In the 70’s, Southern Comedian Jerry Clower was a spokesperson for a competitor brand of truck (Dodge) and referred to their fancier line of pickups as being “gussied up.” I think this two toned, one owner, low-mileage 1978 Ford F-350 Super Camper Special Ranger XLT fits that category. Based on the photographs (the seller can also send a walk around video if you request it), this doesn’t look like a 45-year-old pickup truck on the outside or inside, and has been in Washington state all of its life. Currently residing in Tacoma, Washington, this very clean machine is for sale here on eBay. As of this writing, it had generated a lot of interest with 81 bids pushing the price up to $10,100 in a No Reserve auction.
Ford was feeling pretty good about their popular F-Series of trucks in 1978. The year before, 1977, saw them take the top spot in sales and their advertising for ’78 boldly stated “Ford builds America’s best-selling pickups.” I don’t recall seeing any “Built Ford Tough” pickups painted Bright Yellow and Wimbledon White in my neck of the woods back in the 70’s, but that’s what we have here. There’s no history or much information shared about the original owner other than it was owned by a senior who babied it and didn’t expose it to the elements or road salt. The two-tone paint, trim, glass, bumpers, bright stuff and exterior as a whole appears to be in tip-top condition. There’s also quite a number of add-ons including running boards, a truck bed tool box, and accent lights (I’m counting 20 in total) on the cab top, running boards, and tailgate.
The condition of the interior of this Ranger XLT is impressive as well and reflects the low mileage (37,992) of this F-350. The Palomino Tan cloth and vinyl bench seat looks very good as does the instrument panel, dash, door panels, and headliner. The seller shares that it has factory AC as well as a power slide rear window which I assume are working properly.
Under that Bright Yellow painted hood is, as we say in the South, “a big ‘n,” a 460-cubic inch V8 paired with an automatic transmission. The seller describes the engine as “mechanically stock, fires up with ease, runs and drives excellent, idles smooth, and has tons of power.” It’s also mentioned that the F-350 has dual gas tanks that both work (which you’ll need since a heavy-duty truck with a heavy-duty engine like this is far from being “fuel-efficient.”) MPG’s aside, this is one well-preserved 45-year-old F-350 that the seller says “will get attention and compliments no matter where you go or what time,”
Nice truck. Nothing sporty about it, but that’s not its mission. Bright yellow and white were the colors of my growing-up township volunteer fire department, that’s what I thought of. A bit of overkill on the accent lights and the running boards, but if that is the worst criticism, no problem. Except…. there’s that missing brake pedal pad again….ten bucks, or less, to fix.
When I learned of this model,I looked to buy one
years ago,but they were always a long way away.
Once you’re aware of them,you begin to realize
how many of them are around.
The Super Camper Specials all had bedside mounted spares.
My bad, just thought maybe someone looking didn’t know that
good !
Means I might geta chance at one?
These people have simply got to stop boasting what appears to be low mileage vehicles, or I just shouldn’t look, when it’s just not so. I know, nothing is older that the “little old lady to church on Sunday” schtick, but it seems just because it doesn’t have torn seats, it’s a low mileage vehicle.
Now, I know what I said on the last Ford pickup, about 5 figures for a worn out truck, this, at least, is a nice representation of a great truck and will sell fast, but tis’ no low mileage truck and I wish the authors would stop perpetuating that nonsense.
I spoke with the owner who has a complete history of the truck, confirming the actual mileage. He also was understanding of any skepticism one might have due to its age.
Appears to be the real deal…
It is at one of the Lemay car collection sites. Mere mortals are only allowed there once a year, and not this time of year. In the buildings behind this truck are THOUSANDS of the rarest cars and trucks on the planet. It is about 5 minutes from my house.
I’d be willing to wager that this rig racked up some of those miles with a matching Layton travel trailer in tow. Google it – their typical color scheme in the late 70s was yellow and white.
I couldn’t afford to drive it with that 460 in California with gas prices $6 +/- in the San Franciso Bay area…
No one has mentioned these camper specials have 9 ft beds
That’s because they didn’t have 9′ beds. The GM camper specials had 9′ beds, the Fords had an extended wheelbase, but used an 8′ bed.
Aaah. Thats why it looks different. Thank you. I knew the GMs did
Huh?
Having delt with several original low mileage trucks in my stable, some with lower miles than this, but actually not this nice because they were stored in a carport. However the paint on this seems much to nice even for 37k. Looks like an older repaint to me. The accessories are period correct and very common back then, and not something anyone would install in the last 30 years or so, but based on the chrome pitting and a few other signs it was likey stored outside for years and repainted. Miles may be real if so. Have several well documented low mileage rural farm trucks that were not garaged and the elements have a way of aging vehicles rather fast, so be careful in judging miles on trucks as they often were kept outside or under open sheds, etc
I love the color combination on this one,but not the 460.
The two-tone paint Most times) looked really good on
older trucks.
It’s up to $18,200,with 24 hours to go.
The only issue with the 460 is fuel mileage. That’s all! With the money someone will save on this, over a new F350 XLT all done up like this one with the big gas engine? You could drive it till you park it or…..
love it, but not 18K love
Also appears to have the bedside mounted spare, from the looks of that cover panel.
The Super Camper Specials all had bedside mounted spares.
If anyone would definitively know this vehicle is masquerading as a low mileage truck it’s Howard!
There was one of these, parked by the highway for 5 years. A lot of people stopped and looked at it but no one could figure out who actually owned it. It finally disappeared and made it down to the Flathead Valley somewhere. Just waiting to see if it shows again…
can’t believe the writer didn’t even comment on the rarity of the super camper special with the longer wheelbase.
I saw one of these for sale in Mexico, it still is, and posted it on a Ford Truck chat board. I was told it may be rare but not popular or desirable.
The one here is two tone blue and is much cheaper than this one.
these kinda shocked me when seein in the day. I lust after the same gen 4WD short bed F250 (like the 4.9L efi-ed, ZF 5speed). But saw these as haulers (in bed or bumper) and real road trucks. Loved the ones w/the lill storage below the bed (I dont C a dor on curb side). Today I’d rip out the motor 12v (& probably allison for transmis) but I could see it as a money maker. The 460 (w/cam change) is good race motor (I cant think of anything else but may B off rd rig if 4WD w/trailer or other serious need in the woods). Just not in a rd hauler.