How much is a 1986 Ford F350?
Prices for a 1986 Ford F-350 vary widely, but most buyers should expect a range roughly from $5,000 to $25,000 for typical condition; exceptional examples can go higher.
The question touches on a classic-era heavy-duty Ford truck that appeared in a variety of configurations during the mid-1980s. Value depends on the exact model details, overall condition, and the current demand in vintage-truck markets. Below is a practical breakdown to help buyers and sellers gauge where a specific truck might land in today’s market.
Market snapshot and price ranges
Current listings and auction results show a broad spread in value. The following bands reflect typical market values for common configurations in the U.S. as of 2025.
- Rough project or parts car (not running, significant rust, or major mechanical needs): 3,000–7,000 USD
- Running project or older daily driver (needs maintenance, some cosmetic wear): 7,000–15,000 USD
- Solid driver or clean, original example (well-maintained with reasonable miles): 15,000–25,000 USD
- Low-mileage, restored, or rare options (diesel, crew cab, DRW, or pristine cosmetics): 25,000–40,000 USD
- Concours-quality or exceptionally original with extensive documentation: 40,000–60,000+ USD
Prices vary by region and market momentum, and the exact configuration (gas vs diesel, cab type, bed length, drivetrain) will shift where a truck lands within these bands.
What drives the value
Several factors determine how much a 1986 F-350 will sell for. Key variables include:
- Engine and drivetrain: gasoline engines vs diesel; manual vs automatic transmission; 4x4 vs two-wheel drive.
- Cab and bed configuration: regular cab, super cab (if offered in that year), long bed vs short bed, SRW vs DRW (dual rear wheels).
- Condition and rust: frame integrity, cab corners, floors, rockers, and underbody corrosion.
- Originality and documentation: matching numbers, factory options, paint history, maintenance records, and title history.
- Mileage and maintenance history: documented service, timing items, and evidence of rebuilt components.
- Market demand and provenance: regional interest in mid-80s Ford work trucks and any notable ownership history.
In practice, a clean, well-documented diesel with DRW or crew-cab configurations tends to command higher prices than a basic gas, single-rear-wheel standard cab with high mileage.
Common configurations and typical value bands
Understanding how configuration affects value helps set expectations when shopping or selling. The bands below reflect typical outcomes seen in current listings and auctions for 1986 F-350s.
- Rough project or parts car: 3,000–7,000 USD
- Running, older-maintenance crate (needs work but runs): 7,000–15,000 USD
- Solid driver or clean, original example: 15,000–25,000 USD
- Low-mileage or restored (diesel/DRW/crewed cab, good cosmetics): 25,000–40,000 USD
- Concours-quality or highly original with extensive documentation: 40,000–60,000+ USD
These ranges provide a framework, but real-world prices depend on local demand, timing, and the specifics of each truck.
What to check when evaluating a 1986 F-350
- Rust and frame integrity, especially under the cab and along the rocker panels.
- Condition of the bed, cab corners, and underbody for hidden corrosion.
- Engine and transmission health; listen for unusual noises, check for smoke, and assess leak signs.
- Electrical system functionality and harness condition.
- VIN verification and matching-number components; review maintenance records and title history.
- Originality vs. documented restorations; assess the quality of paint, decals, and interior materials.
Doing due diligence on mechanicals, rust, and provenance can significantly affect the final price and long-term ownership costs.
Summary
The price of a 1986 Ford F-350 hinges on configuration, condition, and market demand. Typical values span from a few thousand dollars for rough, non-running projects to the range of tens of thousands for well-preserved, restored, or specially configured models. Always check multiple sources and inspect the specific vehicle to determine its value in today’s market.
How much is a 1984 Ford f350 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $12,538 for a 1984 Ford F-350 1 Ton in good condition with average spec.
How much is a 1986 Ford f250 worth?
The value of a 1986 Ford F-250 varies widely, from a typical price of around $15,000-$18,000 for a good condition, average spec model to as high as $34,560 for a top-tier example sold at auction. Factors like condition, mileage, original features, and trim level (XL, XLT, etc.) significantly impact its final price. For example, high-spec, low-mileage trucks with original features can command prices upwards of $20,000, notes Classic.com and Bring a Trailer.
Factors influencing value
- Condition and mileage: Trucks in "original and highly original" condition with low mileage are worth significantly more, with prices potentially reaching over $20,000.
- Trim level: Higher trims like the XLT Lariat generally have a higher value than the base XL or STD models.
- Engine and drivetrain: Special configurations like a 4x4 or a specific engine choice can also influence the price.
- Recent sale prices: Past auction sales provide a good benchmark for value. A high-quality example sold on Bring a Trailer for $24,000, while other private sales have reached $15,000-$20,000, notes Bring a Trailer and Reddit.
Where to find more information
- Classic.com: Provides a marketplace of past sales and current listings for a variety of 1986 F-250s, including specific examples with their selling prices.
- Hagerty Valuation Tools: Offers a valuation tool and lists historical auction prices, with an average price of around $16,565 for a good condition 3/4 Ton model.
- Bring a Trailer: A popular auction site where classic and unique vehicles, including 1986 Ford F-250s, are sold. Recent auction results can be found here.
How much is a 1986 Ford truck worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $13,079 for a 1986 Ford F-150 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1986 Ford F-150 1/2 Ton? The highest selling price of a 1986 Ford F-150 1/2 Ton at auction over the last three years was $89,100.
What is the average price of a Ford F350?
Update chart
| Year | Avg Price | YoY |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 F-350 Super Duty | $49,077 | -1.38% |
| 2021 F-350 Super Duty | $51,993 | -3.67% |
| 2022 F-350 Super Duty | $58,064 | -0.78% |
| 2023 F-350 Super Duty | $63,896 | -7.27% |
