Some classics are trailer or garage queens, while others see service as their creators intended. This 1973 Ford F250 Highboy falls into the second category, needing work to present at its best. However, with the 460ci V8 and automatic transmission both recently rebuilt, it could function effectively as a tow vehicle, hauling some pretty impressive loads. It has generated enormous interest since the seller listed the F250 here on eBay in Castle Rock, Colorado. The seller set their BIN at $17,000 with the option to make an offer.
Ford launched its Sixth Generation F-Series in 1973, continuing a line that would eventually become the company’s most popular vehicle range. Today, the F150 dominates the Pickup market, selling in volumes that must have seemed unthinkable when this F250 rolled off the line in 1973. The first owner ordered it in a winning combination of Midnight Blue Metallic and Wimbledon White. I admit it won’t win many show trophies in its current form, but I would describe this Ford as honest. The paint shows age, the panels exhibit minor bumps and bruises, and there is evidence of developing rust. However, the seller deserves credit for adopting a warts-and-all approach, resisting the temptation to detail the vehicle within an inch of its life. If there are defects, they are clear to see. The underside shots reveal new floor pans, while the seller also recently replaced the rear bumper. This old beast appears structurally sound, and could be a relatively straightforward restoration project.
If an effective tow vehicle is on your Wish List, this F250 can deliver. It features a 460ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, manual locking front hubs, power steering, and power brakes. The seller indicates the V8 has clocked around 9,000 miles since they had it rebuilt, while the transmission is also freshly rebuilt. Therefore, it would be fair to expect the 460 to deliver around 245hp and mountains of torque, allowing the buyer to make best use of the trailer hitch hanging out the back. There might be snow on the ground, but the new aluminum radiator guarantees this classic will maintain its cool when the going gets tough. With new tires recently fitted, this F250 is ready for immediate action.
I would describe this Ford’s interior as serviceable, having no urgent needs. The Black seatcover is in good condition, as are the door panels. The dash has no major shortcomings, although the faux chrome around the gauges exhibits wear. Both the pad and wheel are cracked, and the seller indicates the air conditioning is inoperative. Aftermarket additions include a pad-mounted tachometer and what appears to be a temperature gauge, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.
Determining the desirability of some classics is sometimes challenging, but if the listing statistics are a clear indication, this 1973 Ford F250 Highboy has struck a sweet spot with potential buyers. The Listing View and Watch List tallies of 915 and 159, respectively, are some of the most impressive we have seen at Barn Finds. Admittedly, this beast requires plenty of work to recapture its youthful good looks, but is that a challenge you might consider accepting?
These were highly sought after out west. I think I could count the ones with automatics on one hand and have fingers left over though. Four-speed manual transmissions all the way.
Interesting to see a 460 under the hood in this one. The big engine for Ford F-Series in ‘73 was the 390, and that was only in a 2wd. If you bought a 4×4 you were limited to a 360 until ‘77, when a 400M was available.
I warmed a lot of these up throughout the ‘70s, even after our shop took on the GM franchise. The FE was a mostly good engine.
It’s tragic how ALL the pickups developed that rust-out over the rear wheels. It didn’t matter if it was Ford, GM or Dodge, they all fell victim. I was anal about washing my inner fenders out and they still got rustier than a bed-setter’s mattress springs.
Still see them today.
If I was in the market for a 4×4 to really put to work I wouldn’t stray too far from this. Personally, I think Ford made the best 4x4s.
Yeah, what is with all the rust over rear wheels of pickup trucks? My Dakota has the same issue and I’m probably spending too much to address it before it’s not repairable.
It seems like a design flaw in that the water stuck there, rusting the metal away but given that it happened to SO MANY trucks over multiple brands, it feels intentional… IE planned obsolescence. The manufacturers had to see the patterns forming.
Call me crazy but I think they want us to buy new trucks. I wouldn’t be paranoid if everybody wasn’t out to get me…
BIN is high….maybe $9 – 10k at most is more realistic. Lots of these older trucks in decent shape available in the area (I live a little east of Castle Rock) for considerably less than the BIN. Someone who wants to do regular/serious hauling will buy something newer. Maybe a high school kid will buy this to drive to school (nothing wrong with that).
what is a highboy
Good looking old truck. Great for doing real work. The lack of finishing is why the corrosion is so common. Today you can get full wheelhouse liners to keep the splash from reaching up the boxside and cab corners. Like anything, they often optional.