
- 1981 Model Year Ford F-100
- Owner Reports 1986 Cobra 5.0L 302ci Motor
- 5 Speed Manual Transmission
- Owner Reports Dual Side Exit Exhaust
- Owner Reports Sony Double Din with Apple Car Play/Android Auto
Since 1948, Ford’s F-Series lineup of pickup trucks has been an American institution, and continues to this day with the fourteenth generation. Few model lineups can boast such a long production run, making the F-Series a crucial part of American automotive history. Each generation brought something new to the table. This seventh generation 1981 Ford F-100 is thus worthy of your consideration, as it’s tastefully restomodded, comes with 89,200 miles, and a nice surprise under the hood.
Exterior and Interior
Wearing a very prominent red paintwork, you will spot this 1981 Ford F-100 even if you park it in a sea of pickup trucks. Rolling on a set of five-spoke black Ridler alloy wheels with silver accents only enhances its distinctiveness. The body looks straight, the paintwork looks neat, the light lenses look clear, what more could you ask for? There’s also a little Cobra badge on the side flanks, and we will get to that in due course. The owner reports dual side exit exhausts but they appear to be hidden and not easily noticeable. The interior seats two occupants on a set of low-backed seats with red and black RIXXU covers. There’s a full set of instruments, including the 85-mph speedometer that was mandated at the time, and an aftermarket rev counter takes center stage. This is another hint that the powertrain isn’t stock, although the most glaring hint is the chromed Hurst gear stick topped with a white Hurst gear knob. The windows are roll-down units, the ventilation system controls remain in the dash, but the entertainment has been upgraded with a Sony double DIN sized unit that brings Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities to this Eighties truck.
Engine
Typically, a seventh generation F-Series truck would come with a variety of V6 and V8 engines, as well as a V8 diesel from International Harvester. However, this 1981 Ford F-100 eschews all that for a 1986 302ci (5.0L) Mustang Cobra V8. Now you understand the Cobra badges on the side flanks! In 1986, this engine was rated for 200hp and 285lb-ft so let’s assume that’s what is sent to the rear wheels of this truck via a 5-speed manual transmission as reported by the owner.
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