’d call this one a survivor as it is claimed to be all original, paint and all. Even the seat upholstery is the born-with item though it is claimed to need replacement, and therefore, has a Mexican blanket type of cover. Hardly a “comforting” interior, it’s exactly what I like, rough, ready, and to the point! And it’s typical for an era when pickup trucks were work vehicles and not boulevard cruisers. The gauge cluster is especially appealing – it tells the driver, clearly, what they need to know and no more.
It’s impressive that this claimed to be original finish has survived so well over its 56 years – it still has a shine and depth. There is no sign of rust or cargo hauling foibles that so often lead to dents, creases, and contusions. The seller adds, “there is some light bubbling in the paint along the front edge of the hood as seen in the picture of the front hood” – I’ll take his word for it as it’s not obvious in the images provided. The doggie bowl hubcaps and white stripe tires offer a nice, period effect. I suppose one could take issue with the bed liner in terms of referring to this truck as a “survivor”. I’d give it a pass on that front as nothing looks worse than a pickup that has labored through life as a work truck, and still looks good, but is burdened with a mangled, scratched, and rusty cargo bed – the bed liner is a smart investment from my perspective.
Pulling power happens thanks to a 208 gross HP, 352 CI V8 “FE” engine working through a three-speed automatic transmission. Recent work includes, “full tune-up, new water pump, new hoses, new belt, replaced valve cover gaskets, 4 New whitewall tires from discount tires include free balance and rotation for the life of tires, new Monroe shocks front and rear, front end alignment, new exhaust pipes, new Exhaust manifold and gasket set, front end kingpins, brake master cylinder, new brakes and wheel cylinders right and left, fresh oil and filter change, serviced Transmission replaced new pan gasket, transmission filter, and fluid“. Sounds like it’s good to go and the seller adds, “This truck (is) dependable and fun to drive, it’s driven around 120 miles per week without issue at highway speeds“.
So, one, original owner, or once removed? It probably doesn’t matter as this truck has a positive tale to tell. Less positive are the seller’s comments of, “Do not waste my time and yours with low ball offers I don’t need to sell this vehicle. I have pretty much explained and offered all the information there is on the truck“. I know selling a vehicle is not the same thing as trying to form a mutual admiration society, and it doesn’t need to be, but his statement seems so dour as in “I’ve told you what you need to know, don’t ask any more questions”. Regardless, with a claimed 52K miles, this Ford F100 shouldn’t have a problem finding a new home, wouldn’t you agree?
This is how it should read, if it is one owner………”One owner, as I bought it new in 19whatever. The car has been with me, since I drove it off of the lot in 19whatever. Original contract, etc. in my name clearly posted in pictures.” Stop!!!. Rant over. Have a nice weekend.
I’m with you Guernsey (Guernsey County Ohio, if I recall?). How an advertisement is written matters.
My dad’s first company-supplied work truck was a 1966 F-100 in this color, I think it was called Sahara Beige. But his was a 300 six-cylinder three-speed short wheelbase Flareside, a real stripper. But fine for its rough-and-tumble oil field use.
I can clearly recall the day we picked it up, a real thrill for a ten year old car nut. I went with him to work (it was summer) and I had to wait ALL DAY for him to get his regular job done before we headed to the dealer. In addition to picking up the truck, there was a 1966 Mustang in the showroom which had the (rare) bench seat. At the time I thought the Mustang was much cooler. Today, I like them both. Funny the details one can recall.
Thanks Jim for the memories.
One owner………before the next 4 owners
I had a 64 Short Bed. Love these body styles. I think it was 65 when they went to TWIN I BEAM and that made the ride a lot better. The price of trucks these days, this is NOT A BAD DEAL. I don’t care how many owners it’s has Hell it’s 56 years old. It’s been taken care of that’s what matters to me. I’ve seen some ONE (1) owner cars & trucks on here that look like they have been in a war zone. No Engines, No Floors, No Doors……AND THEY WANT TWICE AS MUCH, Because Of What It ONCE WAS. If ONE OWNER MEANS THAT MUCH Buy A New One.
Not a bad deal price-wise if you don’t mind the blah color and the fact that it’s a long bed.
Nice truck and great period color. Probably underpriced compared to the asking price of all the rusty clapped out non running vehicles for sale all over the web. This one looks genuine.
Bought a 65 in 1986 from the Los Angeles Unified School district public auction for $200 in 1989. Service records found in the truck showed it was a supervisors driver that had 285000 miles on it when I bought it. 300/6 with 3 on the tree. Front suspension was completely shot and everything on that truck rattled just from looking at it. Learned how to rebuild the front end in my driveway and vowed never to do another kingpin front end ever again. Kept that thing for 18 years with minimal issues or repairs until someone offered $1200 for it.
There’s something about the State of Washington with loads of older well-taken care of trucks.
He could have found a white cloer to the factory white for bumpers and rims, and taped off the chrome bumper bolts!
My vote is that is is being sold by a flipper. Painted the bumpers and maybe even the valve covers. Threw the Mexican blanket on the seat. Then put it up for sale. I am with an above comment as far as better off spending on this than a crusted up or basket case one. But I still feel all the prices are inflated due to nondescretionary monetary spending habits and easy credit time period that we are in right now that is also coupled with speculative flippers that have flooded the buyers market. Next economic downturn everything in the classic car and truck world will be available for pennies on the dollar and that is when us prudent spenders will swoop in for the vehicles we pine for in this inflated market.
Back in 72 I bought a blue and white 65 Ford f100 long bed, with 352 three on the tree and overdrive. It was a great truck. I mainly used it for hauling three hundred gallon water tanks, but it also saw a couple trips and town driving.
This truck is the kind I would like to have but it’s to far away from me. Best wishes to all concerned.
One owner 10 owners who cares they are one of the best trucks ever made the price is fair
How do you get 63 plates a 1966??
Plate is just for show, from 1999 until 2018 Washington required you to get new plates every 7 years it was a complete money grab to make up for the loss of taxes when I695 passed making the yearly license fee $30 dollars before that it was hundreds of dollars to license your car because it was based on the value.
How do get 63 plates on a 1966 ?
Check out the lower fenders , rockers ,and quarter panel bubbling of a rust colored substance. yet, it could still be driven for years as it is.
Nice ole Ford! Seems like a fair asking price for it’s age and condition, considering the price of new trucks (and cars) these days. Get in, start it and go (maybe put it in a car show every now and then). Easy and cheap to maintain, too. Love these body styles.
Interesting no where in any of the listing ,it states its a long bed. The pictures do a very good job of hiding it too. For those of you who think the length of the bed doesn’t matter, this ad should clear that up.