Blue Moon: Midnight Blue 1996 F-250 Croons

I Need a Sign

Like all of popular culture, automotive trends are cyclical. So, it makes sense that late '90s pickups have seen a recent spike in popularity amongst collectors and restoration aficionados as they approach the 50^th anniversary of their debut. Clean lines, classic colors and an impressive powerplant mean trucks like this ’96 Ford F-250 are as tough and fun to drive as ever.

Photos Courtesy of Motorious

Cross Over the Atmosphere

Mid-nineties Ford trucks are immediately recognizable thanks to their large front grille and large rectangular headlights. The 1996 F-250 still boasted the lowered front fenders and rounded front grille that first debuted in 1992, in addition to a more aerodynamically designed fascia. The redesign was a huge hit. In fact, by 1995, the Ford F-Series overcame the Volkswagen Beetle as the best-selling vehicle in the world. 

Photos Courtesy of Motorious

>>Join the conversation about this '96 F-250 Powerstroke Turbo right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

The Comfort to Create

The truck's interior is distinctly mid-90's –the kind of no-frills, easy to clean grey vinyl, and plastic favored by drivers in trade industries. This particular model features independent, power-adjustable front seats and a fold-down armrest. A rear bench seat offers room for two passengers while doubling as an interior cargo hatch. No worries about messing with cassette tapes the way the original owners had to, however. An aftermarket stereo system with Bluetooth capability has replaced that, in addition to the implementation of digital gauge pods on the 'A' pillar to the left-hand side of the driver’s seat. 

Photos Courtesy of Motorious

>>Join the conversation about this '96 F-250 Powerstroke Turbo right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

Prestige Power

This particular model F-250 XLT is powered by a 7.3L Powerstroke Turbo Diesel paired to its original automatic transmission. The engine offers 210-horsepower and 425.0 ft.lbs. of torque at 2,000 rpm –not the speediest of trucks by any stretch of the imagination —though it packs plenty of power for hauling and towing. 

Photos Courtesy of Motorious

>>Join the conversation about this '96 F-250 Powerstroke Turbo right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

Followed You Across the Plains

While the original ’96 Ford F-250 had a bare steel bed, this rig has been outfitted with a Duraliner bed liner which gives it all new life, and allows you to fill it with camping gear, landscaping materials —really anything you want without sacrificing the bed’s integrity or risking rust damage. The tinted sliding rear window offers a cool look as well. 

Photos Courtesy of Motorious

>>Join the conversation about this '96 F-250 Powerstroke Turbo right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

A Glimpse Was All it Took

Thanks to a max trailer capability of 5,000 pounds and low original mileage, this ’96 Ford F-250 XLT is ready as it ever was for that cross-country journey you’ve always wanted to go on. Bring along the camper or the canoe for extra adventure —but definitely expect this classic Midnight Blue rig to draw plenty of praise and attention along the way. 

Photos Courtesy of Motorious

>>Join the conversation about this '96 F-250 Powerstroke Turbo right here in the Ford-trucks forum.

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