Several years ago, I found myself approached in a parking lot by a gentleman who asked me if I wanted to trade my 1965 Dart Wagon for a 1972 Ford truck. Although I had no interest in doing so, I sometimes think back and wonder why I didn’t give it a little more consideration. Why not…who doesn’t love a Bumpside? I doubt that the truck being offered in trade for my wagon was as nice, however, as this original 1972 F-250 Explorer, which is being offered for sale here on eBay in San Antonio, Texas. The high bid is currently $9,000, and it hasn’t yet met the reserve.
The best news of all? The seller has posted the door tag. Here’s what we can learn about the truck:
- F25: F-250 two-wheel drive
- Y: 360-cubic-inch engine
- K: Kansas City Assembly Plant
- N44006: January 1972 scheduled build date
And below the VIN:
- 131: Wheelbase
- X: Light Goldenrod Yellow paint
- H4: The “4” doesn’t show up in the documents I’ve found, but “H” is Medium Ginger Vinyl and Cloth Explorer trim
- G: Automatic transmission (a C6 in this case)
- 38: Dana 60 rear axle with 3.73:1 gears
- 52: Dallas, Texas, District Sales Office
Another piece of useful information on the data tag is the net horsepower rating of the 360 two-barrel: 156. (The gross horsepower rating was 196.) This truck has the original engine, “power steering, new power brakes, cold air conditioning, new tires, and a freshly rebuilt front end.” For those who don’t know, the 360 was based on Ford’s popular FE architecture, and owners are more likely to brag about its longevity and toughness rather than its power or fuel economy.
The “Explorer Special” package seen on this truck was fundamentally a marketing campaign designed to drive sales; the most common features found on “Explorers” were air conditioning, power steering, and automatic transmission, all of which can be seen on this F-250. The seller says that everything works, including all gauges, lights, wipers, and horn.
The interior appears to be in good shape, and both the paint and interior trim seem to match the door tag; in fact, the seller says that the truck is original down to the paint, drivetrain, and even the hubcaps.
While some of the photographs in the ad seem to be taken at wonky angles, it’s clear that this is a nice, solid Texas truck that would be perfect for hauling loads, showing off, or driving around. It would be tempting to message the owner to see if they’re willing to trade for a ’65 Dart, but I don’t think I’ll get that lucky twice.
Appears to have the expected scratches, wear and tear, and minor rust, but overall looks good. With an automatic, a/c, and the Explorer trim it would have been a well-equipped truck in its day. I am curious to see how the bidding turns out.
Dana 60, 3.73 gear, 3/4 ton chasis. This Ford will haul the hay or firewood.
That’s a really nice truck! I often wonder how people keep vehicles so nice. That’s when trucks were trucks, metal dash, door panels, rubber floor mat, unlike today’s luxury cars with a little box. Plastic everything. Yeah I guess I pick on new stuff but I’m old school. Yeah I’d love to have it! My wallet disagrees
Nice clean Ford Truck here with A/C. Leave it the way it is and hope it finds a good home.
360 with 3.73 gears equates too about 8-9 mpg. My 68 with 360 does about 10 mpg on a good day.
What an excellent truck!!!! Ready to drive and work.. This is a turnkey truck for someone who wants to join the Antique / Historical truck hobby as well as having a good second driver and weekend workhorse. Just needs some loving care. Equally at home at the hardware store as a show.
Yes, all of that as well as at the gas pump.
Now, on with that to do list.
Just a nice clean old truck! If the mechanic is watching this it’ll sell for sure. These older trucks are bringing big money cause they’re simple to fix no computers telling the other 15 computers and crap what to do. Only problem is the aftermarket junk parts to fix it. I have 3 gm trucks 97 ,92, and 84. No need to plug in for inspection. Btw bought the 97 22 yrs ago with 36000 and still going strong with 312000 on it. Just got the 92 from original owner with 89000 on it. These trucks are built better than the 80000 dollar truck now. Peace!
I am wondering if this F-250 has front disc brakes. If I can recall correctly, the F-250’s starting in 1973 had disc brakes as standard set up. At least it has power brakes.
good looking truck in and out but no into 3/4-ton trucks.
The wild west (well, the Chinook Belt) was crawling with these back in the day. Almost identical options and trim.
Back in the day I kept myself plenty busy tuning those for better power and somewhat better economy. Recurved the advance and changed the carb to a Holley 500 2bbl. Those were easy to do back then because, since the new carb used a manual choke, you could still get a manual choke cable directly from Ford.
I still remember the number.
It’s funny though; so many people thought they would suddenly run for a week on less than half a tank of gas. There were some I tuned that were sorely disappointed…
This Ford is ready for decades of service. These Ford trucks of the early 1970’s ran forever with normal maintenance. Power brakes, automatic with the rear gear and Dana 60 this truck was made to work in comfort.
Forgive my ignorance, but what’s a “Bumpside”?
The accent line along the side of the body stands out. The trucks that appeared in ’73 and later have that body contour that is concave. Those are called dentside.
Thanks, Nelson J!
I love learning from you guys.
All the best.