Ford F100, Red, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $16,995.

In 1973, when this Ford F100 was built, the F-series was already on its way to becoming the best-selling vehicle in the world. Of course, that's easy to understand when they were as handsome and rugged as this short bed/regular cab example, which sports a fresh restoration and a great-running 390 cubic inch V8.

Given a cosmetic restoration two years ago, this F100 pickup looks better than they ever did new. The vivid two-stage red urethane paint accentuates the truck's square-jawed look, and it looks like there's no project it can't handle. It also appears that this was a super clean original truck before the work started, because there's no evidence of panel replacements or significant metal surgery to get it this straight. All the trim was removed for paint, then freshened and reinstalled, including the cool stainless side molding that stretches the entire length of the truck. Both front and rear bumpers wear a nice chrome finish, and the grille with its trademark high-mounted parking lights was instantly recognizable as a Ford from a mile away. The solid bed has been finished with a non-skid bed liner material, making this truck ready to work or play.

The matching red vinyl interior is so new it almost hurts your eyes to look at it. The red seats with the black rubber floor mat are a wonderful contrast, and shows that even a working class truck can have style. The seat covers and door panel inserts appear to be brand new, while the gauges and instrument panel are original. Ford gave F100 buyers a comprehensive set of instruments, but even in 1973, things like the radio and heater were still optional (fortunately, this truck has both). It appears that the paint on the dash is new, and the steering column has been painted to match which was probably not factory correct, but it sure looks good now.

390 cubic inches is more than sufficient to get this relatively light weight truck moving in a hurry, and the engine bay itself is clean and nicely maintained. There are signs that some cosmetic clean-up was done when the truck was restored a few years back, including fresh Ford Blue paint on the engine itself. New hoses, plugs, wires and other maintenance items were installed at the same time, so it runs and drives beautifully, with a great V8 rumble to the exhaust. A C6 3-speed automatic is virtually bulletproof and the chassis is proof enough that this is a clean truck from down south. Power steering and brakes make even heavy loads effortless, and for a short wheelbase pickup, it rides surprisingly well. Handsome steel wheels from a later model F150 look right at home on the early pickup, and wear a set of fat Cooper white letter radials.

If you're of a certain age, you grew up when these trucks were everywhere, but today nice ones are hard to find. Here's your chance to own a great example. Call today!