It never ceases to amaze me how trucks that were one time considered borderline throwaway worthy once they were used up are now commanding reasonable money on any auction platform they appear on. Of course, it helps if the vehicle in question has a short bed and presents as well as this 1986 Ford F-150 pickup here on eBay does. The truck is a two wheel drive model equipped with the 5.0L V8 and automatic transmission. It has under 30,000 original miles and it shows, looking like new in the photos and showing no evidence of rust or any modifications. Bidding is at $15,600 with the reserve unmet.
There’s no denying that the proportions of pretty much any domestic short bed pickup are excellent. Looking at the F150 from this angle, I can’t help but marvel at how perfect the proportions are. As with any “normal” vehicle that survives in near-perfect condition, you notice details about it that are otherwise missed on ones in average condition. What stands out to me is how good the standard-issue wheels look with the perfect center caps still attached. The polished spokes still shine like new, and they look great paired with the white-letter radials. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the paint and brightwork are in mint condition as well.
The deep red velour interior may have had some extra padding in it courtesy of the XLT Lariat package, as this one is equipped with. The fake wood trim added some luxury to the otherwise utilitarian cabin. None of these features were particularly incredible additions when new, but to see it in this sort of condition decades later is worth crowing about. The F150 comes with a variety of comfort and convenience options, including cruise control, power windows, power locks, air conditioning, dual fuel tanks, AM/FM cassette stereo, and more. This truck also comes with its origial sales paperwork and the factory build sheet.
And what a great combination with the factory 5.0L V8. You’ll noticed a previous owner did add an aftermarket exhaust, but I’ll allow that deviation from stock condition considering how good this engine sounds with a free-flowing system. The engine bay is spotless, and the hoses still present like new. This is the last year of the so-called “bull nose” design, so it’s a collectible truck for that reason alone – but it definitely helps to see it in this sort of condition, as so few of these F-150s have this kind of low mileage or this level of attention to detail in terms of preservation. It’s not surprising to see the bidding where it’s currently at, and I’m curious how much higher it will go.
Looking at this truck, one can see how the concept of the luxury pickup was picking up steam about this time. This example is highly equipped, with a fancy interior and lots of outside trim. With luxury trucks popular today, it’s not as hard to see how people are looking back with fondness at similar models from back in the day. But Jeff is right, it still is hard to realize how ‘hot’ the market has become for pickups, not that long ago being mostly throw-away vehicles.
Nice truck. I too prefer the short-wheelbase models, including Flaresides.
Stunning pickup, in and out. Kudos to the seller, the images he provides are excellent. This F150 has everything going for it; options, condition, short bed and good looks along with it’s amazing condition. The 302 is a great motor with decent power and reasonable MPG. I had an ’85 F150 though not nearly as well optioned as this jewel but it had the same 302 though with a stick shift. It was a dependable pickup that cost me very little while I had it and performed perfectly not matter what I asked it to do. That didn’t surprise me though as all the F150s I’ve owned over the years were very good trucks.
To me, Ford trucks have gone downhill since this era. I would want one of these with the 4.9 or 4.95L and a manual.
No you don’t,,the 300 was a great motor, but falls short on any pickup duties. I’ve had, or driven several and a V8 is still the way to go.
One of the best looking pickup trucks of all time. This one is a beautiful vehicle.
Item location:
West Alexandria, Ohio
Ford Truck phantics must be drooling. It is a really nice truck. I always thought they got ugly in the late 80’s after these , until my 02 F-250 which I liked the look of…This is a show truck and I wouldn’t use it for hauling…
maybe I’m crazy; but the photo of the interior looks like its right of some Ford literature
Jeff’s narration is spot on. These were merely the “shop truck”, or the stone mason guys truck, that took their abuse with stride, or, like featured here, dad’s pride and joy, and led a cushy life. Around this time, as Jeff sez, pickups were going through a drastic change. Suburban life dictated the station wagon obsolete,, and buyers turned to these, mostly, as a 2nd ( or 3rd) vehicle, that was relegated to dump runs and Home Depot. My ex-gf’s dad, had a similar pickup, had like 20K miles, and NOBODY drove dad’s pickup, except dad. I’m sure the same story here. Normally, I’d complain at the 5 figure price, but you simply can’t find something like this new today, and has years of service ahead. Not rare, I see open garage doors all the time, with some vintage pickup being used as a storage bin. Usually they don’t come up until a death, and nobody wants dads old truck. So, here you go.
She’s a beauty! I’m so happy to see this truck and read the responses.
I bought an old 86 F 250 twenty-some years ago. It was for carting around my pop-up camper. Unknowledgable about work trucks I soon learned this one needed everything. It was a pig with pretty lipstick! I put in a new engine, suspension, gas tanks and controls and, and, and… But over the years the rust took over, the re-paint peeled and the clear coat broke down. Although she was ugly she ran great! I fully restored it last month and it looks Fabulous. I didnt know the bull nose was so popular.