Two-Owner Survivor: 1997 Ford F250 HD SuperCab

Finding an affordable vehicle that can double as a tow vehicle or an accomplished off-roader is sometimes challenging, but this 1997 Ford F250 HD SuperCab could be an ideal candidate. It is a two-owner survivor that has been meticulously maintained. The seller performed a few minor upgrades to improve its serviceability, allowing the winning bidder to hit the road, confident the Pickup is in excellent mechanical health. The interest this F250 has generated makes it worth a close look.

The 1997 F250 HD SuperCab is part of Ford’s Ninth Generation F-Series range that graced showroom floors from 1992 until 1998. The first owner ordered this gentle giant in Oxford White, with the seller becoming its custodian in 2015. It spent its early days in Colorado, and the overall condition suggests it has been treated respectfully since Day One. The paint exhibits minor chips and imperfections, but with arrow-straight panels, this Ford remains very presentable. Rust isn’t a huge issue, although there are isolated pockets visible in several locations. These aren’t severe and could be addressed with patches as time and circumstances allow. The important consideration is that there are no structural or floor shortcomings, which many will view as welcome news. The bed is protected by a spray-on liner that should prevent scratches, scrapes, or other damage that would normally promote developing corrosion. The trim and glass are in good order, and the wheels are excellent.

This F250 is the XLT variant, meaning the interior features a range of welcome creature comforts. The winning bidder benefits from air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an aftermarket Pioneer CD player. The overall presentation is impressive for a workhorse with nearly 250,000 miles on the clock, reinforcing my belief that respectful treatment is a hallmark of this Ford’s history. The cloth seatcovers are in good order, and the carpet looks remarkably clean for its age. There are no signs of sun damage or abuse, and no broken plastic.

This F250 comes to the fore when we examine its mechanical specifications and history. The first owner ordered it with the mighty 7.3-liter “Power Stroke” turbo diesel V8. They teamed that motor with a four-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The buyer will have 225hp and a whopping 450 ft/lbs of torque under their right foot, allowing this Pickup to carry a full load or effectively utilize its hitch receiver. The seller replaced the entire front end, taking that opportunity to install a more robust rebuilt Dana 60 front axle from an F350. The suspension recently received a Shackle Reversal Kit, along with new springs and shocks. The range of new parts continues with the alternator, Diamond Eye stainless exhaust, sway bars, and a long list of new brake components. The only fault the seller identifies is a radiator core leak, but addressing that shortcoming will be easy and cheap. Otherwise, this F250 drives perfectly and can be considered a turnkey proposition.

Purchasing a shiny new Ford F250 SuperCab brings with it the reassurance of a new vehicle warranty. However, it also involves the double whammy of a high sticker price and depreciation. This 1997 SuperCab doesn’t have a warranty, but its purchase price will be significantly lower, and recent sales results suggest the buyer will slip behind the wheel of an appreciating asset. The seller listed this F250 here on eBay in Germantown, New York. Bidding sits below the reserve at $8,969, but the frantic action so far suggests that the situation could change at any time. It probably won’t venture far above $20,000, although the sometimes unpredictable nature of the market makes a higher figure possible. The average sticker price for a shiny new F250 is more than three times that figure, making this well-preserved classic worth more than a passing glance.