1978' Ford F-150

Being down South in sunny Georgia as we are, it seems that there are a few extraordinary vintage trucks still running around that havent been worked to death or parted out for their rusty cousins up North. Take this beautifully restored 1978 Ford F-150 Ranger Lariat 4x4: the original owner spent years gently treating it right, and then just as much care and attention was poured back in when it was recently restored resulting in one of the cleanest, most dialed-in, and solid Ford 4x4s weve seen in quite some time. Featuring a rebuilt 400M V8, a smooth-shifting automatic, and a couple choice options all wrapped up in a slick Black-and-White presentation, this aint Grandaddys dusty old pickup... Two-tone paints were popular options in the 70s, although the original colors on this F-150 were a little too 70s for the former owners. Originally Dark Nectarine and Light Chamois (euphemisms for Brown and Tan) a combination that essentially looked like fancy rust even when new this Ford was transformed into a timeless classic simply by the addition of the slick Raven Black-over-White paint that adorns it today. Its a refreshing change-of-pace combination that strips away the bland earth movement colors of the 70s, although doesnt erase the past completely since Raven Black and White are in fact period-correct colors. The contrasting shades make this 4x4 look way more exciting, and it feels at home whether its traversing country roads or pulling up to dinner in the city. Bad bodywork betrays paint jobs, no matter how nice, but thankfully this particular Ford was an incredibly solid truck to begin with. Having never left GA, it was still in original condition right up until it was fully restored last year. In fact, you can pull up the carpets and still see the original paint atop the original floorpans, and the fact that a vintage Ford truck still carries its original floorpans is an amazing feat alone. Many 70s trucks were worked to death, thusly requiring major surgery, but this Southern Belle was spared that fate. Most of its life was spent under the loving care of the original family that bought it new in GA, until it was sold to neighbors a father-son team known for vintage Ford 4x4 restorations. Those experienced builders took the truck completely apart to ready it for paint, and because it was so solid (they claim that the odometer represents its true mileage, although thats difficult to 100% verify in a classic), not a lot of bodywork (if any) was needed. Single stage black-and-white paint was applied to a great driver-quality standard, with no sign of the original colors visible, and the extensive Lariat trim was polished up and reinstalled. The results are impressive, the finish is uniform, fresh, and the curb appeal is amazing. Not a perfect show-piece, although a cut-and-buff would really kick it up a notch or two, but nevertheless its a downright great-looking rig. And we love the sliding rear window a great feature that provides draft-free ventilation inside. Out back, the clean bed proves how little this Ford was used, although its been protected with spray-in bedliner and is capable of dominating any project. The simple, rugged interior was also restored correctly, right down to the black vinyl bench seat, flanking door panels, blemish-free dashpad, taut headliner, and the plush black carpets below. Its mostly a no-frills place to get some work done, but thats refreshing today when trucks resemble a waiting room at a day spa. However, the quality of the work makes it look far more upscale today, and with fresh and restored OEM materials, its very clean and supremely comfortable. This 4x4 carries a full set of factory gauges ahead of the new steering wheel, plus a column shifter for the C6 3-speed automatic and a manual floor lever for the transfer case, all just an easy reach away. Under the hood is Fords tried-and-true 400 V8, rebuilt less than a 100 miles ago (it still has break-in oil inside) to stock specs. Ford didnt stamp VINs on their blocks, but in all likelihood, this is the trucks original engine nevertheless its been fully sorted and is equipped with a new FST 4-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock intake, long-tube headers, and fresh wiring/electrical components, making for a very reliable hauler. Built for torque, it moves the big F-series with ease, and the entire drivetrain was attended to and is ready to dominate for decades to come. Ford Blue paint on the block, chrome valve covers, and a chrome air cleaner keep it looking tidy inside the gloss black engine bay, matching the theme of the entire truck. Theres a giant radiator up front that doesnt make the big engine sweat and with a restored power steering system and overhauled power front disc brakes, its easy to maneuver about town. A smooth-shifting C6 automatic transmission was recently serviced and sends power through the transfer case and to the Dana 44 up front and heavy-duty Ford 9-inch rear end, and with that elevated stance and beefy shocks/springs, this F-150 is ready to conquer Mt. Everest. A dual exhaust system with chambered mufflers sounds awesome, and the drivetrain was painted Ford Blue to match the engine. The undercarriage is stock, but like almost all our Southern-bred machinery, its incredibly solid with a light dusting of GA red clay that was purposely left honest (not spray bombed) to show that there are no rusty trouble spots or ugly repairs. Brand new polished alloys come wrapped in brand-new 33x12.5x15 Nexen A/T radials that finish off the look perfectly. Big, fun, and ready-to-rock, this Ford 4x4 is EXACTLY the kind of truck you always wanted. Dont miss this chance to get one in the renewed prime of its life. Call today!