1976 Ford F-250 4x4 Ranger XLT "Highboy"

I can recall it vividly. There she was. On the wall in poster form, looking like the perfect centerfold. Except this centerfold wasn't the kind that made you looking for a spare sock in the middle of the night. It was the original Ford Bigfoot; the things dreams were made of as a child. Monster truck tires, beefy looks, and Ford's famous blue paint.

So this isn't Bigfoot, but she might as well be a close second. Our 1976 Ford F-250 factory 4x4 "Highboy" represents some of the best features Ford had to offer in the mid-70's. Classical styling, terrific looks, and a proper stance. So about those looks: refinished in a Dark Blue Metallic exterior and interior paint job, she bodes well to "Classic Ford" colors. And as a Ranger XLT packaged truck, she has all the trim from top to bottom that would have set her off against the rest. Across the midline, the vinyl bodyside moldings are complemented by the stainless trim along the rocker panel area. And out back, diamond plated bed rails match the diamond plate toolbox resting along the bed, just behind the cabin.

The truck is powered by a 360 V8 engine mated to a C6 3-speed automatic transmission. Also, the traditional red, white and blue Ranger XLT badging on the glovebox door really screams USA pride. This happens to be one of our favorite touches from this era and remains just as good looking as the day it left the factory. Speaking of factory, this truck was built on June 24th, 1976 and sold new by Gateway Ford of Newberg, Oregon on September 9th, 1976. It left the production line in Hatteras Green with Lime Green Stripes along the body; since changed under prior ownership to the color you see it as today.

Out front, the truck now features a Tuff Stuff branded bumper with 12,500 lb waterproof winch on the front. Additionally, the truck wears a set of ProComp XTerrain LT325/80R16 tires over polished alloy wheels. Stopping power is also helped by the fact that 1976 marked the first year for factory disc brakes on the Ford 4x4s.

All in all, she has it all.