It isn’t unusual for owners to become confused when determining certain aspects of their classic, and that is the case with the seller of this 1976 Ford F150 Styleside. They claim that it is an Explorer, but it carries none of the badges identifying it as such. They are also off the mark with a couple of other details, but they claim it is original and unmolested, with 38,000 genuine miles on the clock. It needs a new home, so they have listed it for sale here on eBay. Located in Lakewood, Washington, intense bidding has pushed the price to $20,100 in a No Reserve auction.

While the owner states that this F150 is an Explorer, decoding the Body Tag reveals it to be a Custom. It wears Jade Metallic paint that is claimed to be 100% original. The F150 has never undergone any restoration or repair work, making its overall condition impressive for a vehicle of this type and age. There are a few minor dings and marks on the paint and panels, but none are bad enough to warrant immediate attention. If the buyer chose to retain the F150 untouched and drive it proudly as an original survivor, that approach would be understandable. The bed wears the usual scuffs and scratches, with some surface corrosion developing. However, that’s as close as you will come to finding anything resembling rust in this classic. The panels and underside are clean, but if I were to buy this beauty, I would treat the corrosion in the bed before it deteriorates further. The exterior trim and chrome remain in good condition, and there are no issues with the glass.

Apart from the trim level, the V8 occupying the engine bay causes the seller further confusion. They claim that we’re looking at a 390ci motor, but Ford didn’t offer that motor in the 4×4 version in 1976. Closer inspection confirms that we’re looking at the 360ci engine that should produce 145hp. The power finds its way to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The original owner’s decision to include power steering and power brakes should make light work of any adventure into the wilderness. The engine bay presents nicely, which is no surprise since the seller claims the pickup has 38,000 genuine miles showing on its odometer. I usually take such claims it a pinch of salt, but it seems they hold verifying documentation. They say it runs and drives extremely well, making it a turnkey proposition for its next owner.

The originality of this F150 continues when we open the doors and survey its interior. The original owner ordered the truck trimmed in Code MR Jade vinyl and cloth, which remains in excellent condition. There is some minor wear on the outer edge of the seat on the driver’s side and what appears to be a tear in the lower vinyl on the same side. If I were to buy this classic, I would consult an upholsterer to see if satisfactory repairs are possible. It would seem a shame to compromise the originality of this classic by replacing the cover because of those faults, and I wouldn’t like to see them deteriorate further. The wheel has a couple of cracks on one spoke, but the remaining interior trim, dash, and pad look excellent. There is evidence that the F150 may have housed a CB radio, but that is long gone. It isn’t loaded with luxury appointments, but the AM/FM radio should provide entertainment as the miles roll under the tires.

Leaving aside the seller’s confusion about certain aspects of this 1976 Ford F150 Styleside, it looks like a gem of a truck that its next owner could enjoy immediately. Its cosmetic needs are minimal, and while addressing them would be straightforward, many potential buyers will probably choose to retain the pickup as an original survivor. It ticks the right boxes for those seeking a classic pickup, with this fact demonstrated by it attracting forty-three bids. If it appeals to you, there is time remaining for you to stake your claim on this classic. Are you tempted?