One-Owner Short Bed: 1988 Ford F-150

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There’s a fine line between a pickup truck being considered a collectible and simply being a nice driver. This difference can lead to a wide gulf in the final sale price. In the case of this 1988 Ford F-150, the clean condition and a recently rebuild 351 engine help contribute to what will likely be a strong result when the auction wraps up. The seller also notes it is a one-owner example, which always drives strong bidding. Find it here on eBay with bids to $8,900 and the reserve unmet.

The F150 isn’t the most robust spec, but we’re also in an era where speculators and collectors are all hot for diesel models with dually axles. This is a straightforward, easy-to-own rig, with a V8, automatic, and four-wheel drive. It’s a basic extended cab which isn’t as desirable as the four-door models but that shouldn’t detract from the main attraction here, which is the rust-free condition. Despite residing in New Jersey, the seller notes it was a life-long New Mexico truck until recently.

The preserved condition is especially evident when you peer inside. Now, the upholstery is obviously new, but the carpets and plastic surfaces are all quite clean as well. The same goes for the door panels, so overall, this truck does have all the trappings of being a true survivor. While we may love the southwest states for the rust-free tin they produce, there’s always a risk of sun damage in the cabin, which we’re simply not seeing here.

The F150 is extremely clean underneath, with only traces of flash surface rust that effectively happen on any vehicle that isn’t still sitting in the showroom. The list of recent repairs and new parts is quite lengthy, including: new drive belt, battery, exhaust behind the catalytic converter, Flowmaster muffler,  rear shocks, oil pumps, two new gas tanks, fuel lines, and more. The F150 is a tidy specimen and is a modern classic you can use like a daily driver.

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Comments

  1. Casey

    What a gorgeous truck ! Looks extremely solid. Someone is going to get a nice truck. I would love to have it in my driveway. 👍👍

    Like 13
  2. Melton Mooney

    I had one about like this except 2wd, long box, and trailer tow pkg. Same powertrain and colors. It was an exceptional truck. I upgraded to a 4dr in 2005 when the kids got bigger or I’d probably still own the ’88. Still have the ’05. Rock solid truck but the teeny box is kind of a joke.

    Like 3
    • Gil Davis Tercenio

      Not everybody needs a long bed pick-up. I’ve had both and would rather have this combo. My current PU is a ’88 F150 4×4 regular cab with the 8′ bed, powered by a 302 & C4.

      Like 2
  3. TCOPPS TCOPPSMember

    I really would love to have this in the driveway and/or garage. Sold mine in 2018 and regret it more and more every year.

    Like 8
  4. 767driver

    Hmmm… listing says 5L 351…so which is it ‘cuz it can’t be both!!

    Like 4
    • Jake

      Ya know, people do make mistakes.

      Like 2
  5. chrlsful

    5.8/5oh, both good.
    This really works – lill more room in cab, nice short bed for the 4WD. Rd trucks (least back East) need long beds, off rd needs small (not as wide open as W of Miss.R.). Perfection? the i6 efi for the off rd (low rev tq, less tire spin than bent8). They made that the last 8 yrs or so (till ’96 anyway).

    Like 2
  6. Rick

    Wow, nice truck, if I hadn’t bought a new truck recently I might have jumped on this one.

    Like 3
  7. Frog Man

    Wait diesels are moving right now? I have a clean 87 6.9 C6 ext cab i just got running low miles only rust on roof. Im gonna park it on end of driveway!

    Like 1
  8. Roland Schoenke

    I had a ’92 , great truck but hard on gas.

    Like 1

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