Most Pickups work to justify their existence and can begin to look tired as they age. However, one will occasionally appear at Barn Finds that rewrites that rule. That is undoubtedly the case with this 1969 Ford F100 Ranger. Its condition is so stunning that it wouldn’t look out of place on a showroom floor. However, it isn’t just a pretty face, because the engine bay houses the range-topping V8. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the F100 listed here on eBay in San Diego, California. Classic Pickups of this caliber are rarely cheap, and the seller has set their BIN at $26,000.
Ford introduced its Fifth Generation F-Series for the 1967 model year. It remained available in North American showrooms until 1972, although it survived in some foreign markets for significantly longer. The styling was considered very modern upon its release, and many buyers welcomed the increased cab space, which improved comfort. This F100 Ranger left the line in 1969, looking stunning in Code H Cordovan. The seller has been its custodian for nine years, stating that it has been babied since arriving in their garage. Although not stated explicitly, the impression provided is that the F100 is a genuine survivor. The paint shines beautifully, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. The plates suggest it has split its time between its current location and Arizona, with both states blessed with climates ideal for protecting classic steel. Therefore, it is fair to expect this Ford to be rust-free. The trim and glass look exceptional, while the “Mag-Type” wheel covers and narrow whitewalls add to the visual appeal.
The first owner wasn’t afraid to splash their cash when ordering this F100. They ticked the boxes beside the range-topping 390ci V8, three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power disc brakes. That year’s Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 255hp and 376 ft/lbs for the 390, and with the torque peak arriving low in the rev range, this gem would be a very capable workhorse or tow vehicle. The listing’s “Item Specifics” section indicates an odometer reading of 39,000 miles, and if this is verified as original, it would help to explain why the F100 is so beautifully preserved. The seller recently fitted new front shocks, and states that they wouldn’t hesitate to drive the vehicle anywhere.
The F100’s interior is sparely equipped by modern standards, featuring Black vinyl trim, an AM radio, and the gauge package that added an ammeter and an oil pressure gauge. However, its amazing presentation compensates for any perceived lack of creature comforts. The upholstered surfaces look excellent, and the paint is crisp, with a healthy shine. The pad isn’t cracked or warped, and while the mat shows slight wear, its condition is comfortably acceptable for a Pickup of this vintage. The interior is another aspect of this F100 that doesn’t fail to impress.
This 1969 Ford F100 Ranger leaves me almost at a loss for words. If, as the listing suggests, it is a genuine survivor, its overall condition confirms it has been treated respectfully. It appears almost beyond criticism, and would undoubtedly turn heads at any Cars & Coffee. The only thing that surprises me is the listing statistics, because I believe that a Pickup of this type should have generated far stronger interest than the numbers suggest. Of course, there is plenty of time remaining, and that may lead to the situation intensifying. It isn’t cheap for an F100 of this vintage, but I believe you would struggle to find many better. If you’ve ever owned a classic Pickup, would you consider repeating the experience by parking this F100 in your garage?
Very sharp truck. Well-equipped. Not many pics, but at least they are good quality. A Marti Report on a truck, that’s admirable. Good to see one which is clean and stock.
Thanks Adam.
This is how pickup trucks should be, a work vehicle, 8′ bed, 3 man cab. Today’s trucks are designed for maximum efficiency at 70mph on the interstate with the family piled in the 4 door cab. All that means absolutely nothing when you’re doing 40 on a no line back road with 55 squares on the back.
( By the way, does the blonde go with it?)
100% agree! For years regular cabs with 8′ beds were it, the type of trucks I grew up driving. My father switched from Chevy/ GMC to Fords after riding in my uncles new green 67 F100. He bought a 68 F250, auto, air. He was a business owner/ homebuilder and always had a couple trucks around. Although he purchased a suburban 4×4 around the same time, he never had another Chevy pickup. In 73 when I turned 16, my semi daily driver in high school was a 70 F250 Ranger XLT that I drove when at work for him or when my Camaro or Chevelle was broke down, usually needing clutches.
It’s nice, but pricey for a long bed. More and better pictures and a more thorough description might help him achieve his asking price.
Steve R
Why do you guys knock the 8 food bed trucks. As Jim said truck of this era were built to work.. That means 2 passengers and an 8 foot box to haul with.. If you can NOT handle a larger vehicle, you need to improve your learning abilities.. I drive a Ram 3500 quad cab with a 9 foot flatbed everyday with NO problems..
Where is my criticism of long beds? I made an observation about pricing, you never tried to counter that, instead went for a cheap shot.
Nobody is going to use this as a work truck. It’s a 57 year old pickup with a 390 and no overdrive, that will never see 10mpg in a state where gas for less than $5.50 a gallon is considered cheap. Its also $26,000, in an area where rust isn’t an issue and you can find trucks similar to what you describe that are decades newer in the mid-teens.
The market for these older short beds trucks is on the enthusiast side of the market. They strongly favor short beds, which will likely haul anything they will ever need.
Steve R
Beautiful. Like off the lot in 1963 for a lot more money!
That’s gorgeous! I’ve mentioned too many times that we had a ‘69 F-250 Ranger Camper Special in this same color. This seat appears to have been recovered in a non-print vinyl and it doesn’t have the factory AC that ours had that drip, drip, dripped on your feet inside. I’d love to have this one.
Very nice truck. Well equipped. 390s are thirsty, so plan your trips.
One of my daily drivers is a 69 f250 camper special flareside with only 80,000 miles on it. It’s got the 390 with the 4 speed manual and is all original and almost as nice as this one. It’s chrome yellow and you can see it a mile away. Best part is I only paid 25 hundred bucks for it and it runs great!
Back when Ford made good, durable trucks. That the owner can maintain. But, even if it does have only 39g on odometer, I say $20,000 tops. Wish I had the $, Id buy it.
Concrete cowboy truck with a concrete cowgirl…
great looking truck in a not often seen color. i prefer the other style full wheel cover that was offered on these trucks. great truck if it could be bought right. rather have the long bed better ride quality.
Why do some of you keep defending long beds. Yes it is a nice truck. However, it is a longbed. It is just a simple fact the market favors short beds. It is also a fact on any car the body style is the number one thing to help establish price.
Gas at my local Valero gas station in Silicon Valley is $6+ for Premium.
I had that orange truck except it had a 240 & 3/tree. solid & of course a bear to steer
Another Walt Kowalski Special
Looks very similar to the one that was on BaT a few days ago.
The first truck of my dad’s I ever got behind the wheel of was his 68 Mercury long bed just like this matching down to the 390 under the hood. His had cragars and a black painted roof (70’s at its finest!) but that brings back some very fond memories.
Gone!
The listing was ended, but did not sell. At least not through eBay.
Steve R
Very nice clean unmolested Ford truck here.