2,911 Miles? 1970 Ford F100 Pickup
When it comes to the Ford F-Series of trucks, it seems like they’re often viewed as relentless workhorses, which makes it unusual to find a 52-year-old example on the market with a claimed less than 3,000 miles on its odometer. The seller of this 1970 Ford F100 Styleside Sport Custom Pickup believes this mileage to be original and accurate, and while there’s no official documentation that proves it, there is at least a story that may explain a few things potential buyers might question about a vehicle with such little distance traveled. The truck is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and can be seen here on Hemmings with current bidding up to $20,250, but it’s going to take more than that for the pickup to exchange hands as there is a reserve.
The paint is said to be original, with a few minor chips and scratches plus some fading on the hood, but the body itself is said to be dent-free. In the back, there is some surface rust on the bumper, however, the rest of the truck is stated to be free of rust. Even with the reported issues, the finish really does appear to be exceptional to have over half a century’s worth of age, especially for a vehicle that is known more for work and play rather than preservation.
As good as things are looking outside, the interior may come across even a bit better, and if that vinyl seat material is indeed original it really could present as 3k mile quality. The seller describes the headliner as perfect and says the carpet is free from holes or other damage. Both the dash and door panels appear to be well-preserved, and it’s hard to find much in the cab to find fault with. Except for the temperature gauge, all other instruments are in good working order.
Under the hood is where my Spidey-senses began going up a bit. I was expecting the engine compartment to have more of a fresh look to it, and those fender wells and surface corrosion on the 302 motor did send up a couple of red flags. But if you scroll all the way down to the bottom of the listing, there’s a Q&A section where the seller gives as much background as he knows about the truck. Although he purchased it from someone in Arizona, apparently it belonged to a family in Rhode Island prior to that, and there is a wheel tax sticker from RI dated 1974, so the harsh winter climate in the New England area may account for some of this appearance.
A few similar crispy surfaces can be found underneath, but fortunately, it seems to just be cosmetic in nature, and the south side does appear to be overall solid. There’s also a walkaround video provided, and the seller gives his email address in the ad so you have the option of contacting him directly with questions. What are your thoughts on this 1970 Ford F100 Pickup, and its reported mileage of 2,911?
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Comments
Somebody let Cooter and ol Uncle Jesse know about this sale.
I am totally digging this truck! I learned to drive on a 70 Ford F100. 3 on the column. I still laugh thinking about learning clutch on this. If I let the clutch out and made the driveline jerk my foot would move on the gas pedal creating a chain reaction resulting in out of control bucking and my dad screaming expletives at me. I was not laughing then but I can now. He was a man with little patience and a short fuse. Needless to say when my sister turned 16 and learned stick I taught her how to drive.
def need to look at underbelly, especially the front cab mounts. They put the cab mounts right behind the front wheels to be the recipient of the tinworms. These were fabulous trucks, and this beauty is perfect- 3 on the tree, 302 mill, whats not to Love. Alphasud, that f100 was great to learn stick on. Taught my 2 daughters to drive stick on my 94 Honda; They are both superb drivers, and the honda I taught them on had 267k on it when I got rid of it, original clutch. One proud dad here. Good luck and happy motoring.
Cheers
GPC
I was expecting to see a 360 or a 390 under the hood, but I’m sure a 302 is more than welcomed with today’s gas prices. Those FEs were quite thirsty.
I half expected to see the 240 or 300 L6, but with the chrome upgrades I figured there’d be a 302.
The interiors seem to hold up really well on these.
I borrowed one like this from a guy who put a 3/4 ton-
rear end on it.It would tow well,plus it had a short turning
radius.
Without documentation, I’d have to do an in person inspection to see if it was worth dropping that much coin on. Under 3000 miles in 52 years? Not very likely. Too bad I’m not in the market for one, it’s 45 minutes away.
Not likely but, obviously, this truck is an unlikely example of an extremely low-mileage truck…I guess you just need to know what you are looking at.
Absolutely not buying the mileage claim.
