1-of-1? 1972 Ford F-250 Sport Custom Highboy
Ford’s Fifth Generation F-Series trucks remained in showrooms from 1967 until 1972. This F-250 Custom Sport Highboy is from the final production year and is claimed to be unique. It presents nicely, and its V8 engine and four-wheel-drive capabilities make it a classic that would be equally comfortable on the highway or bashing its way into the wilderness. The time has come for it to move on, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Caldwell, Idaho. Bidding sits below the reserve at $15,500, but there is still a chance for interested Barn Finds readers to stake a claim on this classic Pickup.
Years ago, I would become excited by a seller’s claim that any vehicle is a 1-of-1. However, I am less enthusiastic now. That is because it can take little more than one minor optional extra to separate that vehicle from the pack. Sometimes it will impact the vehicle’s value, while at others, it is largely irrelevant. The seller doesn’t specify what makes this Pickup special, and unless I’m missing the obvious, I can’t narrow the field. The F-250 presents well in Wimbledon White, with the paint shining nicely for an unrestored vehicle with five decades under its belt. There are no significant flaws, but sand and gravel have blasted the paint behind the rear wheel arches. Surface corrosion is developing, making addressing the issue before it deteriorates a priority. The step rear bumper sports corrosion, but the Pickup has no penetrating rust. The trim is excellent, with the chrome front bumper and winch being practical inclusions. The original owner ordered this beast with tinted glass, which looks flawless.
F-250 buyers faced varied engine choices in 1972, with this truck’s original owner selecting the 360ci V8. It sends 196hp and 327 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. When the going gets tough, the power assistance for the steering and brakes would undoubtedly be welcome. The 360 is slightly more “peaky” than other V8s in the Ford range, although it develops most of its power and torque below 2,500 rpm. This makes it capable of crawling over harsh terrain, with the V8 barely above tick-over. It would also be equally comfortable towing a trailer or hauling a load effortlessly on the open road. Beyond the claim of uniqueness, the seller doesn’t make any bold statements concerning its condition or mileage. It runs and drives nicely, with no issues or problems. It is exceptionally well documented. Apart from the Marti Report, the seller includes the original Dealer paperwork, Owner’s Manual, the Build Sheet, and even the railroad docket for this classic’s shipping from the factory to the selling dealer.
The seller doesn’t supply an interior shot providing an overview of its condition, but piecing together the provided photos paints a positive picture. The seller added a retro-style stereo for tunes on the move and an additional lighter socket panel, but there are no other modifications. Its presentation is impressive for a vehicle of this type, with no signs of significant physical damage or abuse. My instincts suggest the seat wears a newer cover, but I could be wrong. Some painted surfaces are marked and chips, but nothing requires attention if the winning bidder wants to preserve the “survivor” look. It isn’t loaded with optional extras, but the factory air condition is a bonus if the new owner lives in a warm climate.
If I have one regret with this 1972 Ford F-250 Sport Custom Highboy, it is the owner’s decision not to include a photo of the Marti Report in the listing. That may have clarified why they believe it is unique, allowing Barn Finds readers to assess the claim’s validity. I am willing to take it at face value but have ignored it when considering this Pickup’s potential value. The bidding should comfortably pass $20,000 before the hammer falls, although I wouldn’t rule out $30,000 or more. Depending on the feature that makes it a 1-of-1 vehicle, it could either have little impact or increase the price significantly. What is your take on this F-250?
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Comments
Had 1…..9 MPG…loaded or empty..:<(
I had a ’68 with the 360, it was 2 wheel drive and it passed everything except a gas station. Too bad too, I liked that truck otherwise.
I had a 360 in a ’68 Ford pickup, 2-wheel drive. It had a 2-barrel carburetor but still had a very healthy appetite for petrol.
So it was ordered and shipped from the factory as a commercial cab and chassis without a bed. Went to the dealer for installation of a service utility body and lived its life as a pest control service truck. Next owner puts on a bed and now its a super rare 1 of 1 special order truck? lol
Appalling.
