Detailed Dentside: 1976 Ford F100 Ranger XLT Short Bed – SOLD!

October 2, 2023, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

September 19, 2023 Update – The seller replaced their expired third listing with their fourth Craigslist ad.  Despite no apparent buyer at the $42,500 asking price in the past three months, the seller continues with the same price.

August 18, 2023 Update – The seller replaced their expiring second Craigslist ad with a fresh third listing in as many months. The description, pictures, and asking price all remain the same.

July 19, 2023 Update – The seller replaced their original expiring listing with a fresh Craigslist ad. The pictures, description, and asking price all remain the same.

It’s not often domestic manufacturers redesign their trucks.  Model cycles often last five to seven years.  1973 was a big model year for American-made light-duty trucks.  Two of the Big Three automakers, Ford and Chevrolet, launched all-new trucks for the 1973 model year. Top-of-the-trims for Ford and Chevrolet trucks were Ranger XLT and Silverado, respectively.

Just about every domestic truck generation has its legion of die-hard fans.  With that allegiance usually comes a nickname. The most well-known example is the “Square Body” generation of Chevrolet/GMC trucks built between 1973 and 1987. The term “Dentside” is less known, coined by Ford enthusiasts for their sixth-generation F-Series truck.

An excellent example of a well-equipped Ford Dentside is this black 1976 Ford F-100 Styleside Short Bed Pickup for sale, first spotted in June 2023 on Craigslist in Monroe, Georgia (Atlanta). The seller shows a picture of this truck’s odometer showing 64K miles, but the limited description has us believing their F-100 might be a survivor-quality example rather than a restoration. You’ll need to confirm that with the seller.  That nuance aside, this is a nicely equipped truck featuring a two-barrel-topped 302 cubic inch V8 mated to a column-shifted automatic transmission.  Other nice-to-haves include power brakes and steering.

Last offered for $42,500 or the best offer, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is well above the five-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for 1976 Ford F-Series pickups.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the truck featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls well above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $33,500. However, a check of the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 “Excellent” estimate of $32,600 and it’s #1 appraisal of $55,300.

Ford produced its sixth-generation F-Series light and medium-duty trucks from 1973 through 1979.  Enthusiasts nicknamed this generation of F-Series “Dent Sides” for the character line dimple that runs along the entire side of the truck that was often hidden on higher-trim levels.  The 1976 Ford F100 Ranger XLT is a classic American pickup truck part of Ford’s F-Series lineup. It offered a combination of ruggedness, reliability, and style that appealed to truck enthusiasts and working professionals alike.

The F100 Ranger XLT featured a timeless and muscular design that epitomized the aesthetic of American trucks from that era. It had a sturdy, boxy body style with straight lines and a chrome front grille that proudly displayed the Ford emblem. The short bed configuration gave it a more compact and sporty appearance, making it ideal for urban driving and hauling.

The F100 Ranger XLT inside the cab provided a spacious and comfortable environment. It accommodated up to three passengers with a bench seat covered in high-quality cloth or vinyl upholstery, depending on the trim level and customization options. The dashboard was designed with functionality in mind, featuring easy-to-read gauges and controls within reach of the driver.

The 1976 F100 Ranger XLT was available with various engine options to suit different driving preferences and needs. The base engine was a 240-cubic-inch (3.9-liter) inline-six with around 98 horsepower. There were also V8 engine options, including a 302-cubic-inch (5.0-liter) V8 generating approximately 133 horsepower and a more powerful 360-cubic-inch (5.9-liter) V8 with around 170 horsepower. These engines were mated to a three-speed manual transmission as standard, while a three-speed automatic transmission was available.

As the Ranger XLT trim, this pickup offered several notable features and options. It came equipped with power steering, brakes, and a larger 22-gallon fuel tank for extended driving range. The XLT trim level also provided upgraded interior materials, additional chrome accents, and enhanced sound insulation for a more refined driving experience. Optional features included air conditioning, AM/FM radio, and a cassette player for convenience and entertainment.

The F100 Ranger XLT was a capable workhorse designed to handle various tasks. Its short bed configuration offered a practical cargo area for transporting goods and equipment. The truck’s robust chassis and suspension system ensured a comfortable ride, even carrying heavy loads. Its towing capacity varied depending on the engine and other factors, but it could pull trailers and smaller recreational vehicles.

The 1976 Ford F100 Ranger XLT is highly regarded as a classic American pickup truck, representing an era when trucks were known for their durability and simplicity. It has gained a following among enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate its timeless design and mechanical reliability. Today, restored and well-maintained examples of the F100 Ranger XLT are cherished by truck enthusiasts, showcasing the rich automotive heritage of Ford’s F-Series lineup.

Overall, the 1976 Ford F100 Ranger XLT short-bed pickup is a classic truck that combines ruggedness, style, and functionality. Its robust construction, versatile engine options, and practical features make it a beloved vehicle among truck enthusiasts, and it continues to be appreciated for its vintage charm and capability.

The seller provides a link to this video they created in their Craigslist ad:

While the pictures and video show this black 1976 Ford F100 Ranger XLT pickup for sale as a very nice example, it’s unclear from either the photography or the seller’s description whether this truck is a well-maintained survivor or has been restored.  The American Racing wheels complement this truck’s black paint well.

If you are serious about buying this Ford F100, you can start the conversation by following the seller’s contact instructions in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their Ranger XLT short bed featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this 1976 Ford F100 Ranger XLT Pickup for sale?  Please comment below and let us know!