By the sellers own account, first owner that he is aware of was in Rhode Island, then at some point, truck was sold to someone in Arizona (2597 miles from Providence, RI to Phoenix, AZ). Truck is now in Nashville, TN (1636 miles from Phoenix to Nashville). So, unless the truck was trailered across the country on at least one of those trips – and barely driven in between…. the mileage is probably bogus.
Having said the above, I will say that from the pictures, the truck appears to be in very good condition, no matter what the mileage is.
You’re not very experienced with low-mileage old cars are you Bob? This truck looks like every bit of a 3,000-mile vehicle. Certainly it was trailered to the collector(s) that bought it…oy vey.
To Michael Berkemeier:
It’s never wise to make assumptions about what people that you’ve never met do or don’t know.
…or to perhaps make assumptions about mileage on a truck you haven’t inspected personally.
The light corrosion on the inner sheet metal is consistent with being stored in a high humidity locale. That chassis paint was designed to last about as long as it took to get it off the lot :) Of course, western low mileage trucks show better from the dry climate. Sure don’t see many with the original gray paint on the hood hinges. Lack of cracks on steering wheel/dash pad and zero wear on pedals and floor mats with other subtle indicators make me believe it’s certainly possible that the mileage is correct. Looks like the master cyl may have been replaced but that’s consistent with the age of the truck. Only thing wrong with it in my eyes is that I can’t afford to bid on it :)
This is a truck I would buy, if only my circumstances allowed it, which they don’t right now. It is bid to almost 30 K and the reserve is met, so no doubt someone is going to get a very nice truck. When you look at the pick up market and the prices, 30 plus for this truck is a non issue.
I drove one of these back in the mid ’70s and the clutch was HEAVY! Otherwise, it was a good old truck.
Let’s see. Temperature gauge doesn’t work. Only leak is from coolant overflow. 🤔
Three speed manual. Plus overdrive. So…four speed? 🤷♂️
I don’t think the mileage claim is correct, but I also don’t think it has rolled over, either. (Maybe turned back somehow?) The existence of paint chips means it has been driven for some time, most likely in an environment with gravel or other loose material. Otherwise, I do think it is in original condition, though.
My bet is spedo disconnect now under 3k miles that said id love to have it. My neighbor in Fl has a 85 bullnose f150 300 6, he managed to get a zf5 in it, great truck for him and last I talked to him he just hit 70k mark, we had ford trucks in common he loves his and jokes he wants to be buried in it.
Baloney…and they’re not those kind of paint chips!
Wow what a nice truck.
I just love how everyone is an expert on low-mileage vehicles…and, strangely, they aren’t ever the least bit interested in buying them, lol. Looks like a 3,000-mile truck to me!
The only thing I wonder about is the grey distributor cap. Most of my older ford stuff had blue caps with the grey ones coming later.
Obviously it is easy to change a cap and perhaps that’s what’s up here. Very very nice old Ford that someone will surely enjoy. I’m not claiming any special knowledge here, and dont have any idea if I’m right or not, just making an observation
I have an old distributor cap and rotor. The cap is black and it says autolite. This will be sent with the buyer of the truck. Thanks
Bottom line, this is a really nice truck. Looks like it has low mileage. Hopefully the title reflects that. But if not someone is getting a great truck.
Miles is BS! It belonged to a family in Rhode Island then was sold to someone in Arizona unless they hauled it on a trailer and neither one of those owners ever drove it. Someone turned the odometer back. But not really a big deal if you like the truck miles ain’t gna matter much.
The truck was transported in an enclosed trailer from Arizona to Tennessee. I would bet the truck was trailered from the north east to Arizona. I would not recommend driving ANY 50+ year old vehicle across the country before a thorough evaluation of Mechanical and physical issues that may be present. Safety first for driver and the vehicle. Thanks
I forgot to address the odometer comment…..As we all know there is a possibility of an odometer being “turned back”. However, someone with experience examining vehicles will pick up “tells” of a vehicle that has higher miles than the odometer shows. I can only tell you that I have owned many collector cars, trucks, motorcycles. I have been fooled a time or two in my life purchasing collector cars. This truck is the real deal and the best example of a true age to miles to wear match I’ve ever owned. Thanks