Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Rebuilt 390: 1969 Ford F-250 Ranger Camper Special

While not as prevalent as they once were, there are still a bunch of hardy souls who think nothing of sliding a camper onto the back of a classic pickup and hitting the road for a life of high adventure. This trend probably hit its peak in the late 1960s and 1970s and motivated companies like Ford to produce vehicles like the F-250 Camper Special. This example is in excellent condition for its age. It is a rust-free survivor, and its owner has treated it to some recent significant mechanical work. It comes with a pile of documentation, and since the owner has been using it as a daily driver, it is ready to be enjoyed by the lucky buyer. Located in Placerville, California, you will find the F-250 listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has hit $8,000, but this remains short of the reserve.

This old Ford makes a striking visual statement in its color combination of Empire and Wimbledon White. The owner includes a Marti Report that reveals this to be 1-of-513 to wear this paint combination. Although the paint has accumulated a few minor marks and defects, it still presents quite nicely. It shines well and has no immediate needs. The bed has its share of the usual scuff and scrapes that are common in older pickups, and with surface corrosion beginning to appear, the buyer will probably want to address this before it deteriorates further. However, its exterior flaws are so insignificant that the new owner could ignore them unless they seek perfection. The panels haven’t accumulated any significant bruises or dents, and there’s no evidence of rust. The underside is equally impressive and shouldn’t require the buyer’s attention. The exterior trim is in good condition, and this F-250 features the practicality of a slideout rear bumper. The tinted glass appears flawless, and the hitch should make this F-250 an accomplished tow vehicle.

If the condition of this classic’s panels and paint haven’t already grabbed you, perhaps its drivetrain will seal the deal. Lifting the hood reveals a 390ci V8 that should be producing 210hp. Those horses find their way to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. That should provide sufficient power to haul a camper or pull a heavy load. This F-250 is in excellent mechanical condition. The owner recently treated the engine and transmission to a rebuild, and with power steering and power brakes, it’s easy to see why this has made an excellent daily driver for him. As well as the engine and transmission refresh, the owner recently splashed some cash on a steering box, and power steering pump rebuild. He emphasizes that professionals have performed all of these tasks, and as well as the Marti Report, he includes receipts for all mechanical work. This F-250 runs and drives well, the brakes feel strong, it tracks straight, and it is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

The owner admits that the interior isn’t showroom fresh, but it still presents nicely and is serviceable. The upholstered surfaces show no evidence of significant wear or tear, while the carpet is better than average for a Pickup of this age. He admits that under that cover, the dash pad is cracked. The buyer will need to decide whether to leave things as they are or spend $500 on a replacement pad. The painted surfaces are in excellent condition, as are the remaining dash components and the gauge cluster. The owner recently spent plenty of cash on a new aftermarket air conditioning system that was professionally installed. This blows ice-cold, and when you add the CD player with Bluetooth and the chunky steering wheel, this should be a pleasant place to spend time as the miles roll effortlessly under the tires.

This 1969 Ford F-250 is not perfect, but it is a tidy survivor worthy of a closer look. Its lack of rust and the recent mechanical work make it an attractive proposition for potential buyers. Values of classic pickups continue to climb slowly, making them a worthwhile long-term investment. Even putting that aside for one moment, it is a practical vehicle that looks like it’s led a relatively sheltered life. It would make an excellent tow vehicle, and I’m surprised that the bidding has been as subdued as it has. There is still time left in the auction, so that situation could change. Is that enough to tempt you to follow this one further?

Comments

  1. angliagt angliagt Member

    The ad says that “This was an elderly lady’s truck from new”.
    That decal on the left rear of the back window is for the IAFF –
    the International Association of Fire Fighters.I find it hard to believe
    that she was a professional fire fighter.
    I had a ’68 F250 Camper Special that was in excellent condition,
    but only had a 360.These are good trucks,but mine had drum brakes,
    no pwer steering,no A/C,no shoulder belts (altough there was an
    anchor for one at the top rear of the cab,covered with a rubber plug).
    I really liked mine,but would drive my ’94 Dakota most of time as
    it was much more comfortable.

    Like 2
  2. sakingsbury20@yahoo.com

    the person that owns it now says he has owned several yrs…..might be were decal comes from…..I wonder how elderly she was when she bought it ? Alot more truck than my elderly mother would of even considered driving when she could still drive

    Like 1
  3. Jay E. Member

    Gone at 13.5K !!! Makes the virtually identical ’75 one ( but in a bit rougher shape) I sold yesterday for $4500.00 a freaking bargain. Who knew… I thought I did well.

    Like 2
  4. chrlsful

    nxt gen plez –
    ’73/9, the 6th.

    Like 1
    • trav66

      This generation Ford looks great, even better than the Chevy’s IMHO, always wanted one but now any I could afford are rotted out in the major places. I have a soft spot for them because my Grampas and uncle had this gen trucks. This is a great looking Ford and it sold for a good price!

      Like 0
  5. Stevieg

    I had a 1969 F250, 360 & 4 speed. Way more truck than I would ever need, but it was cheap & I needed wheels. Sold it for something more economical (what isn’t lol?), but I really liked it.

    Like 1

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.