Some classics raise as many questions as they answer, which could be true with this 1973 Ford F-250 4×4 Highboy. The seller states it received an engine upgrade, but the powerplant they claim originally occupied the engine bay wasn’t offered in 1973. Regardless of the truth about that question, the new engine and other mechanical upgrades should ensure the Highboy offers an enjoyable motoring experience. It is listed here on eBay in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bidding has passed the reserve to sit at $3,750.
It is easy to tell this F-250 has spent its life in a dry climate. The clues are the baked Red and White paint and the complete absence of penetrating rust. The exterior is clean, while the underside shots reveal nothing beyond the typical dusting of dry surface corrosion on the floors and frame that shows no sign of deteriorating or causing problems. The camper cap is a practical addition. If the new owner treated the exterior to a repaint in the original color combination, this Ford would make a striking visual impact. The exterior feature a few bumps and bruises, but none appear bad enough to justify panel replacement. It is worth qualifying that last statement because the seller only supplies shots of the F-250’s passenger side. However, there are no indications that a walk around this classic will unearth any nasty surprises. The trim is in good order, and although the windshield appears cracked, the remaining glass is okay. The vehicle rolls on its original steel wheels wrapped in new tires from BF Goodrich.
Lifting the hood reveals the only source of confusion with the F-250. The seller claims the engine bay originally housed a 352ci V8, but that doesn’t match the information I hold on the Sixth Generation F-Truck range. My documentation suggests that the motor last graced one of these classics in the previous generation in 1967. I could be wrong and am happy to be corrected if that’s the case. Regardless of the past, what now occupies the spot is a 390-4V that received a recent rebuild. Its specifications are unclear, as are its power and torque figures. However, it sends the ponies to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and a 4.10 Dana 60 Posi rear end. Other recent work includes a new clutch and pressure plate, a new dual exhaust, and fully-functioning electric power steering. That combination should provide excellent performance, with the seller stating the F-250 runs and drives extremely well. It is ready for whatever challenge the winning bidder can throw at it.
I was expecting to open this truck’s doors to find an interior baked by the New Mexico sun, but it decided to surprise me. It features predominantly Red upholstery and plastic, with contrasting Black carpet and a matching dash pad. The painted surfaces wear the same White that coats much of the exterior. The seat cover is in excellent condition, with no rips or splits. The same is true of the dash pad, while the carpet is excellent. Some plastic pieces have begun discoloring, but I’ve seen plenty of F-250s that looked far worse from this era. The most crucial thing is that none of it is cracked or crumbling. The wheel hasn’t avoided that fate, but replacing it would be one of the few tasks required inside this classic. It isn’t loaded with creature comforts, but the radio/cassette player should relieve boredom on long journeys.
This 1973 Ford F-250 4×4 Highboy has much to offer a new owner. Its dry-climate life has left it rust-free, and while its paint is baked, a cosmetic refresh should be straightforward and rewarding. The mechanical upgrades should make it an effortless highway cruiser, but it can mix with the best in the business when the terrain gets tough. People like what they see with this classic because it has attracted sixteen bids with plenty of time remaining in this auction. Although recapturing its lost youth with a fresh coat of paint is tempting, so is leaving the exterior untouched. Its current condition means the occasional scratch, which can be an unavoidable consequence of delving into the wilds, will cause less heartache than if the exterior were pristine. Do you agree, or is your opinion different from mine?
I like what I see. This was one of the best 4×4 trucks ever built by anyone. Lots out west that are still in service. A 390 was not available from the factory on a 4×4 in ‘73; you either had a 300 six or a 360. The 352 gave way to the 360 in ‘68. I might add that a 390 was available only in a 2wd with an automatic. This would be a nice truck to have…
We’re in the same gear on this one, pal. When trucks were trucks. To be clear, like GM “Rounded Line” nicknamed squarebodies, Ford never called the F250 “Highboy”, but every F250 4×4 became known as a Highboy. I’m not sure at what point pickups lost their way, but certainly not here. What makes this an outstanding find, is history wasn’t kind to these trucks. Being a 4×4, it was used in all weather, in rough situations,, few survived.
Nice.
A real Truck, stood the test of 50 hard years.
Would like to have this one.
Just like what i did with my 390 in my 72 F250.a high performance upgrade.i used a ford cast iron 4bbl intake(early from a 65-67 engine)and i used a msd box and long tube headers and a cam for a 428 cobra jet,also was bored 0.060 over. I had 4.10 dana 60 and a C6 trans with a floor mounted B&M shifter.a great stoplight to stoplight racer,would get sideways with tires roasting on a hard launch.Got expensive to drive with 7mpg on 93 octane
It would not hurt to upgrade to power brakes.
Settle a bet, does the “C” stand for “Courtney”? If so, that would be awesome, if not,,,carry on.
Great truck and a reasonable price. Not sure what the electric p/s is all about
I don’t think P/S was offered on the “Highboy”( F250 4×4). It required drilling holes and wasn’t an easy changeover. I believe electric assist was the easiest way. The kit includes a starter like steering box( you can see it by the washer reservoir) and retains the stock steering links, and goes for about a grand uninstalled, so a worthy upgrade indeed.
I’m pretty sure that power steering was offered on these. I know our ‘67 model didn’t have it but I’m sure our ‘71 did. I can’t remember if it was power-assist or integral though. My ‘75 1/2 ton 4×4 had the power-assist with the integral unit coming out in ‘76…
I had a 69 with manual steering, it really wasn’t that bad to maneuver.
I have a 72 F350 that could use power steering. 12′ flat bed with hoist can put a serious load on all 6 tires. Loaded with hardwood logs or shingles reminds me of some front-end loaders without power steering breaking things.
It was offered as power assist with a ram on the linkage not a true power steering box. I am sure I still have parts to at least one system lying around in storage.
AKRunner
I’m interested in those parts. I wonder what you might want that I have. I just learned I have 3-4 dozen of the old “G Meters” when looking for one for the racecar. They’re accelerometers like Big Daddy Don Garlits used in the 60s. They look like column mount chrome tachometers.
I’d clean it, buff out the paint, and drive it.
It’ll be interesting to see what it ends up selling for. Right now it’s way below what I think it’s worth, and I’d be all over it if I hadn’t just purchased a ‘72 highboy.
A plus for any California buyer is that it’s pre ‘75 and doesn’t have to be smogged.
our first farm pickup was a 1973 F100 two wheel drive with the exact same paint job. Iowa winters took it’s toll on it. The bed was pretty much swiss cheese of rust by the mid 1980s. Fond memories in it tho. Moving it ahead in the field as dad would plant corn. Barely able to touch the pedals.
I’ve had several of these…loved every one of them. Still have two, at the moment….it’s up to $5300.00 now….still a good deal…