1972
Ford F-250
Sport Custom
VIN F25YRN48094
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. We had $400 between us, but gas was only 30 cents a gallon back then. That experience was the greatest summer of our young lives! Why mention it? By necessity we learned how to repair an older vehicle far from home (by the end 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! I have found a very solid patch in the left front corner of the bed, right behind the driver.
When you open the hood, you’re in for nice surprise. This F-250 has a great-running factory 360 CID engine. The second you fire it up, you know it was built to last! I’ve never had to crank the ignition, even when cold, more than 5 seconds before it comes to life. Replacing the left side exhaust manifold gasket is recommended sometime down the road as it has the typical Ford exhaust leak, but I kind of like the deep burble this strong motor makes from that bit of loose back pressure. Almost sounds like a hot rod!
The three-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly through all gears and we all know how great Ford’s Dana 60 rear pumpkins are in these old trucks. Having power steering makes for easy turns and the vacuum assist power brakes for quick stops if necessary.
The data plate on the door jamb indicates a January 1972 production date. Here’s how the rest of the VIN code breaks down:
F25 – Ford F250 4x2
Y - 360 Cu. In. 4 BBL V-8 engine
R - San Jose, CA Assembly Plant
N – January 1972 build date
4 – “Grabber Blue” solid-color Paint
G - 3 Speed Automatic Transmission
38 – Dana 60 Rear Axle
The data plate also indicates the truck was delivered to the Salt Lake City Sales District (#73) when new. We’ve found no special-order information, so most likely it entered regular dealer inventory shortly after rolling off the California assembly line.
Up in the cab you’ll find everything is just about factory original with the exception of the modern Kenwood CD stereo and the nice column-mounted tachometer. The speedo/odometer appear to work fine. Look at my pics of the bench seat. It’s in ‘as-new” condition and there’s no spring or underlayment breakdown either. Both sun visors are also original, as is the headliner.
Outside, I know you’ll be also be impressed by the “Grabber Blue” paint. It’s been resprayed to the original factory color and holds an exceptional shine! There are no rock chips or any oxidation. The bed’s been done with black bedliner and looks super. About the only negatives I can find to mention is a centerline windshield crack and a finicky heater fan switch. The headlights and taillights work fine.
I’ve always appreciated an upgrade from stock steel wheels and really think these 17-inch chrome spoke aftermarket rims add greatly to the truck’s vibe. The look is further enhanced by a 3 to 4 inch suspension lowering done by the previous owner. The truck rides nice and handles well.
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 send an invoice and ask that you cover the 3.25% fee our card processor charges for any amount above the $500 deposit. 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 the F-250 transported home, there are scores of companies to choose from. I ship vehicles regularly and have access to the nationwide wholesale Central Dispatch system. After checking recent shipping prices to a buyer’s location, I’m able to post the freight COD and usually can beat the retail prices offered to other Ebay buyers by transport companies. 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 truck and encourage bidders to contact me with questions before bidding.