For this installment of Roadside Attractions, I once again bring you another worthy nominee for induction into the Brown Car Appreciation Society. I was driving home after work one day, when I spotted this brown truck sitting on an empty corner, which seems to be the neighborhood used car lot. I see at least one car or truck (or RV) here every week. I decided to jump on the brakes and take a closer look.
According to the For Sale signs:
Ford F-250 351 Windsor engine
Tuned up 3/4 ton
Runs great
$2250 OBO
Just the facts, then. Short and sweet.
Taking a look around the rig, I see that it’s got the later style wheel covers, and I wonder what’s going on with those rear wheel hubs. I see the body is in decent shape, with no significant rust or dents. I originally thought this was a 1987; however, the EFI emblem on the front of the truck would suggest this is an 88 model with the new fuel-injected version of the 5.8-liter Windsor. Also, I see that there is pinstriping one side – either the rest has come off, or this was an failed attempt to gussy up a brown truck. I tried to get a peak inside for the mileage, but I couldn’t really make it out. It has either 67,000 or 87,000 miles, if the odometer is correct.
You can see the tiedowns for a slide-in camper, and a truck like this is perfectly suited to the task, with dual tanks, an 8-foot bed, and heavy duty leaf springs. The transmission, probably the AOD 4-speed, is well-equipped for getting big loads moving, and that 5.8-liter is strong. This truck is something of a rarity, a transitional piece, as it was the first year for the fuel-injected 5.8, but the final year for the Custom trim level.
Growing up, I knew a man who drove a 90 F-150 Supercab in this same color. He called his truck Old Brown. Later, he bought a 97 F-150 in a similar cold; he called that one New Brown. I should have bought Old Brown when I had the chance.
One of the things I always notice on trucks is the condition of the rear bumper. I don’t mind if it’s been well used over the years and has some dings and scratches, but if it’s bent in any way, I’m a little wary. This one looks to be good, with just some scuffs and small dings marring an otherwise nice chrome bumper. Also, I’ve always loved this old style tailgate, with the F O R D logo stamped into the steel. They stopped doing this for the 92- 96 trucks, but I’ve always wanted to get one of these on my 92.
For $2500, this long lasting, hard working machine could be yours, ready to give you years of continued service. Would you take it?
[Photos Copyright 2013 Hooniverse/Marcal Eilenstein]
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