If the object of your automotive heart’s desire in 1997 was a Ford F-350 Crew Cab, but you missed out for whatever reason, now could be the chance to right that wrong. Our feature truck presents superbly, which is unsurprising since its odometer shows 2,900 original miles. It needs nothing, and with seating for five and a healthy V8 under the hood, it is ready to cope with anything its new owner throws at it. The F-350 is listed here on eBay in Chicago, Illinois. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $15,700, with time remaining in the No Reserve auction.

Ford’s Ninth Generation F-Series hit showroom floors for the 1992 model year, with the last F-350s rolling off the lot in 1998. The first owner ordered this Crew Cab in 1997, selecting striking Ebony Black to cloak its exterior. The seller indicates the vehicle received limited summer use, spending its winters safely tucked away from adverse weather conditions. Therefore, its overall condition is unsurprising. The paint retains a rich shine with no evidence of flaws or defects. The panels are laser-straight, and the splashes of bright trim provide a welcome contrast to the dark paint. The polished wheels are in excellent condition, and the glass is crystal clear. The seller doesn’t mention rust, and with no evidence of developing surface corrosion, the vehicle’s history suggests it should be rust-free. They don’t supply bed photos, although I would be unsurprised if it is as spotless as the rest of the exterior.

This F-350 is the XLT model, meaning its interior is loaded with luxury touches. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a tinted rear window, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. The presentation is all you would expect from any classic with a four-figure odometer reading. The Gray cloth seatcovers are free from wear and damage, and the matching carpet looks exceptional for a vehicle of this type and age. There is no cracked or broken plastic and no evidence of UV damage. A close inspection may uncover minor faults, but this interior is as close to “as-new” as you will likely find in a twenty-seven-year-old truck.

Potential buyers seeking an effective tow vehicle need look no further than this F-350. Its engine bay houses the 7.5-liter fuel-injected V8, generating 245hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the road via a four-speed automatic transmission, with the dual rear wheels and hitch receiver allowing this classic to function as an effective load-carrier or tow vehicle. The truck’s sheltered life means it only shows 2,900 original miles on its odometer. The owner hasn’t gone out of their way to wear it out because that reading equates to just over 100 miles per year. It may not have done much work, but the owner has maintained it appropriately. The bulletproof nature of the drivetrain components means it should offer the winning bidder years of reliable service.

I’m unsure if I would describe this 1997 Ford F-350 Crew Cab as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but you are unlikely to find many trucks of this vintage with such a low odometer reading. Its flawless condition makes it easy to understand why it has attracted forty-one bids. With No Reserve in play, the F-350 is guaranteed to find a new home in a few days. If you missed out in 1997, will you let the opportunity slip through your fingers again? I wouldn’t blame you if you made a play for this classic, and I wish you luck if you do.