No company has done more for the pickup truck segment than Ford. Not only has this Michigan-based automaker created the most influential car of the 20th century - the Model T in 1908, but it also gave birth to the first-ever pickup truck (the Model TT) and later the world's most popular pickup nameplate with the F-Series.
Ford began the production of the F-Series trucks back in 1948 with the F-1 Bonus Built model, and it instantly became a hit across the country. Ford then managed to follow up on this iconic series with an astonishing fourteen more generations. Today most of those early trucks have become a part of American motoring history and have skyrocketed in value. But there are still some that can be snatched up for cheap because not of lot people are buying them right now.
So if you are one of those classic truck enthusiasts that are looking for the perfect cheap icon, then here’s the list of 10 Ford trucks that no one is buying right now!
9 1948 Ford F1
It is no secret that the Ford F-Series is the highest-selling truck of all time, and that is for a very good reason. However, the truck that began this journey of fame for Ford was the 1948 Ford F1 pickup. At the time, it was also known as the Ford Bonus-Built, and it is what marked the divergence between Ford's car and truck design in the post-World War II era.
Despite a ton of trucks from the same era shooting up in value, the 1948 F1 remains one of those gems that can be bought for a fairly decent price. For under $30,000 you can get your hands on this piece of American motoring heritage, and we assure you that you won’t regret it.
8 1960 Ford F-100
We cannot say that the 1960 F-100 is one of the most beautiful Ford trucks out there, but what it does have going for itself is its character. The third generation of F-Series truck was widened in the front to integrate the cab and front fenders together. And going a step further, the 1960 F-Series also had the hood integrated into the bodywork with a clamshell.
Ford offered the 1960 F-100 with the same OHV sixes and V8s as used in other Ford models from the era. Today, you can get this truck for anywhere between $10,000 to $20,000, and you can restore it to your taste.
7 1964 Ford F100
For the fourth generation of the F-100, Ford decided to do something unique. It welded the cab and body together removing the cab-bed gap and called it the "integrated pickup." However, this was not well received by the buyers, and for the 1964 model year, Ford returned to the traditional separate cab and bed design.
Powering the 1964 F-100s were the 223 and 262 CID Mileage Maker inline 6 cylinders that made between 113-132 hp. There was also an optional 292 CID Y-block V8 that bumped up the power to 170 hp. Currently, a beautiful example of a 64 F-100 like this can be picked up for $17,500.
6 1967 Ford F-100
The fifth generation of the F-Series trucks began their life with the introduction of the 1967 F-100 model. The new truck, although based on the same platform as the previous generation, offered new sharper styling lines, a larger cab, and expanded engine options. It was also wider and had a heavier frame than its predecessor.
Ford also gave the 1967 model year trucks a unique front grille, exterior, and interior cab fittings. As for its powerplant, Ford offered a range of engines that included three inline-six cylinders that made between 105 and 170 hp and an optional 352 CID V8 that made around 208 hp. Right now you can pick up a good 1967 truck in the range of $20,000-$25,000.
5 1971 Ford F-100
Another underrated classic F-100 on this list belongs to the same fifth generation of this iconic model like the one just mentioned above. The 1971 model received a mid-cycle update, and it was offered with a completely new grille, including wraparound front turn signals, exterior trim changes, and new side marker lights.
Like always Ford offered the 1971 F-100 with a ton of options for engines, but the most common one was the 302 cubic-inch V8. It made around 205 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Currently, a 71 F-100 in fairly decent condition can be grabbed for anywhere around $15,000.
4 1973 Ford F-250
The sixth generation of the Ford F-Series, which was also called the "dent side Ford" by enthusiasts, is another one of those highly underappreciated classic trucks. For 1973, Ford introduced the new F-Series which was designed with contractors and camping enthusiasts in mind.
Although it retained the same chassis of the previous generation, several revisions were made. Ford utilized a lot of galvanized sheet metal, zinc-coated steel, and zinc-rich primer to ensure that the truck was resistant to rust. The fuel tank was also moved out of the cab to increase safety. Currently, these trucks are trading hands for as low as $7,900 in decent condition.
3 1978 Ford F-250
The 1978 F-250 was the later model of the sixth-generation F-Series truck and was redesigned with a larger single-piece grille that still incorporated the headlamps and the turn signals, but not the "Ford" moniker. It was offered in various platforms and trims with a lot of engines to choose from.
Today a 78 F-250 in amazing condition can be yours for around $20,000, and for the price, you get a great reliable truck that can be used as a daily driver.
2 1986 Ford F-150
Ford began the production of the seventh generation of the F-Series in 1980, and it was the first complete redesign of the long-running series since the 1965 model year. It received a completely new chassis and body and was distinguished by flatter body panels and a squarer grille. Fun fact, Ford also introduced the Ford Blue Oval emblem with the 1980 F-Series.
Under the hood, the 86 F-150 came with options of a 4.9-liter cid I-6, a fuel-injected 5.0-liter V-8, and a normal and high output version of the 5.8-liter V-8. On the used car market, presently the 2WD regular cab models are going for under $10,000.
1 1989 Ford F-150
For the 1989 model year, the seventh-gen F-150 was given a few updates. The changes included an electronic four-speed automatic transmission called E4OD, an argent grille, and the prevously optional automatic locking hubs on four-wheel-drive models were made standard.
Speaking of standard things, a 4.9-liter inline-six and a five-speed manual transmission were standard on the F-150. Other engine options included a 5.0-liter and a 5.8-liter V8. Today you can pick up a nice example in the range of $15,000-$20,000.