Posted to the Cohort by Tim Finn
(Updated 9/20/2026) As time goes on I keep finding old pickups to be more and more appealing. No, I don’t mean more appealing in comparison to new pickups (although there are advantages to each as we shall see); rather, I am finding these rugged and seasoned veterans to be more appealing than many cars of the same era.
Case in point is this 1970 Ford F-100. It is so much more interesting than any 1970 model Ford LTD, Torino, Maverick, Mustang, Falcon, or Thunderbird. There’s also a bunch of other models from other manufacturers that could be clumped into this category, also. But maybe that’s just me.
The utility of a pickup is eternal. Unlike passenger vehicles, in which the primary two-legged cargo will eventually gripe about the interior ambiance or exterior aesthetics, such never happens with a pickup. Regardless of what is being hauled, no matter how old the pickup, the cargo never complains.
Let me offer up a comparison…recently editor Jim Klein has provided reviews for both a new Toyota Highlander and a Ram 2500. As equipped, both had sticker prices just above the $50,000 mark. While too rich for my blood, and with both being available in less fancy trim for substantially less, one of those two is simply going to have a “sell by” date much sooner than the other. Mechanically both are good for a very long time, but one will maintain a higher degree of its usefulness and desirability much longer, if not indefinitely.
If told I had to spend such an amount on a new vehicle the decision would be easy. Let me put it this way: Few rejoice about riding in any aged passenger vehicle which has endured umpteen spills and spews in its primary cargo area. With a pickup, one can haul a half-ton of steaming fresh manure and all potential future unpleasantness is overcome with a mere garden hose.
Another great thing about an old pickup is how it always allows so much flexibility when out for a joyride. Taking a spin when you spot some much-needed massive treasure for sale? No problem. Even when that ride is purposely to a place having massive treasures, such as a flea market or swap meet, an old pickup provides an undeniable practicality factor – along with being able to haul back a not insignificant number of sizable parts for modifications and enhancements. A new seat, a spare transmission, a short block, and maybe a few fenders? No sweat as it will all fit in the back and there would still be plenty of room for groceries.
No matter how starkly an old pickup may be equipped, there is a certain intrinsic luxury in having such versatility readily available.
You can’t do similarly with very many old passenger cars, especially some of the sportier (read as dinkier and supposedly more desirable) ones. Having enjoyed the pleasures of a modest cross section of older cars, including a 1960 Jaguar XK-150S, their appeal is readily apparent. These cars also help project a certain image about the driver and these are the types of cars in which it is fun to drive through the business district of any town simply so you can see your reflection in the windows of the various store fronts.
These cars, especially convertibles, are immense fun. But immense fun is a phenomenon found in many other places, such as with other people’s children – and do you really want to be with them for more than a few hours? Fun with certain cars, just like fun with the children of others, is like milk and can quickly curdle.
And what does one use to haul home said “fun” car when it inevitably pulls a Rolls-Royce and has a failure to motivate? Odds are it will be a pickup. So skip the middle man and go straight for an old pickup for your fun ride.
Another luxury of old pickups is they are so malleable. Let’s suppose the engine, and let us presume there is a 302 in our featured Ford, decides it is time to retire to that big scrap heap in the sky. Not only are replacements often easily sourced, nobody cares if the replacement engine in your pickup came from a ’70 LTD or an ’89 Mustang. Or you replace that 302 with a 351 or 289 or simply decide to upsize to a 460.
Such flexibility certainly isn’t the case in many older cars, particularly those of the collector variety, as it won’t be “numbers matching.”. In a pickup, who cares? In many regards that adds to their appeal; the transmission can come from a ’76, the bed can be off a ’67, and the seat and engine can be anything that fits. A pickup is truly the mechanical version of Legos. If something works and fits it is right at home on an old pickup.
Since that “w” word has been mentioned, a word frequently and seemingly indiscriminately tossed at newer examples of Ford’s F-Series in the context of not doing any, let’s examine the specifics of not only our featured Ford, but the 1970 Ford F-Series as a whole. Then let’s spread out from there.
