Some trucks just have “the look,” don’t they. Patina is polarizing, but this ’79 Ford could be in the background of a country music video or, with a few modifications, the 43rd Mad Max sequel. It’s light on rust (except for the bed) and high in the air. The 1979 Ford Pickup brochure doesn’t even mention that a short box F-150 was available, but there seem to be enough of them hanging around to indicate that the brochure was inaccurate; at any rate, I’m glad this one exists. The selling dealer says it’s a “running and driving project,” but I’d be willing to wager that many of us would be happy with it as it sits. It’s currently for sale on eBay in Mankato, Minnesota, and the high bid is $6,300. The reserve is not yet met, so if that’s any indication, these Fords are hot right now.

The drivetrain is a Ford classic: the torquey 300 cubic-inch six with a four-speed manual transmission. This one has power steering and power brakes, and it looks as if it may have a new master cylinder, although the seller says that their technicians noticed a spongy pedal, so the brakes need bleeding at the very least. Judging by the appearance of the radiator, you might as well just add that to the budget; I’ve never picked up a car with a radiator that grungy that didn’t run hot, but that’s just my experience.

The pictures of the interior show that it needs a dash pad, upholstery (or seat cover), and carpet (or a rubber mat). But the missing carpet also shows something very important: solid floors. Dentside Ford parts are easy to come by, but there’s nothing better than not having a massive welding project on your hands.

The seller kindly has included several undercarriage pictures, and everything looks good except the bed; apparently, there’s a bedliner in place, and we can see why from this vantage point. The buyer will most likely want to repair the bed (we just couldn’t get away from welding, could we?), because why else would you own a truck that looks like this? You’re going to put things in the bed, right?

Yep, this is a great “make up your own mind” truck, because unlike many cars and trucks for sale, there’s no wrong answer here. You could fix the bed and the dents and give it a nice paint job, or you could leave it as is and look like you just rolled out of a video shoot. Either way, this Ford will turn some heads; let us know if it’s turned yours.