One-Family Owned: 1978 Ford F-150 Ranger
New trucks are huge, comfortable, and filled with all sorts of options and electronic accessories. But it wasn’t that long ago that trucks were still primarily used as trucks, with the common examples being pretty bare-bones workhorses. That makes it somewhat unusual to find a truck like this 1978 F-150 Ford Ranger, with only a claimed 36,450 original miles that still presents very well. It’s up for sale here on eBay in Midland, Michigan. The “Buy It Now” price is $17,000, although there is also an option to make an offer. Thank you Bard Finds fan Russel G for the tip!
While many of us think of Ford’s compact truck when hearing the name Ranger, it was originally a trim level on the F-series trucks from the 1965 to 1981 model years. (You could also argue that the Edsel Ranger was really the first use of the name by Ford!) This 1978 Ford F-150 Ranger has been owned by the same family since new, and we are told it is mostly used for car shows currently. Apparently, it was repainted around 5 years ago, and even though it was DIY paint job by the owner, the black paint and red pinstriping look great with no visible damage or rust present. Even the underside looks good. The black painted rear bumper with dual exhaust tips gives a nice, slightly aggressive touch to the exterior as well.
The interior of the truck is red and is a great color to go with the black exterior. It gives it a bit of an upscale look. From the pictures (none of which show the whole interior), everything looks to be in good condition as well. There are no cracks in the dash, and the door panels and headliner are free from major defects as well. Unfortunately, the seat has an aftermarket cover on it, which normally means that there is damage being covered up. The dash had a pad on top to protect it though, so hopefully, that is the case with the seat as well! The listing says the original 8-track player is still working, which is pretty cool.
The engine is a V8 paired to an automatic transmission, but that is all we are told, as well as that it is in good running condition. Can any sharp-eyed Ford fans identify which engine is present here? Whatever option it is, everything looks tidy and complete. However, it appears to have more than 36,000 miles on it. There is quite a bit of dust everywhere as well as some surface rust on the water pump and master cylinder, and while I suppose that could have come from sitting for a while, low-mileage claims are often not accurate. Another way to tell is the wear patterns on the pedals, but it’s hard to tell on this one. What do you think? Either way, this truck is in great shape, needs very little attention, and should be a fun addition to the next owner’s garage.
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Comments
We have one here. They generally come with a 351/400M
My first thought is a 302.
Small-block…Windsor type. The overall width, left side valve cover, and water neck are giveaways.
According to the vin number in the advertisement , it was built with a 302 2v at the Ontario plant.
Nice truck. If it is as good as it looks I’d like to own it.
This is a great year for the F150. The 2wd’s especially are good tough trucks and really punch above their weight.
Owned one just like this one, even the same color scheme. One of the best, most dependable trucks I ever owned. That little 302 always took me from point A to point B and back again. Would love to have another one.
Have you noticed that most of the older trucks are not 4 wheel drive on Barnfinds.
This is my favourite era of Ford trucks. The 1980 Custom 100 is mine . original paint, original everything. Bought it as a toy, just never drove it. In the winter you have to keep them in the garage. Morley
This is my favourite era of Ford trucks. The 1980 Custom 100 is mine . original paint, original everything. Bought it as a toy, just never drove it. In the winter you have to keep them in the garage. Morley
Morley, I remember you showed this photo quite some time ago, because of that 1961 Chevy in the background. Nice truck though.
Looking at a close up of the brake pedal, there is very little wear on it, so that mileage claim may be true…amazed that a Michigan truck would be so rust free…great find!
a friend of mine would buy a new f-150 every four years in two wheel drive and drive it all year round he said it was just as good as some of the four wheel drive trucks in winter and in upstate New York that means something , he would drive it twenty miles one way to work at Remington Arms and back he always bought them with the big Ford straight six and standard tranny .
one of my all time fav looking vehicles (6th gen F250 step side short box 4WD)
it’s a lill small behind the wheel. An extended cab is better but still sit in there as if I’m at the kitchen table (4 right angles to the body).