Rare Short Box: 1995 Ford F-150 XLT Short Box
This 1995 Ford F-150 XLT Short Box has the “wow” factor in abundance. From its black paint to its enormous wheels, this is a 4×4 that is guaranteed to grab plenty of attention. It isn’t just about the looks because with a V8 under the hood and an interior loaded with luxury features, this classic can get you out into the wilds in complete comfort. Located in Darlington, Maryland, the F-150 has generated plenty of interest since it was listed for sale here on eBay. Thirty-eight bids have pushed the price to $16,100 in a No Reserve auction.
When you look at this F-150, it’s hard to decide what is its most striking feature. It could be the Ebony Black paint that shines beautifully in the sunlight. The enormous wheels give it a sense of presence, while the lift job that the owner has performed provides a sense of purpose. The paint and panels are in remarkable condition for a vehicle of this type and age. There are few flaws or defects to be seen in either area, while the gaps are tight and consistent. The bed has its share of scuffs and marks, but that is to be expected. The owner has fitted a protective mat, and this has saved it from suffering significant damage. The buyer might choose to repaint this area, although a plastic bedliner would not only hide these marks but would protect it from future problems. The trim and chrome are in good order, and the owner has fitted an LED light bar to the front of the F-150 that should turn night into day. The aftermarket wheels look excellent and are wrapped in a nearly new set of Cooper tires. The chunky tread and the substantial lift should allow the XLT to climb over some pretty imposing obstacles.
With a 5.0-liter V8, a 5-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, power steering, and power brakes, the F-150 offers the possibility of an effortless driving and off-roading experience. The V8 would be producing 205hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque. With the hitch that is fitted to the pickup, it should also make a pretty accomplished tow vehicle. The engine bay presents well, but I would have preferred it if the owner hadn’t gone ballistic with the detailing spray. The appearance isn’t deceptive because the owner says that that sweet little V8 fires into life easily and sounds great. The F-150 runs and drives well, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the brakes feel perfect. The listing indicates that the Short Bed has a genuine 98,000 miles on the clock, and it appears that the owner holds evidence to verify this claim.
Apart from some wear on the outer edge of the seat and a single crack in the pad, there isn’t much to fault inside the Short Box. The plastic trim and the dash itself are in excellent order, while the carpet shows little evidence of wear or stains. The original radio has made way for a Sony CD player, but apart from that and some switches for the additional exterior lighting, it remains original and unmolested. I said that the interior came with plenty of luxury equipment, and this was no idle claim. Apart from a driver’s airbag, the buyer will get air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power seat, power mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and variable speed intermittent wipers. If you are going to head out for some off-road adventures, I don’t see why you shouldn’t do it in comfort. This interior has you covered there.
This 1995 Ford F-150 has so many positive points that it is hard to determine its strongest attribute. There’s no doubt that it would be equally at home off-road as it would on the black stuff. It would make a fantastic tow vehicle or a shop truck that couldn’t help but grab attention for any business. I’m not alone in feeling that this is a gem because the bidding history proves this. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were a little way to go on the bidding, so it might be worth watching. Are you tempted to throw your hat into the ring on this one?
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Comments
Overall a very nice truck. The black paint looks great and the red interior makes an attractive contrast. Nice to see the manual transmission, by this time they were already getting rare. The seller has provided tons of good pics and the vehicle presents nicely. This generation of F-Series is picking up in popularity and value.
But….. that extreme lift kit just doesn’t do it for me. Almost makes the truck look cartoonish. A lower lift, or maybe no lift at all, would be more attractive to me. I might also tone down all that extra illumination (light bar, fog lights, orange under-clearance (?) lights). As always, just my opinion.
I agree, Bob. I own a ’95 F150 4×4 with a stick and a 302 myself. That’s enough grunt to get around just fine, and even pull a small trailer with little effort. But my truck is stock height and wears only slightly larger than stock BFGs. Jack it up and put giant rubber on it and you’d find it takes a lot to push those wheels around. This truck is gorgeous, but anything more than a mild lift is too much for me.
My Dad had a 2WD , black with red interior and 5 speed. It had the 300cu inch 6 banger. Just an XL but with a cloth seat. Comfortable truck. Did great but the NH winters rusted it out as they do everything…This interior brought back memories of a trip to NH where we shared driving, to get up there. We had fun…He is now blind so we can’t do those trips anymore…I’m so glad we did plus other great trips…
Does anyone know how difficult/expensive it would be to bring this down to a reasonable height?
I’m 5″ 5, and I don’t think I can climb inside the cab without someone’s help…
Is that a cigarette/hot rock burn mark on edge of seat?
I like this but needs standard height or it surely will wallow all over the place?
At least it’s not a diesel…I’d rock this
I see the auction ended so not sure why unless sold locally.Love the black truck but that extreme lift would be a deal breaker for me.Also too many extra lights, reflectors, and never been a fan of those fender flares which I would think just promote rust on the wheel arches.To me stock sells better but what do I know!
That wiring looks like something I would have done when I was 16
Yep…agree. I’ve never quite understood the cartoonish extreme lift. I’m sure a psycho-analyst could explain what sort of sub-conscious wish fulfilment thing going on. Unless you are building a machine to take to a mud-bog it’s pretty much all for show. a bit like the automotive equivalent of the rock singer stuffing the rolled-up sock down the spandex pants. Still, free country I guess…each to their own.
…apart from that – nice truck. I’d agree the 5.0 with manual trans will move this truck along nicely.
Had that same exact truck minus the lift in a 1991.