Trucks and SUVs have almost entirely replaced sedans and hatches on daily commutes these days, and new models are expensive and high-tech. Meanwhile, decades-old pickup trucks are often more practical, affordable, and easier to maintain. In addition, they are relatively simple to fix if something goes wrong.
Moreover, a hard-working vintage truck has mystique. The 1981 Ford F-100 short bed for sale on eBay is a prime example. It’s a simple and honest truck ready to drive or show off at local car show.
Hand-Crank Windows and Rubber Mats
Think of this ‘81 Ford F-100 as the most basic of basic trucks. Its first owner ordered it in a no-frills trim. You won’t find leather upholstery, and there’s no walnut trim. The floor is covered with a durable rubber mat rather than carpeting, and hand cranks operate the manual windows.
As a California truck, it does at least have factory air conditioning. The only concession to style is period-correct aftermarket white wheels with wider BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires. The raised white letter tires are delightful on this white truck.
The simplicity continues under the hood, where you’ll find the original 300 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine. The engine was recently awakened from a decade-long slumber. It runs well, needing only a minor choke adjustment to get going. The powertrain is paired with a four-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive for the ultimate in simplicity and ease of maintenance. Automatic transmissions and four-wheel drive systems tend to need more work.
Held Together with Black Duct Tape
Its long life in California is evidenced by its original blue license plates. This Ford F-100 is virtually free of rust and shows only minor corrosion underneath. The cab, cargo box, and frame all appear rock solid.
But a history of work is also evident, with dings and scratches to prove it. The rugged look adds to the appeal, lending a patina and character you can’t fake. Only time and hard work can produce these effects.
The cab also reveals a life of work, with a bench seat upholstered in durable blue vinyl, supplemented with extensive black duct tape. The dashboard is as simple and functional as the rest of the truck. Factory instrumentation includes gauges for engine temperature, fuel level, oil pressure, and electrical system charge.
You won’t find something as frivolous as a clock. The dash is in good shape for its age, but the original radio is long gone. That creates an opportunity for upgrading to a modern audio system—at the risk of undermining the peaceful vibe.
A Ford F-100 for Less Than Five-Thousand Bucks? 
This 40-year-old Ford F-100 has been sitting for some time, so it needs tires and minor work. But you couldn’t ask for a more solid foundation, especially given its $4,800 Buy-It-Now Price.
Shop now for Ford F-100sWhile a beautifully-restored classic is always nice at a car show, an ultra-simple truck like this F-100 is refreshing. Sure, enjoy showing off your classic, but have no fear about a parking lot ding or scratch at the same time.
