No Reserve: 1996 Ford F-350 Centurion
Ford has produced some pretty luxurious examples of its venerable F-Series Pickups, and most buyers found exactly what they wanted on the factory options list in days gone by. Still, those craving even more could order their new toy from a dealership following a trip to Centurion Vehicles. The finished product was typically amongst the best-appointed trucks money could buy, which is the case with this 1996 Ford F-350. It presents superbly, and its fantastic interior would make every journey feel like a special occasion. The seller is keen to move this classic on, listing it here on eBay in Skokie, Illinois. Bidding sits at $16,400 in a No Reserve auction.
Ford’s Ninth Generation F-Series range graced showrooms from 1992 until 1997. The company offered potential buyers a bewildering range of vehicles and options, making it possible to drive off the lot in a vehicle loaded with creature comforts. However, buyers could order their new toy with the Centurion Vehicles treatment. This Michigan-based company waved its magic wand over almost any area of the Pickup the buyer chose, offering what was virtually a bespoke service. While many upgrades involved interior trim and features, the exterior and bed also received attention at the buyer’s discretion. This 1996 F-350 presents superbly, making a bold but classy statement in Electric Current Red. The paint shines like a mirror, although I am sure a close inspection will reveal minor marks and imperfections. It cloaks laser-straight panels, with the underside shots confirming this beauty is rust-free. A color-matched fiberglass cap provides security and weather protection for anything the new owner carries in the bed. The lashings of chrome stand out against the sparkling red, with the polished wheels a genuine highlight. The fiberglass steps improve occupant access, and the hitch receiver allows this F-350 to function as an effective tow vehicle.
Centurion Vehicles focused heavily on interior enhancements with its conversions, with one of its hallmarks being lashings of timber trim. This F-350 is no exception, although you can add leather seatcovers and a fully carpeted bed to the equation. The last feature reduces the Pickup’s potential as a load carrier, but the visual impact is striking. There is little to criticize about this interior because the leather has developed nothing beyond the typical wrinkles that are part of its aging character. There is no appreciable wear, and the carpet looks excellent. There are no signs of abuse or physical damage, and the sun hasn’t taken a toll on the dash or plastic. One criticism leveled at Centurion conversions was that the timber is sometimes prone to deterioration. There is no obvious evidence of such problems, suggesting this F-350 has always been treated respectfully. The new owner won’t want for luxury appointments, receiving ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power front seats, cruise control, a CB radio, a tilt/telescopic wheel, a roof console with additional lighting, and an AM/FM radio/CD player.
Ford offered 1996 F-350 buyers a wide choice of engines to power their new purchase. This truck features the 7.3-liter “Power Stroke” diesel V8, delivering 210hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque. The first owner teamed this with a four-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The V8 is a typical turbo diesel, meaning the driver doesn’t need to rev its heads off to extract decent performance. The power peaks at 3,000rpm, and the maximum torque arrives at a mere 2,000rpm. The drivetrain combination reinforces my belief that this F-350 would be an excellent tow vehicle. The seller confirms it has a genuine 67,800 miles on its odometer and is in excellent mechanical health. If hooking up a trailer for a summer vacation is on your radar, this Ford could be the ideal tool for the job.
It is unclear how many vehicles received the Centurion treatment before the company closed its doors in 2006, but we have seen a few cross our desks at Barn Finds. This 1996 Ford F-350 rates near the top of the pile, because it is beautifully preserved and shows no signs of deterioration. Recent sales results suggest this classic should nudge $30,000 before the hammer falls. However, this is a No Reserve auction, so anything is possible. It has received thirty-three bids, meaning a new home is only days away. Are you tempted to make it yours?
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Comments
Much like so many of today’s pickup trucks, you have to wonder why yhe guy that bought this ridiculous thing didn’t just get a Peterbilt and be done with it. SMH
The Petercar only seats two. A 12 to 16 litre engine with a non Synchromesh transmission containing 9 to 18 gears and 7 to 11 mpg. You could pull your camper, but lots of hassle to add electric brakes to it. That is why not a Pete.
