Bimini Blue Metallic Flareside is the Bomb

Fashion Accolade

Few will disagree that Flareside trucks are cool. Also known as a Stepside in Chevy-speak or the oddly named Dodge Utiline, the narrow bed and exposed fenders defined pickups until Ford introduced the Styleside in 1957. Appearances count. While it might be just for looks, this 1992 F-150 XLT Flareside easily earns its era-specific accolade as 'the bomb.'

Vanity Coast

Named after a chain of islands in the Bahamas, the Bimini Blue Metallic finish slathers on an extra layer of vanity to this muscle-bound, 4x4 shortbox beach cruiser. Recently scooped up at auction, the XLT Flareside was first registered in Washington State, then Oregon, before surfing down the coast to California, where it holds its current title.

Cargo Terms

With only 69,000 miles on the clock, it is easy to understand why the Bimini Blue Flareside left the lot so quickly. Opinions vary, but the inset box and step-up first came about to facilitate loading cargo into a truck bed. In practical terms, the configuration also allows toolboxes to be mounted to the bedsides in place of the fenders.

Last Body

In 1992, the F-Series was treated to extensive restyling, becoming the first F-150 to receive aerodynamic headlights. The sleek makeover earned it the nickname of Aeronose, a distinct separation from its Bricknose predecessor. Despite the rounded edges, ninth-generation F-150s were the last of the square-body designs. Now, more generically, they are referred to as OBS or Old Body Style.

Full Package

For the model year, F-150s were offered in three specific trim levels. They were the Custom, XL, and the top-of-the-line XLT, which featured full power equipment, including the seats for trucks equipped with the so-called Captain's chairs. As an XLT, this Flareside is equipped with a tow package, power windows and locks, chrome trim, and a sliding rear window.

Service Block

Under the hood, the XLT Flareside is equipped with Ford's tried-and-true 5.0-liter V8. Belonging to the Windsor family of motors, the engine can trace its roots back to 1968 when it was known as the 302 for its displacement. Producing between 185 and 210 horsepower, the small block remained in service for over three decades until its retirement in the early 2000s.

Automatic Case

While not at a Concours award level, the underside of the Flareside is totally solid. Depending on the build, 1992 F-150 transmission options were the C6 3-speed auto, 4-speed auto, 4-speed manual, and 5-speed manual. This Flareside has a 4-speed automatic transmission, coupled with a push-button two-speed transfer case. It was noted that the transfer case actuator was replaced by the previous owner.

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Bahama Keeper

With its spot-on stance, the Flareside rides on 15'' chrome wheels clad in 31'' Back Country Mud-Terrain tires. In an August 2020 feature, Driving Line stated that ninth-generation F-150s have become the most collectible classic pickup for their looks, basic toughness, simplicity, and reliability. While many still daily drive ninth-gens, this Bahama-inspired 'bomb' of a Flareside certainly qualifies as a keeper.

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