How much is a 1973 Ford F100 worth?
Prices for a 1973 Ford F-100 vary widely depending on condition and configuration, but in today’s market you’ll typically see rough projects starting around $4,000–$8,000, solid drivers in the $12,000–$20,000 range, and well-restored or highly original examples commonly $25,000–$40,000. Exceptional, highly original units or rare configurations can push higher.
This article explains what drives value for a 1973 F-100, including condition, trim and drivetrain options, and how buyers assess these classic trucks. It also provides practical steps to estimate value for your specific truck and where to look for current pricing data.
What affects the value of a 1973 Ford F-100
Several factors determine how much a 1973 F-100 will fetch in today’s market. The following list highlights the core elements that buyers weigh when evaluating a truck’s worth.
- Condition and originality: body rust, frame integrity, paint, interior, and whether the truck is numbers-matching (engine/transmission) or has been heavily rebuilt.
- Engine and drivetrain: V8 options (such as the 360 V8 or other available motors), transmission type, and whether the vehicle is 2WD or 4x4. Drivetrain upgrades or swaps can affect value positively or negatively depending on provenance.
- Trim level and cab/bed configuration: standard Custom/Artisan vs Ranger or higher trims, bed size (short bed vs long bed), and cab style influence perceived value.
- Options and features: factory air conditioning, factory dashboards, radio, power steering, power brakes, and other factory options matter to collectors who prize originality.
- Documentation and provenance: maintenance history, receipts, original title, and any documentation of authenticity or rebuild can add value.
- Modifications and restoration quality: high-quality, period-correct restorations or tasteful, reversible upgrades can add value; aggressive modern modifications may detract from originality.
- Market and location: regional demand, local supply, and current auction activity can drive prices up or down.
Common configurations and features that buyers pay attention to include the engine type and whether the truck is a 4x4, the trim level, and the bed and cab layout. Original colors and factory options can also affect desirability among collectors.
Common configurations that impact price
- Engine and drivetrain: factory V8 power with a manual or automatic transmission; 4x4 variants are typically more collectible.
- Trim and options: Ranger or higher trims with factory features tend to command more than base Custom models.
- Body and bed: short-bed regular cab versus long-bed variants; minimal rust and straight panels boost value.
As a practical guide, most buyers value a clean, mechanically sound truck with good documentation and minimal rust above all. Originality and condition drive the largest upward pressure on price.
Value by condition: ballpark ranges
How condition translates into dollars varies, but the following ranges give a general sense of what buyers pay in typical markets today.
- Poor to Fair (project or rough): about $4,000–$9,000. Rusty frames, non-running engines, or severely patina-ed bodies fall here.
- Good to Very Good (driver-quality): about $12,000–$20,000. Running, roadworthy trucks with decent cosmetics fall in this range.
- Excellent to Show-quality (well-restored or highly original): about $25,000–$40,000. Low-mileage or meticulously restored trucks with documented provenance fall here.
- Exceptional or rare configurations (high-demand variants): potentially higher than $40,000, depending on originality and documentation.
Bear in mind that regional demand and recent auction results can shift these ranges. Always compare multiple sources and consider the cost of needed work to bring a truck up to a desired standard.
How to estimate value for your specific truck
Follow these steps to arrive at a realistic estimate for a particular 1973 F-100 you own or are considering purchasing.
- Confirm exact model details: cab style, bed length, drivetrain (2WD/4x4), and engine/transmission.
- Assess condition with an honest appraisal: body rust, mechanicals, interior, and whether the truck runs and drives reliably.
- Research current market comps: check recent listings, auctions, and valuation guides to see what similar trucks have sold for.
- Factor in restoration or repair costs: estimate what it would take to reach your desired condition and whether the price reflects that investment.
- Get a professional appraisal if you’re buying or selling a high-value example.
For up-to-date pricing, consult multiple sources such as classic-car price guides, online marketplaces, and regional auction results to triangulate a fair value for your specific configuration and condition.
Summary
The value of a 1973 Ford F-100 hinges on condition, originality, and configuration. Rough projects start in the low thousands, solid drivers in the tens of thousands, and well-restored or highly original pickups can reach into the upper tens of thousands. Use careful assessment, compare current market data, and consider restoration costs to arrive at a fair price for a particular truck.
How much is a 1973 F-100 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,211 for a 1973 Ford F-100 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1973 Ford F-100 1/2 Ton at auction over the last three years was $71,500.
How much is a 1972 Ford F100 worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $23,240 for a 1972 Ford F-100 Custom in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1972 Ford F-100 Custom? The highest selling price of a 1972 Ford F-100 Custom at auction over the last three years was $192,500.
What is the most sought after Ford F100?
The F-150 overtook the smaller F-100 in popularity, and the model was eventually retired in 1983. Collectors still love early-model versions of the “Effie” for its classic styling and ease of modification with the 1953-1956 versions in high demand to this day.
What motor came in a 1973 Ford F100?
Powertrain
| Engine | Years | Power (SAE net) |
|---|---|---|
| 302 CID small block V8 | 1973–79 | 130 hp (97 kW) |
| 360 CID FE V8 | 1973–76 | 143 hp (107 kW) |
| 390 CID FE V8 | 1973–76 | 161 hp (120 kW) |
| 460 CID 385 V8 | 1973–79 | 200–239 hp (150–162 kW) |
