The Ford F-Series has a long-standing history of success in the United States. It first claimed the title of best-selling motor vehicle in the country in 1982 and has held onto that spot ever since. Despite its popularity, it is surprisingly difficult to find examples of the historic F-Series generation in junkyards. However, a recent discovery in a northeastern Colorado yard has unveiled a fairly well-preserved 1985 F-150 with the Explorer trim package.
The seventh generation of the F-Series was sold in the United States from 1980 to 1986. During this time, the F-100 was still available as a cost-cutting half-ton model until it was replaced by the F-150 in subsequent years. The truck spotted in Colorado features the mid-grade XL trim level, which falls between the Standard and XLT tiers.
The Explorer package, known for its styling upgrades and popular options at affordable prices, was first introduced in F-Series trucks in 1968. Although it was also available for Rancheros and Broncos, it seems that 1985 marked its final year for the F-Series trucks. It was later replaced by a set of Preferred Equipment Packages. Interestingly, starting from the 1991 model year, the Explorer name was repurposed for a highly successful SUV based on the Ranger chassis called the Bronco II.
By the mid-1980s, the F-Series had not yet fully transitioned into replacing the American family sedan. As a result, the truck spotted in Colorado has a powertrain that retains its truck-like qualities. It is equipped with a base 300-cubic-inch (4.9-liter) pushrod straight-six engine, delivering 115 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque. Optional engine choices at that time included 302- and 351-cubic-inch (5.0- and 5.8-liter) gasoline V8s, while F-250 and F-350 buyers could opt for a 460-cubic-inch (7.5-liter) big-block V8 or a 6.9-liter diesel.
Unlike modern automatic transmissions commonly found in office park commutes, this truck boasts a four-on-the-floor manual transmission. This was an upgrade from the base three-on-the-tree column-shift manual, providing a more engaging driving experience without the added cost of a four-speed with overdrive top gear.
If you thought a floor-shift manual couldn’t coexist with a bench seat, think again. Despite the unconventional setup, the truck’s original buyer chose this configuration. However, the middle passenger may have had to endure some discomfort due to the shifter’s proximity.
Unfortunately, there is no way to determine the final mileage of this particular truck as Ford had yet to introduce six-digit odometers in 1985. Nevertheless, the truck’s overall appearance is favorable, with some signs of rust but looking presentable from a distance of 100 feet.
The original buyer of this truck had the foresight to opt for the optional AM/FM stereo radio. This feature would have been appreciated during long drives in the Mountain Time Zone, providing entertainment and company on the road.
It is worth noting that Ford kept the chassis of the 1980 F-Series until the late 1990s when a major redesign was finally implemented for the 1997 model year. The current F-Series represents the 14th generation, continuing the legacy of a truck family dating back to 1948.
On a lighter note, it seems that Ford may have paid Willie Nelson handsomely for the rights to use a rewritten version of his 1980 song in their advertising campaigns. The association with such an iconic musician surely adds an extra touch of charm to the F-Series.
Lastly, while not explicitly mentioned in the original content, it is worth highlighting that the Ford F-Series has long been known for its exceptional towing capabilities. To emphasize this point, one might imagine the 1985 F-150 conquering a rocky hill while carrying a Chevy truck and towing a Dodge, showcasing its strength and reliability in challenging conditions.
In conclusion, the discovery of a well-preserved 1985 Ford F-150 with the Explorer trim package provides a glimpse into the F-Series’ rich history. Despite its age, this truck showcases the characteristics that made the F-Series a perennial best-seller in the United States. From its enduring popularity as the top-selling vehicle to its legacy as a reliable and capable workhorse, the F-Series continues to capture the hearts of American drivers.