Oldcarbrochures.com is a terrific place to imbibe so many good details about nearly every car and pickup that was ever new. The site certainly delivers for the 1970 Ford F-Series; it was in one of these brochures where gross horsepower and torque ratings for the two sixes (240 and 300 cubic inch) and three V8s (302, 360, and 390 cubic inch) Ford offered for 1970 could be found.
Looking at the chart in the upper right of this particular brochure page, one can see where this F-100 has either a 4,500 pound or 5,000 pound gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating, a number revolving around the weight rating of the springs in the suspension. Deducting the weight of the pickup, driver, passenger, fluids, etc., it gives a payload capacity of 900 or 1,350 pounds which is again determined by the weight rating of the springs.
The stoutest 1970 F-350 had a GVW of 8,000 pounds with a desired load of 2,400 to 3,700 pounds.
We are now entering one of the few areas in which youth still has an undeniable advantage over age and experience.
A comparable 2026 F-150, an XL 4×2 regular cab with the base 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 and 8-foot Styleside bed, has a base curb weight of 4,396 pounds. Sure, it’s heavier than the old F-100: The new ones possess more creature comforts (you appreciate air conditioning in summer, do you not?), safety items (drum brakes were standard in 1970, and pickup trucks didn’t offer ABS back then), and computer-controlled muscle. The weakest available engine now has intercooled twin turbochargers and makes 325 net horsepower. (The 2027 base engine will be the 3.0-liter EcoBoost, with the same ratings at lower RPM.) All that capability has added weight.
This is where a comparable new Ford pickup reflects improvements made over time. Check the specs and you’ll see that despite its extra heft, a base-engine 2026 F-150 4×2 with the 8-foot box has a payload of 1,775 lb, 425 lb more than a comparable 1970 F-100. Order an F-150 with the more powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, and you can carry a payload of up to 2,440 lb; in 1970, you needed an F-250 to do that. The new ones are simply more capable.
However, it will be 2070 before these new ones have the character, panache, and general magnetism of our featured F-100.
This particular example is an exceptionally fine one, being in top-of-the-line Ranger XLT trim. For the time, this was as fancy as pickups got which is to say they were still pretty spartan. When Ford touts this trim level’s vinyl and cloth pleated upholstery plus locks for the glove compartment as both being industry leading, one should not entertain any thoughts of these being a reconfigured LTD.
These weren’t exactly a hair-shirt, but they weren’t decadent, either; maybe it was just a half-way sort of thing. Yet there is a certain luxury, not to mention elegance, in simplicity. Think of this old Ford as being similar to the freedom of not wearing a shirt.
In the course of a half-century, many older innovations have become new again. One of the optional features of the modern F-150 is the Pro Power Onboard system, which provides power for electric tools where no outlets are available. Ford pitched it as a new feature, but it isn’t really, at least not in concept.
How so?
Back in 1970, Ford offered up a 5.5 hp under-hood air-cooled, gasoline-fueled generator to provide power for whatever needed it, pictured here in the upper right. Called the “Electric Power Pak,” it provided up to 2,500 watts at 110/120 volts. Pop the hood, plug in, and power up. The Pro Power Onboard option probably delivers more juice, but the concept is basically the same. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Or do they? In 1970, the regular cab was the sole cab configuration in a half-ton F-100. Today, fewer than 5 percent of new half-ton Ford trucks are regular cabs. Most are the more versatile SuperCab or SuperCrew. Pickups are versatile and adaptable, so why not their cab configurations?
Old pickups are the overlooked treasure of the automotive universe. It appears this secret is becoming more widely known as the Cohort is seeing a nice, steady diet of delectable old pickups. This Ford is certainly in a sweet spot of vintage combined with its ability to be easily upgraded.
In regard to old Ford pickups, it doesn’t get much better than this one.
Related Reading:
1970 Ford F-100 – The Driving Force Of An Addiction by JS
Jason, I could have lived without seeing the hairshirt picture first thing in the morning, so thanks for that.
My buddy has a really nice, partly restored/partly nice original ’68 F100 4X4 that he uses for everything from going to the dump and towing his boat to entering in local car shows and winning trophies.
Hard to beat an old pickup.
Yeah, the hair shirt was a little harsh wasn’t it?
Old pickups are also great conversation starters. Plus, with the bias toward two-door vehicles in the old car hobby, most old pickups are two-doors and should fit right in.
