This Ford F-Series 1980-1986 got away, but there are more like it here.

This 1981 Ford F-150 Custom Explorer was initially delivered to Butler County Motor Co. in Butler, Pennsylvania, and reportedly remained in the same family prior to its acquisition by the selling dealer in March 2021. The truck is finished in two-tone brown and tan over a brown interior and is powered by a 4.9-liter inline-six paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Additional equipment includes an AM radio and low-mount mirrors along with the optional Explorer Package B featuring Explorer tape striping and badging, chrome trim, Sport wheel covers, and vinyl seating with cloth inserts. Work performed in preparation for the sale is said to include an oil change and a transmission fluid flush as well as installation of a replacement water pump, fuel pump, and ignition wires. This F-150 is now offered by the selling dealer with a factory build sheet, a window sticker, a warranty identification card, the original title, manufacturer’s literature, a clean Carfax report, and a Pennsylvania title.

1981 Ford F-150 Custom Explorer

The truck is finished in Deluxe Tu-Tone Dark Chamois Metallic and Tan and features yellow and brown upper-body tape striping. The Explorer Package B adds an Explorer hood ornament and badging as well as chrome accents on the grille, windshield, rear window, wheel lip moldings, and door and tailgate handles. Blemishes on the left fender and right door are shown up close in the gallery.

1981 Ford F-150 Custom Explorer

Factory 15″ wheels wear Sport wheel covers and 215/75 Premium T/P Radial tires. A full-size spare is mounted in the bed, and the truck is equipped with power-assisted steering and brakes.

1981 Ford F-150 Custom Explorer

The interior features a bench seat upholstered in brown vinyl with patterned cloth inserts and joined by a matching brown dash and door panels. Additional interior equipment includes an AM radio, a heater, a carpet-texture rubber floor mat, and a cloth headliner with a dome light. A roadside emergency warning triangle kit is stored behind the seat.

1981 Ford F-150 Custom Explorer

The two-spoke steering wheel frames an 85-mph speedometer and gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and amperage. The five-digit mechanical odometer shows 13k miles.

1981 Ford F-150 Custom Explorer

The 4.9-liter inline six features a single-barrel carburetor. The water pump was replaced in March 2021, and the selling dealer reports that the fuel pump and spark plug wires were replaced due to age. An oil change was also performed in preparation for the sale.

1981 Ford F-150 Custom Explorer

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed C6 automatic transmission. The selling dealer reports that the transmission fluid was flushed and a replacement filter was installed in preparation for the sale.

1981 Ford F-150 Custom Explorer

A factory build sheet and window sticker are pictured above, the latter of which shows initial delivery to Butler County Motor Co. in Butler, Pennsylvania. The original title, a warranty identification card, an owner’s guide, and a 1981 Ford Pickup brochure are also included in the sale and pictured in the gallery below.

The Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage and lists history in Pennsylvania beginning in July 2014.

Auction Result

High Bid USD $16,500 (Reserve Not Met)
Auction Ended May 22, 2021 at 12:50PM PT
Bids 5
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BaT Essentials

Seller: bwautos
Location: Karns City, Pennsylvania 16041
Listing Details
  • Chassis: 2FTDF15E9BCA98127
  • 13k Miles Shown
  • 4.9-Liter Inline-Six
  • Three-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Deluxe Tu-Tone Dark Chamois Metallic & Tan
  • Yellow & Brown Upper-Body Tape Striping
  • Brown Vinyl w/Patterned Cloth Inserts
  • 15" Wheels w/Sport Wheel Covers
  • Explorer B Package
  • Chrome Trim
  • AM Radio
  • Power Steering & Brakes
  • Window Sticker
  • Factory Build Sheet
  • Manufacturer's Literature
  • Clean Carfax Report
Private Party or Dealer: Dealer
Additional charges from this dealer: USD $100 Document Fee
Lot #48375