Description
This 1976 F250 is a rare and highly sought-after 4x4 example, these were nicknamed ‘Highboys’ back in the day - for obvious reasons - and this is the only road-worthy example we’ve seen in the UK. Our Green over White Ranger model has been subject to a large amount of restoration work and is in completely standard specification (aside from the wheels and tyres). It still retains the original spec 360ci ‘FE’ V8 with rarely-optioned 3-speed C6 ‘Cruise-O-Matic’ gearbox and heavy duty brakes, suspension and drivetrain. On top of the body restoration work, we have recently subjected the truck to a £5, 500 mechanical overhaul to ensure its ready to go for its new owner. This truck is obviously a massive head-turner and would make a great summer adventure vehicle, or even a classic workhorse for a private estate.
This F-250 4x4 was built in Ford’s San Jose Plant and was delivered new in Seattle, Washington. The VIN tag states the following options, all of which it retains today:
8M - Hatteras Green over Wimbledon White; BG4 - Green Vinyl Interior Ranger Trim Package with Styleside Bed; G - 3-Speed Automatic; Y -360ci 2bbl (largest engine available on the 4x4 at the time); B4 - 4. 10 5. 3M Capacity Dana Spicer 60 Rear Differential. It seems that the truck resided in Washington state for its entire life in the USA, as it was exported from there on 16th December 2020 and landed in the UK in early 2021.
The truck was registered to its only UK keeper on 1st October 2021 after a full, bare-metal respray, and countless new parts being fitted, including new fuel tank and lines, and the black steel wheels and knobbly tyres you see on it today. The owner drove the F250 to various shows and events around the UK during his 3 year ownership, until sadly the gearbox stopped engaging gears, the truck was subsequently parked up and advertised for sale. Having been on the look-out for an original Highboy for over a year, we were ecstatic when we saw this advertised only an hour away. We immediately sought to purchase it so we could get it fixed up and use it on site as a promotional vehicle, the gearbox was removed and shipped to Alders Automotive to be fully rebuilt with a new torque converter and upgraded valve body. We also had the engine removed to deal with a major oil leak, as well as some broken exhaust studs, refurbishment of the front prop shaft and silencing of the side-exit exhaust.
The body and chassis are in very good condition, with no signs of rust and no dodgy repairs on either. The chassis and underbody have been coated in a thin layer of chip-resistant, satin black paint, so you can clearly see the quality of metal beneath. The body has been subject to a bare-metal respray in the UK and it is of a good quality with very little filler used and no blistering present, it’s certainly well-presented and we think the overall finish suits the truck perfectly. There is one bubble on the bottom corner of the passenger door, but it hasn’t progressed or grown in size during our ownership. The interior is typical of an old working truck, there are chips on the dashboard, some switches have been moved from their original position, and not all the gauges function as originally intended, the bluetooth radio does however. The bench seat itself is in good shape, however typically the driver’s side of the green vinyl has split, so we have covered it with a Mexican blanket as often done in the States.
The 360 FE engine sounds brilliant through the side-exit pipes and, as expected after much expenditure, the truck drives very well indeed. The 4WD system selects and functions as it should, there are no unwanted noises from the drivetrain or suspension, and the engine is totally smoke-free. We have a nice file of receipts with the truck, noting the majority of the expenditure on it since landing in the UK, along with the export notice from Washington and an owner’s manual. This very rare F250 is ready to go for the 2026 season, you certainly won’t bump into another one this side of the Atlantic.
The F250 is currently based at our studio in Bicester, please contact Greg with any questions, or to arrange a viewing.