I really like these old Ford bumpsides. And I had forgotten about the woodgrain trim on the “luxury” XLT (with red, white and blue letters, no less).
I see this one has twin gas tanks – all the better to handle the 11 mpg. 🙂
Handy for sure, and this one appears to be in fine shape, when new it was surely maligned for being way too fancy with stuff that no one needs (fancy wood grain on the tailgate etc), just like some of today’s trucks are…this one has aged so well though that I’d be loath to fill it with stuff and take it to the dump.
We’re on a road trip in Arizona right now and actually took our old CrewCab on the journey (4 of us, 1 stayed home). Lots of stretch out space and the AC works a treat, ride was smooth, visibility was excellent, and just throw all the stuff under the tonneau cover in the back…Plenty of room for souvenirs!
Knowing what you have, it truly is ideal for that type of trip.
A few years ago we went to Crater of Diamonds State Park in southern Arkansas. As we were literally going to dig for diamonds, I had us loaded up – and my crew cab at the time was ideal as we took lots of stuff. Anything else would have been inferior for the trip!
The best time to go there is after it rains, as it washes the mud away from the areas where you will find diamonds.
If you don’t do the COAL soon on it you’ll have given away all the details.
About the only thing we don’t know is the brand and if it is 2wd or 4wd, though considering where you live I’m going to guess it is 4wd.
Once you get out of the trendy Wannabe Country surrounding most large metro areas (Marin County, California; Chester County, Pennsylvania), you will still see a fair number of older pickups, honestly doing what they do best.
Here in New England I see quite a few of the 73-79 series F-100s on the road, far fewer of the 67-72s, mostly unrestored and in a state of moderately decrepit utility. There aren’t too many differences underneath, but the later models had better rustproofing. I am always happy to take my 71 out to change the ratio a little.
Excellent analysis! Great choice as well in this F-100. There is a strong appeal to old trucks. Their basic symbolism of a simpler, more wholesome time and place, is just one of their many attractions.
I was a city kid until grade two, when my parents retired, and moved to the country. A lasting memory I have of many of those old pickups I would see dating from the 50s to the 70s, is farmers and ranchers would often place their names and village or town on their driver’s door or the top front of the bed. It added a rustic charm to many pickups back then. A trend that seemed to die around the early 80s. It’s a mostly forgotten thing now. When my parents would take day trips, I used enjoy passing through small towns and back highways in New York State and Ontario, and always see trucks with homemade lettering showing names of tiny communities I’d never heard of before. Those self-adhesive mailbox lettering decals were popular. Often with a letter or two missing. It’s small bit of pop culture detail, restorers don’t seem to add to their old trucks today. But it was so common back then across the US and Canada. Thank you for this flashback!
That’s a great nugget about self-identification. Having grown up in Illinois, I remember my father having such in magnets on his ’70 F-100 (which is why this one caught my eye). It was a state statute to have the owner identified and, if memory serves, similar was the case in nearby Missouri.
It did indeed go away in the late ’70s to early ’80s from what I remember.
Interesting. I didn’t know it was a state statute. That explains why it was so popular in New York State. Less so, in Ontario.
I know it aided livestock farmers in identifying each other at state/county fairs, and at livestock sale events.
My in-laws talk about one year in Missouri in the 1970s when all pickup owners were required to have their names displayed on the sides of their trucks. Not sure if it was a state or county requirement, but my wife’s dad had to paint his name onto his F-100… and this was in St. Louis County when they were living in a subdivision — it’s not like the truck was used for a farm or business.
Of course, he hated having to do that. A lot of people did, and the requirement went away in about a year or two. But I have no idea about the details of this requirement.
I believe it was state. My grandfather had his name on his red ’72 C-10 but never on his later ’79 C-10, both purchased new.
I lived in Illinois, and it was a state mandate that all pickups had to have the owners name on the side. My old man bought our first pickup in 1972. Here it is- 72 Chevy C10 2wd at the lake of the ozarks. You can see the name on the side.
