The seller refers to this 1957 Ford F-100 Camper as “Copperhead,” and one look at its paint perfectly explains that handle. It is an older conversion recently refurbished, featuring enough retro touches to appeal to most tastes. It is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel who is intent on self-contained weekend escapes. The seller has listed the Camper here on eBay in Wayland, Michigan. Bidding sits below the reserve at $14,700, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Snooks for spotting this retro gem.

We sometimes feature classics at Barn Finds where determining how to start is challenging. Such is the case with this F-100. The seller indicates a previous owner converted the Panel Van to a Camper in the 1970s, adding a Volkswagen Westfalia pop-top. This doesn’t feature sleeping accommodation but adds significantly to headroom in the back of the vehicle. They performed the work on a rust-free, dry Texas truck, retaining the original steel and Copper paint. The vehicle spent years in storage before being revived and returned to its former glory. The seller didn’t touch the panels or paint, refreshing the bumpers and adding new seals to the pop-top. The wheels were repainted, and the attention to preservation included retaining the stickers from the previous owner’s cross-country adventures. This Ford isn’t perfect, but it is guaranteed to draw crowds. However, the exterior is just the beginning of this automotive adventure.

The seller retained the bones of the previous owner’s Camper conversion, refreshing and updating features utilizing a “Steam Punk” theme. The 1970s carpet made way for vinyl timber flooring, the countertops are copper, and the drawers and doors feature industrial motifs. It presents well, with fresh cloth on the seat and the timber refinished to a high standard. However, the practicality of this interior can’t be underestimated. Lighting is provided in 12- and 110-volt fittings, perishables are kept cool in a mini fridge, and a two-burner cooker and a black-finished sink with a sixteen-gallon fresh water supply and a gray water tank round out the owner’s catering needs. A window-mounted air conditioning unit keeps the interior cool. There is ample storage space under the seat, which folds into a bed that accommodates a six-footer. Rounding out the package is a porta-potty for when nature calls.

The seller left the front compartment essentially untouched, retaining most of the creator’s original features. New carpet covers the floors, but the rest is pure 1970s custom. The driver and passenger sink back into leather-covered Thunderbird seats, with the driver’s featuring power operation. Vintage air conditioning keeps life comfortable, cruise control reduces the driver’s load, and an AM/FM radio relieves boredom on long journeys. The presentation is impressive. The painted surfaces are excellent, and the only notable flaw is a rip on the driver’s seat. The dash houses the usual assortment of factory gauges, with switches for the dual fuel tanks and foglights. The new owner also receives a dash-mounted compass, an ambient temperature gauge, and an altimeter.

The Ford’s drivetrain received some notable upgrades that should make it a low-maintenance classic that will cruise comfortably all day at 60mph. Lifting the hood reveals a 289ci V8, which sends its power to the 9″ rear end with 3.25 gears via a three-speed C4 automatic transmission. Adding power assistance for the steering and front disc brake conversion has improved comfort and safety. The engine bay features a new radiator with twin cooling fans, and the dual exhaust includes side exits. The springs and shocks were changed to improve the ride and handling, with the rears upgraded with coil overloads. The list of new or replaced parts is extensive, meaning the winning bidder shouldn’t need to dig into their pocket for anything beyond the purchase price. This beauty runs and drives perfectly, and potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.

I would typically quote a potential value or sale price for any featured vehicle at this point, but I won’t even consider that with this 1957 Ford F-100 Camper. How can I? This classic perfectly encapsulates the motto that any customized classic is worth what someone is willing to pay. It has attracted twenty-four bids, suggesting people like what they see and are eager to vote with their wallets. Plenty of time remains on this auction, leaving scope for the price to climb significantly before the hammer falls. I won’t guess the figure, but I will say that the winning bidder will become the new owner of a classic that will turn heads and help provide plenty of enjoyable memories. How can you not love that?