I had a 69, wish I had kept it, can’t afford one now. This one is in amazing condition, since most were rode hard and put away wet. The only unusual thing I see, is the lack of belt moldings, and tailgate trim panel. I don’t think the a/c is factory, but dealer add on, Ford didn’t incorporate vents in the dash till 73, I believe that was when they first offered factory air, but I could be wrong. Anyway, nice truck here
I believe the moldings,and extra trim pieces only came on the Ranger and Camper Special models.
Proper 4wd truck right here 👌
Power steering was not available on this generation of 4WD models including the 72 model year.
At best a powered steering ram was added which would be considered power assist
In 1972 my mother had considered purchasing a new 72 F250 4WD Sport custom. She purchased a new 1972 K5 Chevrolet Blazer instead has it had power steering :)
I was surprised to hear that, but you are correct, P/S was not offered on the “High Boy”, and conversions aren’t cheap., around $2grand. One vendor offers electric assist. May as well figure that in, because I all but guarantee, the new owner won’t get it out of the driveway. Something surely must be wrong, it won’t steer,, hey welcome to 1972. Yes, it will get single digits, gallons/mile with all the hardware spinning, but again, it wasn’t about gas mileage, comfort, or ease of driving, it was a truck, dag nabit, and was only supposed to be used as such. Like the Dodge, another great farm truck, but not for road use. And no wonder Walmart was out of clear paint,,
Lot of words to say nothing.
I’ve owned many vehicles with manual steering, including a high boy, never had a problem steering. I guess people are getting soft these days.
2nd only to the 6th gen LOL. But for either:
yes, *hi boy – but w/NP435 or ZF 5speed, 4.9 efi & short box, step side & 2 18 in. race stripes.
*(ie 4WD F250)
?
In English, please.
I owned a 76 for many years. That grill sure looks like a 76. Maybe I am mistaken ? Anybody ?
76 was a different body style than this, and a different grille.
1967-1972 were different altogether than the 1973-1979 F series
I owned a 72 and a 76. You are right, the grills look similar but the body style was different in many ways. Wish I still owned both, but everyone is right about the gas milage, 9 mpg sitting still or moving.
You guys must have a heavy right foot, I never got that bad of gas mileage, loaded maybe, but not empty.
Problem with the 5th generation 4wd f250s is the ones that weren’t beat to death have been transformed from a stock F26Y to a 460ci, power steering , disc front brakes, so original it is not. The closed knuckle front ends failed to have a vent tube installed so as the years went on moisture would form and drop to the lower knuckle bearing causing the poor steering, this truck as well as all 5th gens. should have steering and wheel bearings replaced as well as the 2 piece seal. Shop rate 3 K, do it yourself $600 in parts through torque king
I had a 72 camper special 2wd with the 390 and the dual range c6 trans.under the hood was anything but stock.it was bored 0.060 over,big cam,headers,holley 4bbl using a ford cast iron intake and electronic ignition.it got only 7mpg on 93 octane.4:10 gears outback.it ended up having a 0 to 60 time of about 6.7 seconds.was my daily driver for almost 7yrs.
real truck not some luxury jacked up toy
6.7 seconds 0-60 out of a ’72 ford truck ? holy cannoli!
Based on photos in the listing, the original sales receipt indicates the dual aux tanks were removed. Well duh, the service bed was installed as these aux tanks are mounted in the fender wells. The original bed isn’t installed and the listing indicates both beds are included? Likely not in great shape
Is that steering wheel correct? Appears to be from 1970 or older.
You’re right, the steering wheel is 70 or older, I didn’t notice that earlier on.
Oh that maybe the 1 of 1! Lol
I thought the late 60’s early 70’s had a full metal grill with narrow slats that went side to side. My dad’s 75 looked exactly like this one and had power steering. Put a 429 in it with a trans splitter. It would go anywhere and the splitter really helped with gas mileage.
67-69s had a full metal grille, 70-72s had a metal grille shell with plastic inserts. The 75 you mentioned didn’t look the same as this