This 1978 Ford F-150 set a new bar for just how handsome and durable a pickup truck could be.
Ready for the Blast Off
The 1978 lineup of Ford Trucks were released under the banner of a catchy new advertising slogan: "Built tough all over." The characterization of "toughness" in a motor vehicle was relatively new at the time —something that's difficult to comprehend nearly fifty years later in an automotive culture that's been touting strength and durability in the truck segment ad nauseam model year after model year. This 1978 Ford F-150 —in its original Dark Jade paint scheme —remains as pretty and off-road-ready as the day it rolled off the lot.
Images Courtesy of Motorious
Don't Forget the Hype
The 1978 Ford F-150 was available in five models, including Ranger, Custom, Ranger XLT, Ranger Lariat, and SuperCab. This particular Ranger model includes the Flareside body style —a shortened bed with rear fenders that reach over the rear wheels. It's not to be confused with that year's "Styleside" model, which had a slab-sided cargo box constructed of a single piece of steel.
>>Join the conversation about this classic F-150 right here in the forum.
Going Into Space
The truck's interior is as minimally classic as it gets. It maintains its original plaid cloth and synthetic leather seats, large (by today's standards) in-dash glove box, and spartan clutch mechanism. This particular truck did not come with its release year's optional CB Radio, though there is dash space for a new audio system. A three-spoke steering wheel with the recognizable blue Ford logo at its center truly ties the truck's interior together.
>>Join the conversation about this classic F-150 right here in the forum.
Open the Hatch
Ford's 1978 F-150 was available with four engine choices. This truck has a completely restored and refurbished 351ci V8 engine capable of 163-horsepower mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission. The "Ford blue" engine bay is immaculately clean. The truck also features power steering and front power disc brakes.
>>Join the conversation about this classic F-150 right here in the forum.
Launch the Satellite
The "stubby" bed has been retrofitted with a smart looking and durable wood-paneling that plays warmly off the truck's metallic green paint finish. 1978 Ford F-150's were made available in over fifty different color options ranging from "Wind Blue" to "Chamois" brown and "Tangerine" orange. The rainbow of color options makes sense as the truck debuted in a period where automobile manufacturers and marketers were just beginning to tap the potential of advertising automobiles with a focus on personal expression.
>>Join the conversation about this classic F-150 right here in the forum.
This Great Mission
Durable, tough performance, incredible good looks —this truck is the perfect package, particular as it sits atop 15” Mickey Thompson-brand wheels. The classic truck market continues to grow in popularity as both collectors and everyday drivers seek an alternative to the vast number of contemporary Ford F-150s on the road today.
>>Join the conversation about this classic F-150 right here in the forum.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section of Ford-trucks.com.
