It's still like finding a needle in a haystack, however.
Needle In a Haystack
It was only a few years ago when most Ford truck generations could be had for cheap, but a monumental shift has occurred since. These days, old trucks and SUVs are red-hot commodities, with prices quickly reaching some pretty unbelievable levels, even for models that used to be largely ignored. Regardless, there are a few Ford trucks left in the world that won't cost you an arm and a leg, if you look hard enough. Here, we've gathered a few worth seeking out.
Photos: Ford
First-Gen F-Series
Collectors and hot rodders alike have long coveted the second-generation F-Series, make from 1953-1956. However, the first-gen model, produced between 1948-1952, has flown under the radar a bit when compared to most other collectible vehicles. As such, these trucks can be had for as little as $26k, though pricing can vary greatly depending on condition, according to Hagerty's valuation tool.
Photos: Ford
Early 1960s Models
The same goes for select model years of the fourth- and fifth-generation F-Series pickups, even though many Bumpsides (especially later ones) are quite valuable and highly sought after. Aim for something in the mid-1960s, however, and you'll pay as little as $15k for a pickup in good condition, though prices have risen around 15 percent in recent months.
Photos: Ford
Unibodies
A bit earlier than those trucks lies the "unibody" Ford F-100 of 1961-1963, a design that failed to win over pickup buyers, and as a result, can be had for a relatively good price today. In fact, one of these pickups in good condition can be found for as little as $13k, though again, prices have risen around 16 percent.
Photos: Ford
Early 1970s
Later 1970s models are worth their weight in gold these days, as the sixth-gen 1973-1979 remains one of the most popular - if not the most popular - Blue Oval pickup on earth. But if you stick with something built in the early 1970s, you'll pay a lot less - around $20k, though that value has increased by 23 percent in recent months.
Photos: Ford
Great '80s
For many years, collectors largely ignored any Ford truck built in the 1980s, but soaring prices of '70s and '90s models have driven many to this once unloved decade, too. Regardless, there are some serious deals to be found here, as the average early '80s F-Series can be had for as little as $7k, and values have actually declined by 14.5 percent in recent months.
Photos: Ford
Later '80s
Later 1980s models are even cheaper - as low as $6k for a pickup in good condition - and have faced a 15 percent decline, which is obviously unusual for Ford trucks in general. Thus, this particular decade is still the most affordable in the long-running F-Series hierarchy, but we imagine that won't last forever.
Photos: Ford
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