What’s the Hottest New Collectible Ford Truck? (Spoiler Alert, it’s the Ford Excursion)

YouTuber Tyler Hoover’s Ford Excursion is very old but still in demand. Everything has come full circle.

At the end of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, Harvey Dent claims public figures either die a hero or live long enough to see themselves become the villain. What about the Ford Excursion? By contrast, it died the villain in 2005. However, paired with the 7.3 liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8, these definitely lived long enough to become a hero of sorts.

We’re thinking along these lines because of a certain 2001 Ford Excursion XLT that recently popped up on Cars & Bids, an automotive auction website. The 15 year old SUV, currently owned by Tyler Hoover, is almost certainly going to fetch a high price when bidding ends on September 10. It’s a sign that the Super Duty offshoot is no longer persona non grata on the road.

Ford Excursion History 101

When Ford debuted the Ford Excursion in 1999 for the 2000 model year, it ignited a firestorm of controversy. Critics lambasted the Blue Oval’s decision to build such a large, fuel-thirsty SUV. William Clay Ford Jr., appointed Chairman of Ford in January 1999, claimed he wanted Ford to go green. But environmentally-friendly vehicles just weren’t there. Ford ultimately neglected its car lineup during the early 2000s and let rivals like Toyota lead the way in hybrid technology for many years until they got their act together. Ford’s detractors had a point.

But 15 years after Ford canceled the Excursion, things have changed. Gas prices plummeted, consumers ditched cars and embraced less fuel-efficient crossovers, and Ford established itself as a leader in environmentally-friendly vehicles. The recently launched 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid offers class-leading fuel economy and a mechanical all-wheel-drive system. It really is the best of both worlds. Plus, Ford’s heavier duty trucks are getting remade as hybrids themselves. That’s to say nothing of Ford’s electric vehicle push.

Owning an Excursion in 2020

Contemporary Excursion ownership will no longer earn you the scorn it once did. Of course, those familiar with these beasts know that they were always great, even when they were controversial. Ford outfitted the large SUV with a number of engines known for their longevity. Chief among them? Ford’s 7.3 liter V8 Power Stroke V8. There’s no mystery as to why Hoover’s Excursion is running strong despite being 19 years old with just over 200k on the odometer. These were built to last. And they have.

Engine aside, Hoover’s particular Excursion has held up pretty well. Unfortunately, it was involved in an accident in 2003, which dents its record a bit. It also has a fair number of cosmetic issues and wear. There’s some rust on the frame as well. Nothing fatal, but it’s certainly not a collectible.

Fair Market Value?

As of this writing, Hoover’s Excursion sits at $17,500 for the highest bid. That’s pretty much in line with pricing for 2001 models. An Autotrader search yielded only a couple of XLT 4WD examples nationwide. Interestingly enough, models with under 140k miles are going for almost double the current auction price. We do not claim to know how much value Hoover’s ownership adds to the Excursion’s price, but he has recorded several videos of the Ford. They’re embedded on the Excursion’s listing. Those videos delve into the condition of the Ford, so bidders likely feel confident they know what they’re getting. It wouldn’t surprise us if the auction ends with a price closer to $20k.

Overall, it seems like a pretty solid choice for someone who requires a heavy-duty SUV for hauling passengers and towing boats. The Excursion is no longer the boogeyman it used to be. That enables owners to enjoy the fruits of a rock-solid truck. If you want to bid on the famous SUV, make sure to put in an offer before September 10, which is when bidding ends. You can even ask Hoover a question if desired, as Cars & Bids boasts a pretty robust commenting system.

Photos: Cars & Bids