America! Freedom,,,to drive the biggest gol dang pickup we want. Fuel mileage? Who cares, “mash the hammer”. Actually, I think these were the nicest trucks, a culmination of almost 100 years of building trucks, and this was the ultimate. Campers hadn’t quite got to the “monstrosity” stage in ’96, and trucks like this were strictly for the horsey set east of the Hudson River. It’s okay, I’m sure they worked hard for it( cough), and someone paid a hefty $28,000 for this truck new, so theoretically, the new buyer is getting a heck of a deal. New ones START at $50,000 grand, and could easily double with options and quite frankly, aren’t any better than this. If interested, I wouldn’t drag my feet on this one.
That’s why this country (and planet) is in the shape its in…. the who cares about everyone else attitude. These not only waste fuel, but endanger everyone not driving something equally ridiculous.
And yet Ford reports that in Q1 of 2024, they lost $1.3 billion on the sale of10k EV’s. Thats $132k per vehicle.
Projected losses for the year is $5 billion. Perfect example of the who cares about everyone else attitude.
At least the production of this truck wasn’t dependent on the daily labor output of kids who mine Lithium.
About as ridiculous as a Prius in the left hand lane! I had a Centurion F350 Bronco. One of two vehicles I regretted selling (81 F100 the other). Mine had a International 6.9 with a Banks turbo. A real hoss. I towed a camper, my Mastercraft, and my car hauler. It could handle anything I threw at it. It was a real man’s truck! Sold it at 257k miles and purchased a 94 Gen I Lightning which I still own. The person that purchased it put an additional 180k miles before the engine let go. Slapped another 6.9 in it and is still going strong. Although not as clean as I keep it!
Well, I was being sarcastic saying “who cares”, I think a lot of people DO care today, or we’d be a LOT worse off. Say what you might, I read, Ford received an astonishing, to me, over 200,000 orders for Super Duty pickups last year, many with a 4-6 month wait. Not sure how many were double cab duallys, but pretty clear what America wants. And for the record, the real pollution danger was way before this, and new trucks put out an nth of the emissions older trucks did. That’s when people didn’t care about the environment. Far as endangering the rest of the world, I can sympathize, but operating the biggest vehicle on the roads, does something for some people. For me, it was just a job.
Please broaden your reading/viewing sources and you will quickly find out that the climate thing is another hoax , same as the kovid lie …
Lol, Diesels don’t waste fuel. They are more efficient than gas powered ICE vehicles. As for the endangerment, I see more folks in little cars doing a hell of a lot more of stupid things on the road than big PU trucks.
I like it, I may have to watch this auction and see what happens, its biggest downside is its only rear wheel drive, if I do bid and win I will loose the canopy and carpet kit for the rear its a truck not a station wagon. I this is the Last year of the factory dual tanks. On Ford trucks.
I like this one. For an IL truck this looks super clean and that Power Stroke and dually rear axle are bonuses. These definitely aren’t for everyone but if I were in the need for a towing vehicle I would be tempted to bid on this one.
I like this truck, the color, the interior and the 7.3. it’ll be interesting to see where this ends up, price wise. A new F350 is huge money. Nice truck! GLWTS.
It sold for $20k. Someone got a lot of truck for that money.
Follow-up to my reply to JDC,
I think Ford should be applauded for what they have accomplished thus far. I see the posting of losses not being a failure of Ford but rather what we can expect to see when investment in change occurs……however, when big brother makes mandates under a constrained timetable for it to be executed without concern for the market or consumer, that imo is where the problems arise (to think that there are those in power who actually entertained the thought military tanks being all EV blows me away)
I have no doubt that if gov’t would get out of the way, Ford’s (and other U.S. brand”s) engineering talent would be able to come up with vehicles that are not only more innovative but also what customers are seeking. Give Ford and GM the breathing room and they will continue to lead the way on the emissions front. Seems the U.S. always does their part while the rest of the world can operate in a more exploitive way with resources and extended timetables to meet standards.
What if the tables were turned and all the U.S. brands told the gov’t they were going to go totally EV by 2030 and mandate the gov’t produce a plan on how they were going to have the infrastructure to support it from a power grid perspective?