The 1981 Ford Pickup brochure declared, “Ford Pickups are built tough. Built to last. And built to meet head on the changing needs of the ’80s.”
They never produced this vibrant blue variant, but would it have broken that promise if they had? Absolutely not. If the ’80s had a paint scheme, this would have been it—high-gloss electric blue with a “Swag Level 100” wrap that stretches from the front fender to the tailgate.
Toward the rear, the words “Southern Comfort” sit proudly, likely a nod to the eponymous 1981 film, the liquor, or more likely, Southern Comfort Conversions, the shop known for their wild paint and graphics packages on Ford, Chevy, and Dodge trucks.
Paint aside, the exterior of this F-150 Custom—the entry-level trim for 1981—is dressed to impress. Chrome touches are everywhere: a windshield spoiler, bull bar, grille, running boards, and roll bar. To really make sure no one misses it, KC lights are mounted both on the grille and atop the roll bar.
Step inside and you’ll find comfort that belies its work-truck roots. Features include a center armrest, cup holders, upgraded AM/FM/CD stereo, plush blue cloth seats, sliding rear window, sunroof, A/C, and a CB radio with headliner-mounted switches.
Underneath the bold paint and personality, this F-150 Custom remains all-American muscle.
Mechanical & Suspension
- 302-cu.-in. Windsor V8
- 4-barrel Edelbrock carburetor
- Heavy-duty C6 3-speed automatic transmission
- SuperGlide lift kit
- Front twin I-beams with coil springs
- Rear leaf springs with shocks
- Power brakes
Interior & Exterior
- Electric blue high-gloss paint with wrap
- KC light bar in grille
- Bed-mounted roll bar with auxiliary lights
- CB radio
- Sunroof
- Sliding rear window
- Upgraded AM/FM/CD stereo
- Dick Cepek Radial F-C II tires
- Optional resettable trip meter and tachometer (new for 1980 model year)
- Dual fuel tanks
- Dual exhaust