One Owner: 1985 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat
As you get older, time can seem to warp. I look at this 1985 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat, and my first instinct is that it can’t be old enough to be a genuine classic. I then realized it is older than vehicles like the First Generation Mustang and ’57 Bel Air when they achieved that status. This thirty-eight-year-old truck is a one-owner classic in impressive condition for its age. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Bidding has raced past the reserve to $8,000 off the back of some frantic activity.
Ford marketed its Seventh Generation F-Series truck line from 1980 until 1986. It continued its body-on-frame construction technique to produce rugged vehicles that could carry impressive loads. This F-150 rolled off the lot in 1985 and is claimed to be a one-owner classic. If that’s the case, it means the seller has either listed it on behalf of the original owner or they are flipping it, hoping to make a quick profit. It presents acceptably for a survivor in a color combination of Light Regatta Blue and Wimbledon White. The paint has aged on some horizontal surfaces, with visible surface corrosion on the hood and bed. The seller states it spent its life in a concrete-floored garage when not plying our roads, but the hood was exposed enough to cause the visible paint deterioration. Penetrating rust appears confined to this small spot on the passenger side lower rear quarter. The remaining panels are clean, with the floors and frame appearing rock-solid. The chrome and trim are acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle, and there are no visible glass issues. A hitch received means it could make an accomplished tow vehicle, which is an option many may find attractive.
The original owner focused on an effortless driving experience, ordering this F-150 with a 302ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Ford added fuel injection to the V8 in 1985, and the impact was profound. Buyers could order the eight with a two-barrel carburetor that produced 133hp and 233 ft/lbs of torque. The injected version that we find under this hood pushes those figures to 190hp and 285 ft/lbs. A bonus was that it improved the engine’s manners, reducing the possibility of flat-spots and cold-bloodedness becoming irritating issues for owners to address. The seller states this F-150 has a genuine 104,000 miles on the clock, although there is evidence that it received an engine change at 86,000 miles. They have retained the invoice and warranty information for the change, some service records, and the original Sale Invoice. It runs and drives, with the engine feeling strong. The brakes are soft, and the seller suggests a thorough inspection and possible repairs before the new owner attempts any open-road journeys.
Many owners ordered vehicles of this type as workhorses, meaning interiors were prone to wear and abuse. This F-150 has survived better than most, and as an XLT Lariat, it comes with some excellent optional extras. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, cloth seat upholstery, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. The only visible addition is a trailer brake controller, which is a wise investment if the new owner plans to utilize this classic’s towing capacity. The interior looks respectable, with no evidence of seat wear. The carpet is dirty but might respond positively to a deep clean. The door trims are scuffed, with the vinyl lifting on the edges. I would glue this back and thoroughly clean everything before considering replacement. The buyer may choose to spend $540 on a new pad to replace this truck’s cracked original, although I located another option worth considering. Several companies produce a reproduction package, including a pad and upper and lower door trims in Black. The buyer needs to paint them to match their existing interior color combination, but at $670, it could make a significant difference to the overall presentation. Some might find that concept irresistible.
Classic pickups offer potential buyers a world of options, and this one looks like a beauty. It would look stunning with a fresh coat of paint, although it could be enjoyed immediately while the new owner considers their plans. The interior offers a touch of luxury, while the V8 engine and hitch receiver make it an ideal tow vehicle candidate. It is easy to understand why it has attracted forty-one bids with plenty of time remaining on the auction. Have you ever owned one of these classics? If so, would you consider repeating the experience?
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Comments
In my brief stint as a car salesman, we had one just like this on the lot. People were unfamiliar with fuel injection at the time and would floor the gas pedal down to start the engine. When it didn’t catch, they would pump the pedal and flood the engine. We pushed many vehicles into the shop so the mechanics could remove the spark plugs and dry things out.
Yup. Worked at a Ford dealership at the time. Cold weather flooding was normal. Changed a lot of plugs on the new car lot.
Had one with same paint scheme, but long bed without rails & had the 351 HO engine. Great pickup & wish I still had it.
Pretty cool old truck, but I’m not seeing $8k. Not super low mileage and it is in decent shape, but not exactly pristine. Oh well, not the sellers fault if it sells for over the reserve.
I had the chance to buy a similar truck a couple of years ago, although this one was 4wd, 300 six (recently rebuilt) and a 4 speed for $4500. Didn’t need it, but probably should’ve bought it anyway. Kids are old enough to drive and everyone should learn how to drive a stick!
This is mine. Bought it new, never winter driven. I love these trucks. 1980 Custom 100 It will be available at my estate sale
Now this one looks pristine! She’s a bueat.
Buddy of mine had a similar truck in college, although his was well used. It had the six cylinder and I want to say a “three on the tree” if I recall correctly.
I had an ’85 like this one. Dark blue with the big truck mirrors and big truck rear bumper, Reeses hitch. Sliding rear window. 302 with OD auto transmission. Had plenty of power. The 302 had a carburetor with the choke preset at the factory. It was set too high and would flood engine. I drilled out rivets so I could manually set choke. Never had a problem after that. The overdrive worked well. Shifted at 35mph. The original Ford battery lasted over ten years.
Such a neat old rig – I’d love to drive one like this. As Adam noted, the EFI on these engines greatly increased their drivability and reliability. I can’t see a pic of the trans pan or the shift pattern on the dash, but I’m guessing this one has the AOD and not the 3 speed noted in the writeup.