Preserve or restore? It is a question often posed by classics like this 1969 Ford F100 Ranger. Its paint looks tired, but the lack of significant rust could allow the new owner to address the isolated spots while preserving the rest of the vehicle as a genuine survivor. Alternatively, a cosmetic restoration in its factory color would make a bold visual statement. Whatever path you would choose, you will find the Ranger listed here on eBay in Mountain View, Arkansas. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve, and sits at $12,700 at the time of writing.
The seller states that, apart from themself, they believe this F100 has had only one owner. It would have been a striking vehicle in its day, ordered in Raven Black, with sparkling bright trim. The paint looks sad, showing significant deterioration. However, it retains what I would describe as a warm shine, allowing the buyer to preserve the exterior after addressing its minor rust. It is confined to a small area at the bottom of the passenger-side front fender and to a typical spot in the lower cab corner on the driver’s side. Otherwise, the floors and frame are solid. The seller supplies only three images in their listing, but their embedded listing video paints a positive picture. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the hitch receiver increases the vehicle’s versatility.
This is the last of the seller’s three images, and it doesn’t tell us much. It confirms that the first owner ordered the F100 as the Ranger variant, trimmed in Red with air conditioning and a radio. Beyond that, the interior condition is unknown. However, all parts required for a retrim are readily available, so returning the interior of this classic to a factory-fresh state should not be challenging. The F100 doesn’t run or drive, but it would have been a pretty respectable performer in its prime. It left the line equipped with a 360ci V8 and a three-speed automatic transmission. That year’s Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 215hp and 327 ft/lbs, allowing this Ford to make good use of its tow hitch. The Pickup doesn’t run or drive, and it is unclear when it last did. However, the bulletproof nature of the mechanical components may allow the winning bidder to revive this classic with only minor tweaking.
This 1969 F100 Ranger has generated significant interest since it hit the market, attracting fifteen bids at the time of writing. The seller hasn’t done their cause any favors with their lack of photos, but the listing statistics suggest that people have seen enough to be seriously contemplating taking it home. With the reserve met, that will happen in a few days. Are you tempted to make this F100 yours?
Those hubcaps had a long and successful run for Ford.
They do look good on this one, including the thin stripe whitewalls too Stan. I think there was a bunch of comments some time back on these wheel covers. They were very popular.
Yep….my dad went a little outside the box on his new 1968…..Olds Fiesta’s….oops…..loaded up the convert…..
My brother had a similar truck, but with a 390 4bbl and had a 3-spd manual. That truck would routinely destroy a lot of cars that under estimate it.
In my growing-up days, all the Ford pickups with which I was familiar were basic work trucks. Then shortly after the revised 1967’s arrived, a Ranger model arrived at my dealer, equipped and trimmed much like this one. I was blown away how attractive and fancy it looked. I consider this as the beginnings of the “luxury” truck, a segment which has exploded since then.
This could be a very nice truck. However from an experience witn 1973 F-100 that I restored a year ago, I think I would pass. It was very similar a SC,SB,302 3 SD, Factory A/C and had been in long term storage with low miles and easy clean up. The body needed nothing. I paid too much for it and it came out very nice. But there was no way I could sell it for near what I spent. This truck has some pluses being a Ranger and the options. I love it but I would only buy it, to keep it! It has the potential to be a money pitt..
Does it have an engine? I can’t see it.
wish i was able to buy i would hook up the trailer and go fetch. solid looking truck in factory black. i would polish it up and make it drivable and safe and enjoy it. keep it a survivor. that paint will polish up. these were great looking trucks. take this over a new a 1 any day.
I agree with Bob_in_TN. I worked in the Wayne Truck Assembly plant on the assembly line in 1969. My job was to put on door panels, the turn signal lever, a little plate to cover the hole in the floor for the clutch pedal to go through firewall if it was an automatic, and put a grounding straps on the firewall of the engine compartment. Bronco’s were made on the same line. When once came down the line, job was similar but also worked with partner on the other side of the line to install a headliner. (btw, this remains the only factory manufacturing the Bronco, I think)
The reason I say all that is….. WORK TRUCK… they were work trucks. People did not buy a ‘luxury’ truck when a Galaxy 500 was equally in reach, assuming they were not in construction or some kind of trade. They needed cheap simple maintenance, easy access for any repairs from tune up to engine rebuild with motor still in car. Reliability and economy that served the budget of their business.
Finally (I know… blah blah blah) If that truck is not rusty, because it has absolutely ZERO electronics, an abitious hobbyist with their own garage can put in whatever drive train they choose. The engine compartment is humongous, the trans support bracket is rugged and the driveshaft and differential can be used or swapped quite easily. And so, if a person was a tradesman faced with a new truck for $50k plus or this one where they need to spend max $5k for fresh motor and drive train…. it seems like a good choice.
That special one year only Ranger grille is worth a big chunk of the purchase price alone, if it’s in pristine condition.
A Walt Kowalski Special
$12,700 but doesn’t run or drive?
The auction now stands at $14,200 with just over 24 hours left.
People want the short bed, fleetside with Ranger package and factory black.
Steve R
Short bed? I can’t tell by the pics provided.
Auction ended at $14,800. I looked at a 72 F 100 recently that was in excellent shape with a recent repaint. Had the 390 V8, auto trans and posi rear. 2nd owner wanted $30,000 for it. I thought that was to much but after seeing this truck sell for half of that figure maybe it wasn’t.
Was the truck you looked at a long or short bed?
Steve R