Both From The Same Seller: 1988 Ford F-150 vs 1966 Plymouth Fury

Good morning! On today’s Shitbox Showdown, you might think I’ve made a mistake because both links will point to the same ad. But this is one ad for two cars, and they’re both cool, so I’m just going to use them both.

Friday we looked at a pair of really rare old cars, one of which was not all there by a long shot. In fact, the amount of car missing was about equal to the percentage of votes it didn’t bring in. You preferred the intact but derelict Hino Contessa by a huge margin, and I can’t say I blame you.

That Contessa really is a cool little car, and the Renault-based mechanicals do open up a world of possibilities. No one can say for certain how many parts would be compatible, since this is a license-built copy of a Renault, but it’s worth investigating. Just get ready for damn near everyone to ask you “What is that?” when you take it out in public.

Now then: As I’ve mentioned, I’m in the process of a cross-country move. Most sane people, and even David, will rid themselves of excess vehicular baggage before a move like that. I’m not one of them. My wife and I are bringing all four of our vehicles, and our vintage travel trailer, with us to the East Coast. It’s going to involve either three crossings or two crossings and a carrier for two of the cars; I’m not sure which yet. Either way, it’s going to be an experience, and I might pitch an article about the process to the powers that be (which means I probably shouldn’t poke any more fun at David).

The seller of these two vehicles is moving as well but has chosen to sell a couple of cars beforehand. Skirting Craigslist’s five-dollar fee for vehicle listings, they have decided to double up and get two ads for the price of one. I have to reward such frugality and resourcefulness by giving both vehicles a little more exposure. Here they are.

1988 Ford F-150 XLT – $3,900

Engine/drivetrain: 302 cubic inch overhead valve V8, five-speed manual, RWD

Location: Auburn, WA

Odometer reading: unknown

Operational status: Runs and drives “excellent”

Here we have a truck that will look familiar to the Autopian faithful. What do you get for the man who has everything, including a self-destructing aorta? A Ford truck! If you’ve ever looked at Jason’s truck and thought you’d like a Marshal of your own, you’re in luck. This 1988 Ford F-150 is a good old-fashioned standard cab/long bed, with a manual transmission and a bench seat like any good work truck should have. Unlike the Marshal, which relies on a 300 cubic inch inline six, this old Ford has a 302 cubic inch Windsor V8 under its hood.

We don’t know how many miles are on this truck, because the seller isn’t sure, but it doesn’t really matter; these things rack up the miles like a traveling salesman’s frequent flyer account. It runs and drives flawlessly right now, that’s what matters, and if something breaks, you just replace it and keep going. No planned obsolescence here; this is a tool meant to last.

It’s in nice condition inside and out, too, with just enough bumps and bruises to give it some cred down at the lumber yard parking lot. It’s a fancy truck for its time, with power windows and locks, cruise control, and even carpet!

The steel in the bed floor has been replaced, though the seller doesn’t say whether it was from rust or damage from some load or other. I know first hand that hauling gravel and rocks in a truck bed can beat it up, and the wheel wells in the bed are beat to hell, which makes me think the floor was too, But that just means it was earning its keep, and can continue to do so for a new owner.

1966 Plymouth Fury III – $7,500

Engine/drivetrain: 383 cubic inch overhead valve V8, three-speed automatic, RWD

Location: Auburn, WA

Odometer reading: 44,000 miles, but probably rolled over

Operational status: “Gets terrible gas mileage but is fun to drive”

And as if a really cool root-beer-brown truck weren’t enough, this person also has one of my favorite old mid-’60s cars up for sale: the 1966 Plymouth Fury III. It’s seventeen and a half feet of slab-sided Americana, with a nice healthy 383 V8 and a Torqueflite automatic propelling those stacked headlights forward into a future that looked way cooler than what we actually got.

This one’s engine was just rebuilt and has a new Edelbrock carb, and runs like a top. It is a bit of a gas hog, but if you want fuel economy, get a Prius. This thing is about presence and comfort; it’s for Saturday morning Cars & Coffee, or Sunday afternoon ice cream runs. It has dual exhausts, and I bet it sounds terrific.

Inside, it’s in good condition, but not so pristine you’d be afraid to drive it. Long, low, and wide is the theme here; take it easy on the corners so you don’t slide into the door panel. Also, I see it has no power brakes – I’ve driven a Chrysler Newport of this era with a 383 and manual brakes, and it’s frightening how quickly it gains speed, and how slowly it scrubs it off. All the more reason to go easy on it.

Outside, it’s a nice “driver quality,” with a few dings here and there, but nothing you’d notice from ten feet away, so who cares? It’s cool-looking, it makes V8 noises, and it’s a whole lot cheaper than most “classic” cars. What’s not to like?

Actually, you know what? This is actually a fantastic two-car garage, so I’m going to break precedent and give you all a third “Both” option on the poll today. If you really prefer one or the other, then cast your vote accordingly. But if, like me, you think this is too good of a package deal to pass up, I’ll give you that opportunity too.

(Image credits: Craigslist seller)