If you’re in the market for a classic, largely-original vintage Ford truck, then this 1979 Ford F-350 Ranger XLT for sale from Firehouse Vintage Vehicles will surely grab your eye.
At 43 years old, the unmolested body shows in remarkable condition, from the Raven Black base paint to the Cruisaire custom striping. The original 400 ci. V8 was professionally replaced approximately 3,000 miles ago with a big block, Lincoln-sourced 460 ci. V8, which offered higher horsepower and torque than the original powerplant to move this F-350 on down the road with the power it deserves. That monstrous V8 is augmented by L&L and a new exhaust system, and it’s paired to a 4-speed manual transmission and NP205 transfer case.
Further modifications include a Retrosound Bluetooth radio and replacement Kicker speakers, refinished Turbine wheels, and brand new Cooper Discoverer STT Pro Tires.
You can see more of this incredible Dentside for sale, listed for $36,900.
What is a Dentside Ford?
Sure, the proper name may be a 6th Generation F-Series truck, but enthusiasts will recognize 1973-1979 Ford trucks by their nickname, the “Dentside,” due to their distinct, concaved line running down the sides. This generation’s predecessor, the 5th Generation, was made from 1967-1972 and known as the “Bumpside” by way of the distinctive embossed trim lines.
You could get a Ford Dentside F-100, F-150, F-250, or F-350. Further, your F-Series truck was offered in Custom, Ranger, Ranger XLT, or Ranger Lariat trims. You could buy it with either rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive, although 4-wheel drive wasn’t offered in the 6th Generation F-350 until the 1979 model year. An estimated 13,372 total Dentside F-350 4x4s were produced for the 1979 model year, making it one of the more uncommon Ford trucks produced during the 6th Generation production run.
Unsurprisingly, the Dentside has seen a massive market appreciation over the past 5 years per data from Classic.com: about a 66% increase from 2017 to 2022. That pace is reflective of general market appreciation and then some. That valuation factors in some absolutely wild F-Series builds sold at auction, like a rebuilt ‘79 F-350 Custom with 5.0L Coyote engine that sold at auction in January 2022 for $148,500 or restored ’79 F-250 crew cab that sold at auction in September 2022 for a cool $92,000.
The Details.
Not only does this particular 1979 F-350 enjoy a rare pedigree by way of its drivetrain, but the Cruisaire styling makes it a highly-desired rig we’d love to get our hands on. Additionally, having stayed as mostly original certainly adds to its charm. Simply stated, it’s just not one that comes around very often.
The 460 ci. V8 may not be organic to this 1979 F-350 4x4, but it was offered during the 6th Generation production run for non-4x4 F-350s and scratches that itch for hardcore enthusiasts wanting to feel that power and torque.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- 1979 Ford F-350 Ranger XLT Cruisaire 4x4
- Rebuilt, Lincoln-sourced 460 ci. V8
- 4-speed manual
- NP205 transfer case
- Raven Black with Cruisaire appearance package
- Factory bedside tool box
- Retrosound Bluetooth radio and Kicker speakers
- L&L Headers
- New exhaust
- Vintage, refinished Turbine wheels
- Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tires
More Featured Trucks / 4x4s.
Like this one, but not sure if it’s exactly right for you? Perhaps one these other amazing featured trucks and 4x4s for sale might be just the one for you.
1992 Land Rover Defender 110 6×6
This rare behemoth, a 6×6 1992 Land Rover Defender 110, was professionally converted by the Reynold Boughton company before making its way to the U.S. where it’s now offered for sale by Garage Kept Motors.
1997 Lexus LX 450
With 122k miles, this 1FZ-powered Lexus LX450 is one clean off-road machine – and a rare one to boot, with only 14k total units sold in North America. Get the story and build details.
1949 Land Rover Series One 80”
This 1949 Land Rover Series One 80” is being offered for sale by Brooklyn Coachworks out of Brooklyn, New York. It’s listed under “Special Builds” on their website, and we think that’s a bit of an understatement.