The OBS – or “Old Body Style” – Ford F-150 has been called one of the most collectible trucks on the market right now. It’s easy to see why: classic looks are the obvious one, with style we likely won’t ever see return to modern automobiles. Handsome and brawny at the same time the F150 of the early 90s was peak pickup design, if you ask me. This one is said to be a lovingly maintained example purchased new at a local Ford dealership and it features the desirable Flareside design in a short-bed configuration. The Ford is listed here on craigslist for $18,500 with under 60,000 original miles.
The Ford looks sharp with black paint and a subtle silver two-tone strip running beneath the cab. The aftermarket wheels were a popular choice for F-150s of this era (it may have even been a factory option – feel free to confirm or deny in the comments) and the Flareside bed was the icing on the cake. The fender bump-outs harken back to the 70s when an owner who liked custom touches may have even mounted a spare tire in the space between the back of the cab and the front of the fender. The Flareside design endured, and was used on everything from F-150s to Rangers in the early and middle 90s. This Ford also comes with side steps and a matching tonneau cover.
You’d love to see a stick-shift inside, but those are hard to come by. This F-150 has certainly been loved with a mint condition bench seat and dash plastics that show no sign of wear and tear. The steering wheel still looks mint! These are all simple yet telltale signs of a low-mileage vehicle, and one that has been loved. The seller notes that this Ford was sold new Korum Ford in Puyallup, which indicates it’s been a Washington State truck all of its life. Vehicles from the Pacific Northwest have a high survival rate thanks to the forgiving climate, and this OBS Ford is no different.
When it comes to Mustangs, Porsches, and other true “collector” cars, it’s not surprising to see preserved window stickers, sales receipts, and brochures. It’s far less common with pickup trucks, but generally a great indicator as to how a vehicle has been looked after. The window sticker would also tell us that this F-150 is equipped with the venerable 5.0L V8, which produced 185 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. Not mind blowing power, mind you, but insanely reliable and cheap to run. Plus, if you decide to tweak this pickup ever so slightly, it will sound fantastic with a set of Flowmasters. A lot of money, for sure, but likely worth every penny – unless, of course, you can sniff one out just like it before a dealer gets their hands on it. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the tip.
Sharp truck. Black over silver makes for a classy look. I particularly like the Flaresides. Those look to be the factory “Forged Aluminum Wheels.” As you note Jeff, it does look “well loved.” Not cheap, but the OBS trucks in good shape have become collectible.
Factory yes, known as “Alcoas”
I think your statement about the early 90s trucks is accurate Lavery. Applies to the big 3 🇺🇸 and the imports 🇯🇵
It’s a really sharp looking truck. Great condition for its age too. Black’s a tough color to keep looking this good for all these years, it’s definitely well cared for, maybe even garage kept. Something tells me whoever originally ordered this, or bought this didnt have serious work in mind just a stylish classy looking little rig to drive around in. Nice truck, great write up too Jeff.
Ordered a ’93 F150 XL, (remember when you could do that?) , short bed, 300-6, 5 speed stick with carpeting and little else. Beautiful black truck, but compared to my next truck, an ’03 XLT V-8? It was pretty archaic. I never, in my wildest dreams, thought of my truck as a future collectable. Who knew?
Beautiful truck! The wheels are a factory option, as I had a 96 Eddie Bauer Bronco with em. This would make a good addition to my family, but I’m in the other corner of the country, SE AL.
Nice truck. I’m in Vancouver, WA and I’m going to have to think seriously about this one.
Nice truck. Too bad it’s only 2WD.