Some classics leave their new owner with decisions to make. This 1971 Ford F100 Sport Custom is a perfect example, because the buyer could choose to preserve or restore this rock-solid Pickup. The good news is that due to its good mechanical health and lack of rust, it is a decision that need not be rushed. Driving this beauty will allow time to assess its needs before committing funds one way or the other. The seller has listed the F100 here on eBay in Corning, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $10,250, and the chances are high that the price will climb in the auction’s final hours.
Ford’s Fifth Generation F-Truck range was reaching the end of its production life by 1971, and would soldier on into 1972 before its replacement hit showroom floors for the 1973 model year. The company was marking time at this point, with the last significant changes having been made in 1970. That included introducing the Sport Custom as a replacement for the Custom Cab variant. This 1971 F100 presents nicely in Candy Apple Red, with the seller candid about its overall condition. They admit that close inspection will reveal bumps and bruises, but with the paint holding a healthy shine, it still looks pretty clean for a genuine survivor. Life in California has treated its steel kindly, with prone areas like the bed, cab corners, and the drip rails rust-free. If the winning bidder heads down the restoration path, the tasks required won’t involve the grinder or welder. Most of the trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, and the glass is clear.
F100 buyers in 1971 could choose from five engines to power their new purchase. The range comprised two sixes and three V8s. This Pickup’s first owner selected the mid-range 360ci V8 powerplant, which delivered 215hp and 327 ft/lbs of torque when the vehicle was shiny and new. They teamed that motor with a three-speed automatic and power steering for easy operation. The seller doesn’t mention any upgrades, although the 360 wears a few cosmetic enhancements. What they do make clear is that the F100 is a solid runner, allowing the winning bidder to enjoy this beauty immediately.
The interior is the area where I would be tempted to splash some cash if I became this Pickup’s new owner. The seatcover has split, and although an upholsterer may be able to effect a satisfactory repair, I would probably invest $600 in a replacement cover in the correct color and material. The dashpad has cracked, and while a repair with Polyvance might be possible, a new pad that retails for around $700 would provide a permanent solution. I would also find something to occupy the hole where the radio used to be. Otherwise, the best thing that someone could do would be to treat everything to a thorough clean. The painted surfaces are generally quite good, the floormat isn’t torn, and the trim and vinyl are acceptable. The wheel leaves me torn, because I’m not a fan. The first owner’s decision to order the vehicle with power steering means that the smaller wheel diameter won’t increase the steering load, and it would probably be more comfortable than the thin-rimmed original on long journeys. Whether to replace it is a decision that I wouldn’t make immediately.
Okay, it’s decision time. What would be your plan of attack if this 1971 Ford F100 Sport Custom found its way into your garage? Would you treat it to a light restoration to recapture its youthful good looks, or would preservation seem the most appropriate option? I would probably splash cash on the interior with the items previously mentioned, and then leave the exterior untouched. There’s something quite attractive about owning a workhorse that displays its history proudly, confirming that it has never been a garage queen. Do you agree?
New air filter, Clean both gas tanks/lines/etc., grab a gas card and go. Terrific truck to drive home in-unpretentious; pretty much simple as they come.
Someone’s getting a real peach here.
GLWTA.
Can’t go with an aftermarket steering wheel. I’d fix the original one, paint it, and get it on there asap.
I agree 100 percent with you Rex. There’s something about the original steering wheels being in place that appeals to me. Very nice truck here.
Agreed! Plus, I like to see my instrument panel without having to look through holes in the steering wheel spokes. I rather liked the original wheel; I should, I spent a lot of time behind one in and F250 years ago. These were great trucks — mine was an ’68 4×4 with a 300 six and a 4 speed. Indestructible frame and running gear, but couldn’t prevent New England rust from killing it.
I agree Rex ! That is the first thing I noticed that to me looks wrong and that I would change right away. Other than that it is a nice clean old Ford truck at a decent price and with the original hubcaps.!
Bid to $12,100 on an auction which closed on 9/8/2025, but did not meet reserve. The seller was smart to have a reserve, if it’s as nice as the pictures suggest I wouldn’t sell it for that price either. If it doesn’t sell this time I’d put a set price on it and try to sell it that way. The market puts a premium on short bed fleetside standard cab F100/F150’s, there is no reason to discount one in good condition for a quick sale.
Steve R
Funny you ask, I just did a 73 reg cab, short box, 2 WD, 3 SPD on the column and factory A/C. It had been in storage since 1980. I think it had much more potential than this B/F truck. I dived in feet first, only modifications, lowered I beams, Mustang steering wheel and custom exhaust. I paid too much for it and just because it looked great things I never thought would be a problem were, just because of the long term storage. when I finished it looked great and I had spent 35K +. I don’t know why? Everyone thought it was great! But I ended up selling it for 25K. I think honestly the biggest loss, I have ever had messing with cars. I am 82 years old and I am done, I have a nice 2006 Silverado (reg,sb,2wd, LS, A/C,power locks & windows, cruise) I lowered it ,did exhaust and detailed it. I have my 34 5 window, which I got in 1964.
I am done with doing any more cars or trucks, it was great fun while it lasted. It’s time to step back and just enjoy what I have. I always thought I had a feel for the market, but I sure didn’t on this Ford P/U.
I’m seeing a current bid of 12K, appears reserve has been met. Says the auction ends Wed just after noon. Beautiful truck that it appears is going to a new owner soon
I had a ’71 F250 crew cab. (That was when Ford was farming out the crew cab conversion) I basically did a very mild restomod. It was a great family truck and I wished I never sold it. But, bills pile up when you are on your back for a year with a work related injury. These are great reliable trucks. This is the first time that I have seen cast aluminum valve covers on a 360 engine.
71, 72, my favorite years. These trucks were built to last, and hard to destroy. Old timer gave me his 72, back in 78, and asked me to kill the truck cause he bought a new one. After a week of beating the hell out of it, I gave up and felt bad about it. He would have given me the truck, but I was a kid at 13…