I had the use of a ex-Forest Service 1982 Ford F-series, 2WD, faded pale green, green vinyl bench seats and fake wood peeling off the steering wheel, for a field season up in the mountains of Idaho. Loved it. Clank the door shut, get the vent window pointed toward you, and enjoy the meaty thrum of a tired old V8 chugging an American iron tool down a wide open American mountain two-lane. I felt as if I were transported back 30 years to a time when the rural West wasn’t a playground for the suburbanites and wealthy transplants. Throw whatever the hell you want in the bed, however hard you want to–doesn’t matter. I get the appeal of an old truck.
I think we might be overstating the appeal of a disgusting beater pickup over a disgusting beater compact car, though. If that mess from the Mazda3 were put into the cab of this F100, would it be any less disgusting? And only in very specific circumstances would I consider that old truck a fun ride. It was lethargic, sloppy, tiresome, and half the petroleum went out the tailpipe unburned for an effective 11 mpg. Whenever I spot a truck of this age in front of me, no matter how fine the condition, I switch my vents to recirc. Well, I suppose most vehicles of the 70s shared these traits.
I recently drove a 2018 F150 XLT with the 2.7 and 10 speed. I can see why these sell, they are immensely roomy, powerful, quiet, comfortable (well, driving position needs work), flexible, and in base trims honest and basic enough to evoke a hint of the good old days when pickups were mainly work tools. If we trust the Ecoboost and 10 speed long term (do we?), these are masterclasses in vehicles that can do it all for a long time and it’s no wonder several million are sold a year in this country.
Agreed, I would not want that mess in the cab of a pickup. That’s why I said “primary cargo area”. 🙂
The current Ford 2.7 is indeed a wonder. Somebody on youtube had a drag race between a new F-150 with a 2.7 and one with a 5.0. Supposedly, they tied. Even if it was close, that is a great testament to the 2.7.
As far as that old Ford, it all depends upon its state of tune. Assuming all was good I would want nothing less than a 302; fuel mileage will never be its strong point, so may as well go for some oomph.
Someone somewhere has hauled manure in a Mazda3’s trunk and instantly relegated it to unsalable beater status. If it was for mulch runs, though, that trunk would look terrible but make the rest of the interior smell like a nice cedar panel closet. I might like a ride in that car.
I’m sure the old Ford I used wasn’t at peak tune. They were maintained to run. Running well was out of the budget. There was a sister truck on our project as well, in worse shape. Zero power in first gear, it would struggle struggle struggle foot-to-floor up to 20mph and then BANG!, whiplash-shift into second gear and proceed as normal. I didn’t grab the keys to that one if I had any choice in the matter.
I wouldn’t mind rolling around in a restomod version with that 2.7L powertrain dropped in there. Even the smooth old 4.6L Triton V8 would be nice.
I don’t smoke, but if I did, my old truck would be the vehicle of choice. Large capacity metal ashtray, electric lighter, vent windows. And, if I crashed it, the solid steering column would grant me a quick exit from the world before the long-term misery of chronic lung disease caught up to me. On the other hand, driving it requires all four limbs, making it more difficult to manage phones, drinks, and smoking accessories.
You realize that the gas tank is in the cab right behind the seat. Note the position of the gas filler. After a few years rubber parts deteriorated and there was a gasoline smell in the cab. I never smoked in my old pickups for that reason.
In old Fords the 300 six is often a better choice than the 302, they have plenty of torque, better NVH and slightly better mileage. The 300/5speed is really popular in 90s square body Fords
Yes, I’ve heard a lot of love for the 300 over the years here. For various reasons I have never shared the love for it. Perhaps one of these days I will encounter one that lives up to the legend.
CC effect strikes again. Just yesterday I passed a bumpside that some had abanonded in a gravel area off the side of the road. It was a 4×4 in Forest Service green with Forest Service Volunteer painted on the door. It had obviously sat out in the PNW for years with a nice amount of growth on it. The bed was full of scrap. The truck did look nice and straight and definitely saveable at least when it was parked so many years ago.
Earlier in the week I passed another, on the road, but this was a 2wd that had been treated to a 03+ Panther front suspension and rear axle, So it does ride like an LTD, OK Crown Victoria P71 as it was sporting the steel wheels with P71 hub caps.
Hear hear!
Currently our “fun car” is my ‘96 F-150. Our Prius is infinitely more practical but when we get the chance to go for a Sunday drive in the country, we take the truck.
