Some classics raise as many questions as they answer, which could be true with this 1973 Ford F-250 4×4 Highboy. The seller states it received an engine upgrade, but the powerplant they claim originally occupied the engine bay wasn’t offered in 1973. Regardless of the truth about that question, the new engine and other mechanical upgrades should ensure the Highboy offers an enjoyable motoring experience. It is listed here on eBay in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bidding has passed the reserve to sit at $3,750.

It is easy to tell this F-250 has spent its life in a dry climate. The clues are the baked Red and White paint and the complete absence of penetrating rust. The exterior is clean, while the underside shots reveal nothing beyond the typical dusting of dry surface corrosion on the floors and frame that shows no sign of deteriorating or causing problems. The camper cap is a practical addition. If the new owner treated the exterior to a repaint in the original color combination, this Ford would make a striking visual impact. The exterior feature a few bumps and bruises, but none appear bad enough to justify panel replacement. It is worth qualifying that last statement because the seller only supplies shots of the F-250’s passenger side. However, there are no indications that a walk around this classic will unearth any nasty surprises. The trim is in good order, and although the windshield appears cracked, the remaining glass is okay. The vehicle rolls on its original steel wheels wrapped in new tires from BF Goodrich.

Lifting the hood reveals the only source of confusion with the F-250. The seller claims the engine bay originally housed a 352ci V8, but that doesn’t match the information I hold on the Sixth Generation F-Truck range. My documentation suggests that the motor last graced one of these classics in the previous generation in 1967. I could be wrong and am happy to be corrected if that’s the case. Regardless of the past, what now occupies the spot is a 390-4V that received a recent rebuild. Its specifications are unclear, as are its power and torque figures. However, it sends the ponies to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and a 4.10 Dana 60 Posi rear end. Other recent work includes a new clutch and pressure plate, a new dual exhaust, and fully-functioning electric power steering. That combination should provide excellent performance, with the seller stating the F-250 runs and drives extremely well. It is ready for whatever challenge the winning bidder can throw at it.

I was expecting to open this truck’s doors to find an interior baked by the New Mexico sun, but it decided to surprise me. It features predominantly Red upholstery and plastic, with contrasting Black carpet and a matching dash pad. The painted surfaces wear the same White that coats much of the exterior. The seat cover is in excellent condition, with no rips or splits. The same is true of the dash pad, while the carpet is excellent. Some plastic pieces have begun discoloring, but I’ve seen plenty of F-250s that looked far worse from this era. The most crucial thing is that none of it is cracked or crumbling. The wheel hasn’t avoided that fate, but replacing it would be one of the few tasks required inside this classic. It isn’t loaded with creature comforts, but the radio/cassette player should relieve boredom on long journeys.

This 1973 Ford F-250 4×4 Highboy has much to offer a new owner. Its dry-climate life has left it rust-free, and while its paint is baked, a cosmetic refresh should be straightforward and rewarding. The mechanical upgrades should make it an effortless highway cruiser, but it can mix with the best in the business when the terrain gets tough. People like what they see with this classic because it has attracted sixteen bids with plenty of time remaining in this auction. Although recapturing its lost youth with a fresh coat of paint is tempting, so is leaving the exterior untouched. Its current condition means the occasional scratch, which can be an unavoidable consequence of delving into the wilds, will cause less heartache than if the exterior were pristine. Do you agree, or is your opinion different from mine?