Ok, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: This is indeed not a 4x4. But damnit, we love it, so we’re going to look the other way. Up for auction on Ebay Motors out of Oakland, CA is this 1978 Ford F-350 Ranger with 59,739 original miles and more delicious patina than you could ever ask for. The auction ends on Sunday, March 20 at 10:09 pm EST, so act now.
This F-350 is a long wheelbase truck in the Ranger trim, but most importantly, it’s a super rare Dark Jade Green metallic over Jade Green example. This combination is said to be 1 of 21 ever produced. Remarkable considering Ford produced over 1,000,000 F-Series trucks in 1978. From stock, this 350 was outfitted with 460 cubic inch V8, a heavier duty frame, a Dana 70 rear end and, because it’s a Camper Special package designed to carry a slide-in camper, it was also equipped with a larger radiator, sway bars, heavier spring pack, and special emblems.
ABOUT THE 1978 FORD F-350 RANGER
This 1978 Ford F-350 is part of the 6th generation Ford F-Series, affectionately known as “Dentside” Fords because of their characteristic concave scallop line that runs along the entire upper body on both sides. This generation was introduced for the 1973 model year and ran through 1979.
The F-350 was based on the one-ton chassis, whereas the F-250 was based on the 3/4 ton chassis and the F-150 was based on Ford’s 1/2 ton chassis. Built for a heavier workload than the latter two models, the 350 was offered as a regular cab like this one, a two-door supercab and a four-door crew cab. The F-350 featured an extended wheelbase chassis; however, they were the same overall length as an F-250.
Built more for towing and hauling than off-roading, the vast majority of F-350s were configured as 2WD, with the exception of 1979 models that were offered as a 4x4. To accomplish the heavier duty tasks, its axles, frame and springs were larger than the aforementioned pickups, giving the F-350 a hefty GVWR of nearly 10,000 lbs.
The Specs & Condition
As outlined above, this is a long bed F-350 in Ranger trim outfitted with the Camper Special package. It’s driven by a 460 cubic inch V8 (7.5L) mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission, shifted on the column. The body and frame are straight, showing some glorious patina, just the right amount. According to the seller this was a California truck, built in CA, sold in CA, and driven in CA all its life. The result is a truck with no rust issues, certainly a rare find. The interior is an amazing Jade Green with wood accents and is in excellent shape with the only real flaw of note being a bit of tearing in the driver’s seat. A bit of seat repair and you’ve got yourself a nice, unique interior with a color combo you just don’t see anymore. The seller reports that the tires are old rubber and will need to be replaced before you take it on a road trip.
Detailed specs include:
MECHANICAL & DRIVE:
- 460 cubic inch V8
- Dana 70 Rear end with 3.73 Gears
- Speed control
- Power steering
- Heavy duty front springs
- Super cooling radiator
- Ford C6 3-speed automatic transmission
- 140” wheelbase
- Exhaust cut before muffler
INTERIOR:
- Matching Jade Green Vinyl Interior
- AM Radio
- Tinted glass
- Sliding rear window
- Wood inserts
BODY & EXTERIOR:
- Dark Jade Green Metallic paint
- 140” wheelbase
- Original 1978 hubcaps
- Missing rear tailgate and bumper
- Tie down hooks
READ MORE FEATURES.
Like this 4x4, but not sure if it’s exactly right for you? Perhaps one these other amazing featured 4x4 rigs for sale might be just the one for you.
