1978 Ford F250 Lariat Camper Special

Description

So you missed your chance to own one of Ford's biggest
heavy-duty haulers back in the '70s? Well, don't fret
about it, because this 1978 Ford F-250 Camper Special is
about as close as you're going to get to a brand new one.
With a list of new components that fills two pages and a
great '70s look, this is a turn-key truck from an era when
trucks were not bashful about having a few rough edges.
The two-tone Brown and Tan paint looks period-perfect
on the big Ford's sheetmetal, and the shine is worlds
better than mid-70s technology would have permitted. It
was repainted in 2012 and still looks like it was done yesterday,
and it's nice to see that someone thought this big truck
was worthy of a fairly expensive paint job. It has a
familiar look to anyone older than about 25, and this is
one of the cleanest big truck designs ever; one isn't
trying to be anything other than a big, bad pickup. With
just one original non-smoker owner, the
sheetmetal is in great condition and the repaint was done
to a great standard, and there's no evidence that it's
ever been rusty or wrecked. Heck, it doesn't even look
like it's had to work for its meals! The trim is largely
original, with bright chrome bumpers, polished stainless
details, and a very nicely preserved grille up front. The
8-foot bed is finished with a speriod-perfect camper shell, and you'll be shocked by how
much gear this big guy can haul. There's probably nothing
it can't move!
It shows how well it was maintained by the meticulous owner that kept it spic & span since new, where the
all-original interior remains in good shape. It has a
definite 1970s vibe, kind of like that old country and
western bar you used to go to, and it really works here.
Two captains chairs in the front & leather rear bench seat is a nice step up over the usual
velour and carpets help control noise and heat. A long list
of options make this F250 the proverbial Alberta limousine,
including ice cold A/C, cruise control, power steering and
brakes, and a relatively updated unusual AM/FM/CD radio. The gauges
are original also added a Tach & Vacuum gauge but look fantastic for their age, and there's
plenty of simulated burled walnut to give it a bit of '70s
ambience, which is suddenly cool again. Tinted glass helps
keep everything cool inside.
The engine is totally rebuilt beefed up high performance 460 cubic inch V8 pushing 375 plus hp just over 18,000kms or so since rebuilt I have all the paperwork & specs the engine has never been opened up to its potential a big
4-barrel carburetor handles induction duties and it's been
very well maintained and detailed, offering stock specs
along with traditional Ford Blue engine paint. Recent work
includes a mammoth new radiator, clutch fan, and
thermostat, a fresh tune up, and R134a refrigerant in the
A/C system. Underneath, the C6 3-speed automatic
transmission shifts cleanly and it rides on Ford's famous
"Twin I-Beam" front suspension, which, while not super
precise has proven to be virtually indestructible. Front
disc brakes and power steering make it a snap to handle,
and the beefy suspension is designed specifically to carry
a camper in the bed and/or a trailer behind. The 3' dual
exhaust system features mellow-sounding mufflers with headers for a
great big block sound, and the giant Propane tank allows
bladder-bursting highway cruising range. Steel wheels with
hubcaps that do a pretty good impersonation of alloy
wheels give it
the perfect truck look.
There's even more new and improved gear on this truck than
we can mention here. All paper available, including the original bill of sale, complete set of rare Ford shop manuals, literature relating to the Truck also comes with many spare new parts including hydraulic Jack.
The paint job & engine cost was well over $15,000 just to give you an idea, It indeed is one of a kind Truck.