Lifetime California truck. Desirable camper special 4x4. 351 V8, automatic, rebuilt A/C system that blows ice cold, dual gas tanks. Extensive recent service, new upholstery, recent tires. A big 4x4 that can carry just about anything in style.

Having spent the entirety of its life in California and North Carolina, you know this is a clean truck. It’s wearing almost all original paint, with only the tailgate having been repainted. And now that you’ve seen it, the Bright Yellow and Wimbledon White paint job looks pretty darned good, doesn’t it? The finish is in great shape for being nearly 45 years old with only the usual signs of use and age. There’s a nice shine that suggests it has always been properly cared for and the doors close with that soli sound that you expect but don’t always get in an old truck. It’s big, no doubt about that, but that also means you can haul anything that will fit in the bed. This one was obviously designed for camping, with the factory-installed tie-down cleats on the bed ostensibly intended to hold the camper in place. There’s also a burly chrome step bumper out back, a built-in tool compartment in the bed (sadly, someone cut the back of the compartment out, but it could surely be repaired), and oversized mirrors that make towing easy. The bed features a drop-in bedliner as well as a new roll-up tonneau that provides protection and security without hurting carrying ability.

The interior is anchored by that completely cool plaid bench seat, which was just reupholstered last year. It’s ideal for the late ‘70s pickup and works rather well with the rest of the interior, which is completely original. As an upscale XLT Ranger, there are plush carpets on the floor, simulated woodgrain on the dash and steering wheel, and somewhat more luxurious door panels, all of which are in great condition. Notable options include factory A/C, which blows ice cold thanks to all-new hardware, cruise control, full gauges, and an AM/FM stereo radio. The shifter for the 3-speed automatic transmission is on the steering column, with that lever on the floor operating the dual range transfer case for the 4-wheel-drive system. It’s got heavy-duty floor mats, which seem appropriate for a big hauler like this, and a sliding rear window makes it comfortable on those days when it isn’t quite hot enough for A/C. The original headliner is in great shape, too.

It's a lot of truck, but the 351 cubic inch V8 doesn’t seem to mind. Its specifications are modest but the whole idea is to make plenty of torque, which it does. We don’t believe the engine has ever been opened and you can see lots of evidence of its California history in the ultra-clean original engine bay. That’s factory Ford Blue engine enamel, a correct aluminum air cleaner, and OEM-style hardware throughout. The only notable upgrade is the big aluminum radiator up front, but that’s just a good idea on something that might be slogging off road at low speed. You’ll also note the brand new A/C compressor, the fresh brake master cylinder, and full tune-up parts including new plug wires. It starts easily and runs great with a nice V8 rumble from the exhaust system. The C6 3-speed automatic shifts crisply and the 4-wheel-drive system is fully functional, with the front locking hubs hidden behind the hubcaps. The undercarriage is a little grungy, but there’s no undercoating or other nonsense to hide the original sheetmetal, and you can plainly see that the truck hasn’t spent any time in the rust belt. Other new equipment includes the exhaust system, gas tank, and the braking system. It sits exactly right for a big 4x4 and wears brand new 285/75/16 off-road radials on factory steel wheels.

Documentation includes the original window sticker, owner’s manual, and a Deluxe Marti Report, as well as the original California blue license plates.

We sell a lot of trucks, but this one stands out. Sure, it’s bigger than most, but the colors, the interior, and the pure functionality make this Ford special. It drives great, its completely solid throughout with no nasty secrets, and with the ever-increasing popularity of trucks in the old car hobby, it is sure to be a standout anywhere it goes. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.