For a lot of guys, trucks are a fun, inexpensive, and surprisingly practical way to get their muscle car fix. With a strong-running 5.0 liter V8, rear-wheel-drive, and a handsome two-tone paint job, this one-owner (no kidding) 1971 Ford F-100 certainly has the personality of the Mustang's muscle-bound cousin. I like these trucks. They have an honest, hard-working look, and if you grew up in the '70s and '80s, they were everywhere. However, times have changed and just finding one is a tough challenge, let alone locating one this straight and equipped with A/C. This one was originally all gold, but it was recently treated to a two-tone makeover that really makes it pop. Someone clearly spent the time and effort to get it straight but the base stock had to be pretty good for it to turn out this nice. Today there is some light orange peel that could be erased by a pro, but we have to admit we like the ready-to work look. This truck also features all kinds of bright trim, including the stainless rub strip running down the sides and a flashy set of chrome bumpers, which look almost new. The FORD insert on the tailgate is a definite throwback to the era that'll bring a smile to your face, and the bed itself is protected by a spray-in bedliner that means it doesn't mind doing a little work now and then. This truck ain't just for show. Upscale is not a word often associated with pickup trucks of this vintage, but the black interior of this F-100 looks comfortable enough for a cross-country drive. A correct seat cover is comfortable and durable vinyl that's easy to maintain, and there are OEM-spec carpets on the floor to help control noise and heat. The original instruments are housed in an interesting wrap-around gauge panel, although this one only covers the basics of speed, temperature, and fuel level. As I mentioned, this truck was fitted with A/C under the dash, which is a very nice upgrade on a vehicle you're going to drive, and the original AM radio is still in the center of the dash. Handsome door panels, a recent dash pad, and an undamaged factory steering wheel all make this one feel very fresh. For all-out torque, it's hard to beat Ford's familiar 302 cubic inch V8, better known as the 5.0. This one comes from a '76 F100 but it's been fully rebuilt. There's an .040 overbore, a mild street cam, and an Edelbrock carburetor on a Weiand intake to make some power. Ford Racing valve covers and an open-element air cleaner give it a performance look and there's traditional Ford Blue paint on the block itself. Start it up and it idles with a muscle-car-like burble from the twin tailpipes, while out on the road it sounds just like your 5.0 Mustang. The A/C uses R-134a refrigerant for easy maintenance, disc brakes have been fitted up front, and there are quite a few new parts on the suspension. Underneath there are other obvious signs of clean southern living, plus a 3-speed automatic transmission, and it sits on the original steel wheels with hubcaps and 255/70/15 radials for a stock look. We seem to have a knack for finding nice pickups, and when they're packed with power and luxury in equal measure, they never last long, so call today!
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