Sharp Vintage Ford! Freshly Rebuilt 429 V8, Auto, PS, PB w/ Front Disc, Cool!

In 1973, when this Ford F100 Explorer was built, the F-series was already on its way to becoming the best-selling vehicle in the world. Of course, that's easy to understand when they were as handsome and rugged as this long bed/regular cab example, which offers an unusual yet appealing color combination, options like power steering and brakes, and a great-running, freshly built 429 cubic inch V8. This vintage hauler offers just the right combination of functionality and... flash, and the current condition is a good testament to someone's rather large investment in its care, something not often found in a long bed truck. The pretty Bright Lime paint accentuates the truck's square-jawed look, and it looks like there's no project it can't handle. It also appears that this has always been a super clean original truck, because there's no evidence of panel replacements or significant metal surgery under the paint, and as a Texas truck, rust is not really an issue. All the trim is in decent original condition, including the cool stainless side molding that stretches the entire length of the truck, accentuating the length of the 8-foot bed. The front bumper is chrome and in pretty nice shape and the grille with its trademark high-mounted parking lights is instantly recognizable as a Ford from a mile away. In back, there's a heavy-duty painted bumper and the solid bed was painted to match the bodywork. Oh, and a cargo net takes the place of a rear tailgate and helps keep it functional. The handsome black vinyl and gray tweed interior isn't original, but it's newer, looks fantastic, and really balances out the high-impact paint finish. The bench seat wears a cool black vinyl with gray tweed insert upholstery and shows that even a working class truck can have some style. The seat cover, door panels, and dash pad are new, while the gauges and instrument panel are likely original and in very good condition, and the factory gauges are supplemented with a triple set of aftermarket units attached under the dash that keep a close eye on the engine's vitals. Ford gave F100 buyers a few options to choose from, but in 1973, things like factory A/C and an automatic transmission were expensive options and fortunately, this truck came with both, although the A/C needs several components to be a working system again. There's an OE-style AM/FM/Cassette stereo in the center of the dash that provides the tunes, and the aftermarket sporty steering wheel looks slick and is very comfortable for the driver thanks to that fat leather-wrapped rim. The tidy cabin was finished with a heavy-duty vinyl mat that covers the floors, and not only is easy to clean off, but it looks pretty darn good too. 429 cubic inches is more than sufficient to get this truck moving in a hurry, and the engine bay itself is extremely clean and nicely detailed for a stock look. The powerful big block was rebuilt, machined, and balanced approximately 1,000 miles ago and block is very clean and detailed, including nice Ford Blue paint on the block and valve covers, a shiny Edelbrock air cleaner, and basic black engine accessories like the brake booster and brackets. Newer hoses, plugs, wires and an Edelbrock 600CFM 4-barrel carburetor were installed at the time of the build, so it runs and drives beautifully, and there's a big stock-style radiator up front keeping the whole show nice and cool. A full dual exhaust system offers a great V8 rumble, which comes complements of Flowmaster mufflers out back. The C6 3-speed automatic is virtually bulletproof and the chassis is proof enough that this is a clean truck from down south, one that's had a good amount of cash poured into it. American Racing wheels add a bit of flash and carry 255/70/15 front and 275/60/15 rear Cooper Cobra white-letter radials to complete the look. If you're of a certain age, you grew up when these trucks were everywhere, but today nice ones are hard to find. Beautifully finished, surprisingly powerful, and totally practical, this is an awesome truck at an awesome price. Call today!