1986 Ford F-250 XLT is a Contemporary Classic

King of farm and country, the 1986 Ford F-250 XLT Lariat 4X4 SuperCab is still ready for the long haul

By John Pritchard - February 4, 2021
1986 Ford 100 is a Contemporary Classic
1986 Ford 100 is a Contemporary Classic
1986 Ford 100 is a Contemporary Classic
1986 Ford 100 is a Contemporary Classic
1986 Ford 100 is a Contemporary Classic
1986 Ford 100 is a Contemporary Classic

Lookin' For Trouble

The 1986 lineup of Ford F-Series pickups was the last model of the brand's seventh generation of pickup trucks produced from 1980 to 1986. In fact, seventh-generation Ford F-250s like this impressive one-owner original represented the first complete overhaul of the F-Series since 1965, which included a new chassis design and body layout. Recognizable by its square face and flat body panels, the awesome retro-Americana styling of these pickups have made them a hot item amongst collectors and pickup truck fans nationwide. 

I Ain't Foolin'

This ’86 Ford F-250 is all original with just 68K original miles and has been preserved very well thanks to indoor storage. The truck's navy blue side stripe is abutted by royal blue trim and accent piping that plays nicely off its white paint job. Side running lights illuminate the running boards and while accent designs surround the side and rear bench seat windows. All in all, it's a classic 80s look that still looks great today.

He's the Man to See

This 1986 Ford F-250 XLT Lariat 4x4 SuperCab was marketed toward both those in heavy industry/construction and RV aficionados.  In addition to featuring a full trailer package, this truck also has also been outfitted with an aftermarket steel grill guard that enhances its tough look. Ford implemented a twin-traction beam independent front suspension to enhance power while retaining ride quality, a feature that would continue to be standard in Ford truck builds for years.

Cool As Ice

1986 was long before much modern interior technology, entertainment, and comfort options were even thought of, much less implemented. This truck's spartan interior features a standard AM/FM cassette player surrounded by handsome faux-wood accenting. While sparse on features, the vinyl interior and plush fabric driver and passenger seats remain in terrific shape. 

Hotter Than Dice

The 1986 Ford F-250's "SuperCab Styleside" pickup was the only truck available this model year with a full-width rear bench seat. The seat folds down to offer an additional 30-cubic-feet of cargo space. With the seat in action, however, the SuperCab could comfortably seat six people, which along with its towing capacity, made it popular as a family vacation vehicle.

Can't You Tell

While today's drivers would probably scoff at this classic truck's fuel mileage, it's 5.0L EFI V-8 was a tremendous balance of power and economy for the day. While today's trucks continue to get rounder, sleeker, and —let's face it, more "car-like," it's great to see a classic late 80's Ford throwback that conjures everything a powerful truck use to be —straight-up handsome hauling power you could depend on day in and day out. 

>>Join the conversation about this two-tone 1986 Ford F-250 right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.

For help with your repair and maintenance projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum

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