The United States of America’s Semiquincentennial (250-year anniversary) is a mere two years away – are you ready? If not, there are worse ways to celebrate a country’s birthday than buying a 1976 Ford F-150 with the Bicentennial Option Group.
I missed out on the Bicentennial, but it seemed to be a time of wildly fun graphics packages on all kinds of things. For example, I own a Bicentennial Schwinn Sting-Ray, which is as red, white, and blue as you might imagine. Lawn mowers were red, white, and blue; boats were red, white, and blue; and most importantly, trucks were red, white, and blue.
I may be exaggerating a bit in terms of this particular truck, because you have to look inside to find the red, at least in the current faded state of the exterior decals. Still, if you’re looking for ’70s-era kitsch, this truck is hard to beat. The “Dentside” Fords have really grown on me over the years, and this truck is powered by the last of the FE-based engines, a 390 in this case. For 1977, Ford canceled the 360 and 390 in lieu of the 351 and 400.
The seller says that the truck is in “very good original condition and runs great.” The pictures make the truck look solid, but there is some rust on the rear bumper and a few other locations on the body, although it doesn’t look serious. I think this would be a good truck to leave as-is, with the possible exception of painting the rear bumper. Although new graphics could be made, the cost may render that option impractical.
The Bicentennial Option Group was available on all Custom models, including SuperCabs, all the way up to the F-350. This glove box insignia was standard equipment and highlighted in the factory sales documents (as it should have been).
I can’t be the only one out there who loves Bicentennial-Edition everything. Like many of you, I don’t have unlimited space or cash, but I really like this truck. If you find its slightly worn exterior appealing, it looks like a decent example of an uncommon old pickup. It’s currently for sale on Marketplace for an asking price of $9000. Thank you to Ted Mathis for the tip on this patriotic Ford.
Meh, all the companies jumped on the Bicentennial bandwagon. Ironically, a Ford truck in that garb seemed to capture the spirit more. I did live through that, and I can’t remember too much hoopla, or more accurately, didn’t care at the time. America went all out, to bolster American pride after that dirty war, that left a bad taste in most Americans mouths.
I drove a truck just like this, only not Bicentennial, for an auto paint company. It was the “new” truck, replacing the ’72 F100 I had been driving. Of all my miles, this remains one of the 2 or 3 accidents I ever had. The truck was a month old, and a drunk sideswiped me. When trucks were really trucks, not sedans with a box. I really think Americans will burn out on these 4 door pickups, and maybe, if car makers ever get their heads back into the sunshine, they will offer trucks like this again. It’s a great find.
I think that this would look really good without the
graphics,pinstripes & have the rear bumper cleaned up
& painted.Also,repaint the F O R D letters on the tailgate Red.
Semi qui centennial. Now that’s a mouthful. No wonder there seems to be so little preparation. I understand Michigan is bringing back their commerative license plate for the occasion. Wonder if I can get the same letters as the first time.
As for this truck, I can’t recall seeing very many in person. Maybe one in red with the white tu-tone and graphics. It looks mighty good for a fifty year old truck.
I hope Michigan brings back the Bicentennial plate, because I’ll definitely be getting one for my ’74 Firebird.
The motor would be a 360,not a 390.I had a 72 F250 which was the last year a 390 was available,and it wasn’t available in the 1/2 ton pickups,only F250 and bigger.1976 was the last year of the FE big block(360 only) and for 77′ the 351/400m was available instead.
The 390 is listed as an available engine for F-150s in the 1976 Ford Pickup brochure. I don’t want to imply that options don’t change throughout the year, but the seller claims it’s a factory 390.
I was 6 in 76. I remember red white and blue EVERY thing. Fire hydrants etc. We went to Philly and independence hall that summer.
Nice truck.. Regardless of the engine stigma, these trucks will go on for a long time.. The one and most major issue with these was no rustproofing from the factory and in most cases the cab body mounts to the frame at the lower cowl would rot out and need replacement.. The cab would begin to lower itself causing fender and bed misalignment. This one looks to be ok.. I like it..