To get the big jobs done, you need a heavy-duty truck. But if you don't need dual rear wheels and fuel economy in the single digits, a 1-ton is probably too much. That's where this 1971 Ford F-250 fits in. Outfitted with a 390 cubic inch V8 and the Camper Special upgrade, it's ready, willing, and able to work hard but doesn't beat you up while doing it.The handsome maroon paint gives it a dignified look that's a good fit on the handsome Ford sheetmetal. The angular look was popular for many years, and for a lot of us, these trucks were ubiquitous around job sites, farms, and other places where work was getting done. Fortunately, this one seems to have survived its years as a workhorse and as a result, offers a lot of value for the dollar. The paint isn't original, of course, and when it was refinished, some of the chrome and stainless was shaved to clean it up without turning it into a custom. It's not perfect, not a show piece, but more than presentable for the Friday night cruise while still being able to head down to the general store to get some supplies, too. The long bed means it'll carry just about anything you need to move and it's outfitted for rugged duty with an aluminum tailgate protector and a spray-in bedliner in the bed itself. The chrome and bright trim that does remain is in very good condition, including the heavy-duty rear bumper that's equipped with a hitch, just in case.Truck interiors in 1971 were still basic, but this one has been dressed up a bit since then. The black bench seat is durable and attractive, while still offering the wipe-it-off practicality of the original. Black carpets definitely help with the upscale feel and help control noise and heat inside the cab. And, of course, there's that wood-rimmed Grant steering wheel, which really warms things up in a good way. The factory gauges are standard Ford rectangles, but they all seem to be working, plus a tachometer tucked in underneath. Someone has also added an AM/FM/CD stereo head unit in the center of the dash with new speakers in the door panels. There's also an aftermarket sunroof, which makes the cab feel bright and airy and when removed, provides plenty of breezy ventilation so you won't even think about A/C when you're driving.Moving big loads takes big power, and the 390 cubic inch V8 definitely delivers. It's not pretty, but it runs great, starting easily and pulling with big block torque from low RPM. Aside from the chrome dress-up, it's also been enhanced with an Edelbrock carburetor and aluminum intake manifold, plus a set of long-tube headers, so it's got very sharp throttle response and plenty of power. Heavy-duty upgrades that were part of the Camper Special package include a giant radiator, a power steering cooler, and a transmission cooler, all designed for a long, healthy life. Underneath, there's a C6 3-speed automatic transmission, new U-joints, and a beefy rear end that looks big enough to be under a dump truck. Inside, there are 4.56 gears, so the truck feels snappy around town and doesn't even flinch when pulling the big loads. Recent alloy wheels with charcoal gray centers look fantastic and are fitted with new Hankook radials all around.This isn't a show piece, but it is a cool old truck that is fun to drive and still doesn't mind doing truck-like things. Call today!