Thanks for a thoughtful write-up. My 1971 F100 sits outside, still useful despite the ravages of time and oxidation. It’s a useful vehicle, though I would probably get more utility and better fuel economy, with less tinkering and a lower emissions footprint, from a 10-year old craigslist buy. The spartan qualities of the old ones compared to their modern descendants is hard to overstate, and I would not want to have to depend on my old-timer as my primary mode of transport. It’s great for dump runs and hauling firewood and large objects, and it elicits favorable comments in a way that my quiet and comfortable silver Subaru does not.
Preaching to the choir.
When I was a kid in the early ‘70’s I thought these Ford pickups were some of the coolest vehicles on the road, especially the Ranger and Explorer models. Fifty years later I still think they’re cool and I always smile when I see an old one driving around. Mind you, they’re a rare sight here in Ontario – most of them rusted away long ago and those still on the road come from B.C. or the South but I’d still love to have one.
I have seen this truck in my neighborhood for years, and finally took these pictures, while out taking photos of the heavy smoke in my neighborhood because of the Oregon wild fires. The owner saw me taking pictures of his truck, and was a little freaked out. He mentioned that the truck is for sale, if I was interested. I never imagined there would be an entire post written about the truck. I don’t think he would be upset at the fine comments made about his truck here. It really is a beauty.
While I prefer GM light trucks, the ’67-’72 Fords are right up there with the same vintage GM. Styling and creature comforts were finally getting there, as camper specials for family use became more common as vans also became more civilized.
As you may know, I’m not a natural for a pickup being British. But this one just looks so right and clearly fits the “it’s a suitable tool for the job in this place” issue that the pickup clearly addresses for many. Heck, I even like the (pastel!) colour.
I’d take it over the new F-150, and not just to avoid those rather contrived headlights. Are you open to offers Jason? 😉
I always entertain offers; that’s the spice of life! And, if you do realize the need for a pickup, let me know so I can find you one and mail it your way!
Nice and yes ;
This vintage Fords were indeed very good rigs for work or play .
I didn’t Ken the ‘hair shirt’ at first glance, kinda neat IMO .
? Ever wonder why so many old guys have clean and well tended vintage pickup trucks ? .
An old Man and his truck is a beautiful thing, my first truck was at age 12 on the farm, a ’59 Ford F100 stepside, I’m sure it’s gone back to ferrous oxide by now .
I work hard to keep my current, 24 year old pickup in good shape and well maintained .
No excuse not to .
-Nate
Back in 17 I sold my 03 F250 Superduty XLT to my brother’s neighbor. He still has it and I want it back now. It’s beautiful and simple. I had the camper package so you can put whatever you want in the bed and it barely squats but rides better. Two wheel drive but posi trac so I never got stuck. It did great pulling my 35 ft. Camper with 2 slides.
I’ve was fortunate to have had a red 1976 F-150 with a blue dash, white accent interior Bicentennial Ford. My first truck. An absolute delight. Don’t remember why I got rid of it.
Then a 1972 HiLux. A crude rust bucket with a magnificent engine and transmission. Restored it, then sold it at a profit. Too dang small for anyone over 6’!
Today, I drive a 2001 F-150 XL Flareside. Stripped except for A/C. My teens, and their friends, love it. They’re astonished at how simple it is. Bench seat, no carpet, crank windows – they’re always wanting to drive that 25 year old truck.
So, the appeal is multigenerational. Even Gen Zers like my kids, enjoy a simple machine.
unrelated photos like what? and that’s not what a “hair shirt” is supposed to be.
https://www.historicalindex.org/what-is-a-hair-shirt.htm
I like the 73s and up. They went through a refresh to compete against the new GM trucks and got integrated AC/Heat with a sharp new dash and best of all; they moved the fuel tank from behind the front seat to underneath the bed. That gave a much needed storage space behind the seat.
In high school, the auto shop class took a 71 F100 with the 300 I6 and put an aluminum intake with Holly 4V, Mallory Unilite ignition and a header. It had an FMX with Trans-Go shift kit. It was hilarious to listen to it scream down the street and bark the tires on a 1-2 upshift.