Original Daily Driver: 1972 Ford F100

There’s something curiously attractive about an older Pickup that carries the scars and marks of a vehicle that has worked for a living. Such is the case with this 1972 Ford F100. If you look beyond the tired and corroded exterior, you find what beats below is a heart of pure gold. It functions effectively as a daily driver, providing the new owner with the opportunity for immediate enjoyment while deciding on this classic’s future. The F100 is listed here on Craigslist in Washington, DC. You could take it home by handing the seller $4,200, although they may consider a trade for an appropriate vehicle. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this beauty for us.

The Ford’s exterior might look tired and faded. Still, we can easily imagine how it would have looked the day the original owner took delivery of the vehicle finished in Wimbledon White and Royal Maroon. The faded paint is the first issue, but there are significant areas of surface corrosion appearing in various locations around the Pickup. The seller admits it is crusty but believes no rust issues are beyond repair. I can spot areas in the door and lower cab corners and a few spots near the bed wheel wells. There are no underside shots, so we can only speculate on the state of the floors and frame. However, the lack of significant exterior rust and the moderate surface corrosion in the engine bay provides cause for optimism. The glass looks pretty nice, as do many of the trim pieces. Some items require replacement, but the damage-prone original hubcaps are in good order.

This Pickup’s interior is a mix of the good and bad, but it remains serviceable for those preferring preservation. The cracked dash pad is hidden by a mat, while the seat sports a slipcover that clashes with almost everything inside this classic. The state of the upholstery beneath is unknown. If the new owner plans a restoration, they must set aside approximately $360 for a replacement seatcover in the correct color and material. The vinyl floor mat shows wear, and that will probably also go as part of a high-end build. The door trims seem okay, although the painted surfaces show their age. It is worth remembering that dismantling these interiors is simple, making total restoration in a home workshop viable.

This F100’s trump card could be its mechanical health. The original owner ordered it with a 360ci V8 and a three-speed manual transmission. The 360 is a mighty motor, producing 196hp and 327 ft/lbs of torque. That makes the F100 an accomplished load carrier but would also allow it to use its tow hitch effectively. The seller recently splashed some cash on this classic, fitting new brakes, a new aluminum radiator, a new carburetor, and a new fuel tank. It was worth the expense because the F100 functions perfectly as a daily driver. It might not offer the luxury of power assistance for the steering or brakes, but it should compensate for those shortcomings with its abundance of power and torque. Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey classic ready to hit the road for immediate fun.

This 1972 Ford F100 isn’t perfect, nor should we expect it to be at the asking price. It needs work, but whether the new owner opts for preservation or restoration will be a matter of taste. A third option could be to use it as the foundation for a ratrod build, and it would serve perfectly in that role. However, those choices are in the future because the buyer can enjoy all it offers immediately while visions of the finished product solidify in their mind. What would you do if you were that person?