The F-series is America’s best-selling vehicle, with a history stretching back to 1948. This 1978 F150, for sale here on eBay at $19,900 or best offer, hails from the sixth generation launched in 1973, just after the oil crisis. Its gross vehicle weight rating of 6050 lbs placed the 150 in the “heavy duty” class (the F100 remained a “light duty” vehicle), allowing Ford to circumvent emissions regulations. The chassis hadn’t changed from 1965, but front disc brakes and a larger cabin improved the driving experience. Today’s example was built in California and has remained there since; it’s currently located in Dana Point. The first owner kept the truck until mid-2024. The current owner has continued to pamper it; it’s always been garaged and meticulously maintained.

The odometer has logged 154,000 miles on the original 460 cu. in. four-barrel V8, the largest engine available in ’78. Generating about 210 hp and with a beefy torque rating of 368 lb-ft, the 460 is paired with a rebuilt C6 automatic. A new heavy-duty radiator and a new water pump keep this big guy running cool. The dual fuel tanks work as they should – and you’ll need two just to get to town and back! This engine is as gas-thirsty as they come. The brakes were completely rebuilt from the master cylinder and booster down to the pads. It rides on new tires wrapped around the original wheels dressed with the original hubcaps.

The bench seat was recovered in original-spec material a few years ago; the rest of the cab is just about as clean as that seat. Even the aluminum sill covers, the gauge faces, and the steering wheel look almost new. The glove box still retains factory instruction tags. The seller notes that all gauges and lights work, along with the AC and the heat. My ’74 F250 has fewer than half as many miles, and its age-related wear is worse than this example!

The canopy was installed by the dealer when the truck was new, and at that time, the bed was covered with fitted plywood and carpet to preserve its appearance – and that worked! The truck was repainted by the Ford dealership in 1998 in its original Bahama Blue; it remains rust-free and nearly unblemished. Plenty of F-series trucks have been altered with lift kits and new powerplants – finding a bone-stock example is becoming more difficult. The big thirsty engine might not appeal to everyone these days, but this F150’s classic looks, strong condition, and known history should help it find a new garage at the current price.