Finding an effective tow vehicle that doesn’t break the bank can be challenging, but this 1983 Ford F250 4×4 could be an ideal candidate. It ticks many of the boxes buyers find attractive, including tidy presentation and a healthy original 460ci V8 under the hood. It would have turned heads when new, and its condition guarantees it hasn’t lost that ability. The F250 is listed here on eBay in Bradley, South Carolina. Bidding has raced past the reserve to sit at $12,000.
Ford introduced its Seventh Generation F-Truck Series in 1980 with evolutionary rather than revolutionary styling. Its appearance was crisp and clean, with its sales results proving once again that the company had a hit on its hands. Our feature truck rolled off the line in 1983, and its condition is so good it is challenging to know where to start. I believe we’ve seen similar vehicles previously from the same seller. If that’s the case, they seem to have a seemingly endless supply of classic Pickups. This one presents superbly in Golden Sand, with the paint shining impressively and exhibiting no signs of significant flaws or imperfections. The panels are laser straight, and the comprehensive collection of supplied photos confirms this F250 is rust-free. I’m disappointed there are no shots of the bed because they are often an accurate guide of the sort of life a vehicle of this type has lived. Signs of abuse and neglect are visible through battered and dented steel, but we miss that opportunity with this listing. However, the general indications are extremely positive. This is especially so considering the seller describes the F250 as original and unrestored. The trim and glass are as spotless as the rest of the exterior, and the aftermarket wheels and tires add a sense of purpose while enhancing this classic’s off-road ability.
Pickups evolved from workhorses to vehicles that offered comfort and convenience. This F250 is a perfect example because the new owner receives air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt wheel, cloth and vinyl seat upholstery, and a Panasonic radio/cassette player. Only a few years earlier, such appointments would have been unthinkable to the average Pickup buyer. The equipment levels aren’t the only positive news inside this Ford because the interior is nearly perfect. The upholstered surfaces are free from wear and damage, with the same true of the mats and the faux woodgrain trim. The dash and pad show no signs of cracks or UV damage, while the trailer brake controller is a practical addition that will improve towing safety.
This F250 covers the bases for those seeking an effective, effortless off-roader or tow vehicle. Its engine bay houses a numbers-matching 460ci V8 that sends its power to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The original owner added the factory Tow Package and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. That V8 should produce 245hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque, and thanks to its low-end power and torque delivery, it should climb every mountain and “Ford” every stream with the motor barely ticking over. If the new owner utilizes the hitch receiver, it should hardly notice anything but the heaviest loads. The seller indicates this vehicle has been meticulously maintained and comes with its original Owner’s Manual and other documentation. They describe the engine as strong, and although it isn’t stated specifically, it appears the truck is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
You only need to examine its condition and specifications to understand why this 1983 Ford F250 has attracted twenty-six bids. Its presentation is exceptional for a vehicle of this type with four decades under its belt. The interior appointments should ensure a comfortable motoring experience, while the drivetrain means it would be as comfortable off the highway as on it. Plenty of time remains on this auction, and the action so far suggests the price will probably climb significantly before the hammer falls. However, the winning bidder will drive away in a classic guaranteed to turn heads. If you are searching for a classic Pickup, this one is worth a close look.
Nice! I think,,,this was the most bad a$$, dependable truck Ford ever made, and as far as I’m concerned, they could have stopped development(?) right here. To be clear, it’s a poor off roader and the front drive is merely a temporary assist when the going gets rough. It effectively cuts the already low mpg in half. These fancy 4x4s ushered in a new era of trucks. Women, due to mens shenanigans, found themselves in new roles. Roles that needed a 4×4 pickup, and car makers knew they didn’t want old Power Wagons. Women made up big sales numbers, and still do today, and these trucks were aimed squarely at them. The BIG BLOCK, indicates, someone didn’t mess around on the order sheet, and as impressive as it may be, same old thing, gonna cost ya’, but I read today, car makers are realizing the EV pickup may be a passing fad, At $79,000, not many takers, range anxiety still the biggest complaint. DUH, no schmit, Sherman. Mom said never gloat, but it’s so refreshing to see these silly ideas fail and again, nice try, but NOTHING beats a good ol’ 460 for hauling the mail! Keep your EVs for roller skates. and leave the business end to the 460s. Nicest truck ever, bar none.
Women didn’t find themselves in new roles because of men’s shenanigans, but because the evil tribe never founded or built anything themselves and have been jealously trying to destroy western civilization for what seems like eons.
Women made up big sales numbers for big block 4wd F250’s in 1983? If you say so.. I don’t remember that many people (men or women) outside of construction and farm or ranch fleets opting for 3/4 tons, or even 4wd’s in 1983. These days people use 3/4 ton 4wd crew cabs as commuter vehicles, but I don’t think that was the case in 1983.
Nice truck, though. My dad had a 1982 model, 2wd long wheel base.
I do agree with your EV sentiments.
I said, it was the beginning of pickups aimed at women and yes, I had neighbors in a rural setting that I did tuneups and light duty stuff for, and some were divorced women that “got the farm”, most had horses or animals to transport, and this is what they drove.
BTW, I read, the 460 was the biggest, most popular choice, almost 2 to 1 over the 6 or small block V8.
Fine truck for its day. Today I own a 2017 F250 K.R. diesel. 10k GVW and 21k towing. Those trucks wouldn’t even come close.
Bullseye 🎯 Howard, drove my coworkers a few times, identical to this but two tone .. light blue 💙 and white. Epitome of an honest strong 4wd proper pickup.
300 6 bull dog 4×4 411 gears mine is a 87 .put a hei dist ,also a carb , ford was #1 until duramax& allison borg warner has trouble with mode fork but an easy fix.NICE ford
Ur right. I will tow just about anything. The trade off is it had like all fords then, an uncontrolled drinking problem. Couldn’t wait to rid myself of it and buy a more respectable truck
In 1984 I was in the market for a new truck so I looked at the Fords & GMCs. Ford wanted almost $19k for a truck spec’d like this and GMC wanted only $14k for a C6P with the 454, I ended up special ordering the GMC. Was happy for many years. But this F-250 is very nice!
This looks like it would be north of an XL. Not questioning but this looks like a Lariat. She’s dolled up pretty nice! Someone spoiled themselves on this one!
Another nice truck from this prolific ebay seller. I thought the same thing, the badge says XL but the interior says Lariat.
If only they would have put a straight axle up front like they had in 79..would have been a great truck. Used to load my 85 up with a lot of weight and the tires would Boe onward just like when you jacked up a V.W.bug. but it would haul anything
My wife claimed my 95 F250 460 in 1995 still owns it with 120000 mi. She commandeered my 88 highboy also F250 w/460 4wd. It just depends on where you live I guess. We live in a small town in Indiana and everybody knows the truck and who drives it. Mileage may suck but when the snow goes a foot thick or more the F250drives like the pavement is bare. That’s the bottom line. Man or woman makes no difference when the weather gets crappy does it?