Claiming rarity for any vehicle is a slippery slope. With the enormous selection of available options on many models, it only takes the right combination of seemingly insignificant features to transform a car from average to rare. A perfect example is the current Fiat 500. The company admits that if it were to build a single version of each vehicle with its options variations, 500,000 would need to roll off the line before any two were identical. That brings us to this 1978 Ford F-250 Ranger SuperCab. The seller claims it is 1-of-44 vehicles built to a specific set of specifications. It presents well, with no significant issues or problems. Interested parties will find the F-250 listed here on eBay in Caldwell, Idaho. Bidding has passed the reserve to sit at $23,501.

Ford introduced its Sixth Generation F-Truck range for the 1973 model year, with these classics remaining in production until 1979. Our feature Pickup rolled off the line in Kansas City, Missouri, in October 1978. The seller claims it retains its original paint in a combination of Candy Apple Red and Wimbledon White. It isn’t perfect, but the condition is what I would classify as a tidy driver. It has a few of the chips and scratches you would expect from any vehicle of this age. There are some bumps and bruises, but all are repairable, and none justify panel replacement. Older Pickups can have beds that look battered and abused, but this one isn’t bad. It features a spray-on liner that should protect it from rust and other nasty problems. However, the best news is this classic’s lack of rust. The exterior is clean, and the underside shots show some small areas of light surface corrosion. There is no evident steel penetration anywhere. The huge wheels and tires would enhance the F-250’s off-road capabilities, but I would replace them if I were the winning bidder. I don’t have a problem with them as such, and they add a touch of purpose to the appearance. My issue is that they protrude beyond the wheel openings, meaning stones and gravel can pepper the paintwork. The originality of that aspect would prompt me to take protective measures, and wheel replacement would be the easiest of those strategies. The trim is in good order, as is the glass.

Buyers faced an excellent selection of engines to power their new F-250 in 1978, with this Truck’s original owner selecting the 400ci V8. They ticked the boxes beside the three-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The Malaise Era may have been in full swing, but the V8 produced a respectable 160hp and 276 ft/lbs of torque when this Ford was shiny and new. The low-end torque delivery made these Pickups tractable, and the mechanical combination would make it an accomplished performer under all circumstances. This one has a hitch receiver, meaning it would be an excellent tow vehicle. The seller states that it has been well maintained, and there are no signs of fluid leaks or other issues that may cause headaches. They don’t provide specific information on how it runs or drives, but the visual indications are positive.

The listing shots reveal that this F-250’s interior is even tidier than its exterior. However, when you combine them with the included Marti Report, they confirm there have been several changes. The seat was originally a bench covered in Red knit vinyl. The existing buckets are a later addition, while the documentation confirms the rear accommodation should be a pair of center-facing seats rather than the current bench. The news is positive if we ignore those changes and focus on the overall condition. There are no signs of wear or other problems, with the upholstered surfaces, dash, pad, faux woodgrain, and carpet, all in excellent order. Potential buyers can add a retro radio to the mentioned interior modifications. It isn’t loaded with luxury appointments, and the seller admits the factory air conditioning is missing some components. This interior would be a pleasant place to pass some time once the system is reinstated.

It is worth returning to the subject of rarity because it is a significant consideration with this 1978 Ford F-250 Ranger SuperCab. You realize when breaking down the information on the Marti Report that a substantial proportion of the seller’s claims center on the paint and trim combination. However, the loss of the original seats and upholstery leads me to believe that the claim is largely irrelevant. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on the subject. Regardless of the views of individuals, it still ticks enough of the right boxes to receive thirty-four bids. Would you consider joining the party on this classic?