1977
Ford F-250
Ranger XLT
Camper Special
VIN F25SC062699
"Still in original factory paint and with it's original interior"
Back in the summer of 1971 I’d just finished my junior year of high school and was ready for adventure. My folks were tired of the never-ending teasing suffered on my three younger sisters, so there wasn’t much objection when a friend suggested a summer-long road trip looping from Seattle to New York City and back. We built a plywood canopy for the bed of his ’48 Chevy Pickup and hit the road. Between us we had $400 to last the entire time (gas was only 30 cents a gallon back then). That experience became the greatest summer of our young lives! Why mention it? By necessity we learned how to repair an older vehicle far from home (before the end of those three months we’d installed a new clutch and rebuilt the engine with used parts using only Vice Grips and a couple screwdrivers). The knowledge gained that long-ago summer taught me, as a vintage collector, to pass by the junk and only focus on decent rigs that past owners cared about and maintained. This F-250 is definitely in that category!
It’s easy to see the attentiveness and care taken by past owners has really paid off. With a casual glance, you might think this is just another ol’ truck. But, like I did, look a little closer and you’ll realize what a clean, nice find this really is! The first hint is when you check for rust in the usual spots. Anybody familiar with the Pacific Northwest, specifically western Washington, knows we get our share of misty rain, but hardly ever any snow. The first few falling flakes cause panic, and everybody stays home. Truth is, our winter roads are rarely salted, so you’ll see very few vehicles here with any serious rust problems! Climb over, under and around this rig - I know you’ll come up smiling! No rusted-out floorboards, rockers or truck bed here (just one spot at the bottom of the passenger door's outer skin - no idea how it happened, it's the only spot on the truck). I take pride in the vehicles we offer here on Ebay and want you to know as much about them as possible. Accordingly, here are my positive impressions as well as things still needing to be sorted:
When you open the hood, you’re in for nice surprise. This Camper Special has a great-running factory 400 CID engine. The second you fire it up, you know it was built to last! You’ll love the deep burble this strong motor makes through the cherry-bomb exhaust. Almost sounds like a hot rod!
The three-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly through all gears and we all know how great Ford rear pumpkins are in these old trucks. Having power steering makes for easy turns and the power brakes for quick stops if necessary.
The data sticker on the door jamb indicates a 1977 model year with a November 1976 production date. Here’s how the VIN code breaks down:
F25 – Ford F250 4x2
S - 400 Cu. In. V-8 engine
C - Ontario, Canada Assembly Plant
F251 – Heavy Duty 6800 GVW Camper Special
2M – Wimbledon White over Medium Copper paint
G - 3 Speed Automatic Transmission
22 – 3.07 Dana Spicer Rear Axle
The data plate also indicates the Camper Special was delivered to the Indianapolis Sales District (#46) when new. We’ve found no special-order information, so most likely it entered regular dealer inventory shortly after rolling off the Ontario assembly line. It has been here in the Seattle area for many years.
Up in the cab you’ll find everything is just about factory-original (the exception are the two billet aluminum headlight and wiper knobs). The speedo/odometer work fine. Look at my pics of bench seat and carpets. The un-faded fabric and vinyl are in great shape and there’s no spring or underlayment breakdown either. I don’t think you could even duplicate the look of these factory shag carpets if you tried. Both sun visors are also original, as is the headliner. To continue the vintage nostalgia vibe, I’d suggest tracking down a nice factory Philco radio to fill the open spot. While not interfering with visibility, there is a bullseye chip on the passenger's side of the windshield and small cracks near where the rearview mirror is mounted to the glass.
Outside, I know you’ll be also be impressed by the 40-year-old classic “Wimbledon White” over reddish-orange “Medium Copper” paint. While there are a few thin spots, nicks and dings, it is in too-great a condition to warrant a respray and lose that factory originality. The truck bed has been lined with professionally applied high-quality thick bedliner spray and looks super.
I’ve always appreciated the look of stock 16-inch steel wheels with factory covers. I’d estimate the tires all around to be at least 50-60 percent. The spare is mounted in the usual place under the bed as shown.
The late seventies were the last model years for pickup trucks without key-locking, anti-theft steering columns. To help deter unauthorized drivers and because there is a small short somewhere that will drain the battery overnight, a battery disconnect has been added in the engine compartment; open the hood, turn the green knob down to power the system and you're ready to go! Do the reverse when parking at the mall to ensure your ride will be there after the movie and that the rig will always fire right up!
Please feel free to email, text or call me with any questions during the auction. My name is MARKand my direct number is 206/914-1173. You’re also welcome and encouraged to come by my Auburn, WA warehouse to inspect & test drive the truck. You might also make an offer before the end of the auction, as many of my posted vehicles sell to smart “early birds” that call and work out a deal prior to the auction’s end. I always reserve the right to sell during this period.
A Few Additional Terms and Conditions:
Full payment is due by cash (in person only) or certified funds within seven business days unless prior arrangements have been made with me. I can accept credit or debit cards, but I’ll first need to invoice you and ask that you cover the 3.5% fee our processor charges us. Please remember you’re bidding to buy and I fully expect the winner to fulfill their Ebay contract! You’re not bidding to hold or then come inspect and test-drive the vehicle later -- You’re more than welcome to do this before the auction ends.
If you decide to have theF250 transported home, there are scores of companies to choose from. I ship vehicles regularly and am happy to make suggestions about who to use. In addition to quotes using the shipping tab here on the auction site, you might also get bids directly from U-Ship.com. You’ll be able to choose a broker from multiple offers. The zip code for pick-up would be 98002 (Auburn, Washington). We do have a transporter that regularly delivers for us to western states and has arranged transport to the Midwest and East Coast as well. Ultimately, shipping of the vehicle and company chosen are the responsibility of the BUYER.
Thetruck can be stored free of charge at my location for up to two weeks after the auction ends assuming full payment has been received. After that period storage is $20 per day. The vehicle is being sold as-is, where-is, with no warranty expressed or implied. All information described above is based on the observed condition when thelisting was placed. I've done my very best to describe the Ford as honestly as possible and encourage bidders to contact me with questions.