How much is a 1987 Ford F-150 worth today?
Prices for a 1987 Ford F-150 today vary widely—from roughly a few thousand dollars for rough project trucks to well into the five figures for exceptionally clean, original examples. Most buyers will find a drivable, typical-spec truck in the mid-range, roughly $5,000 to $15,000, depending on condition and provenance.
To understand what a specific 1987 F-150 is worth, it helps to consider how classic-truck pricing works, what features it has, and how market demand is behaving in your region. Here is a closer look at the factors, guides, and steps you should use when valuing or selling one of these vintage pickups.
What drives the value of a vintage F-150
The following factors most strongly influence what you can expect to pay today:
- Overall condition (body, paint, interior) and how much rust or rot is present
- Mileage and mechanical health, including the drivetrain and transmission
- Originality versus modern upgrades or modifications
- Cab configuration (Regular Cab vs. SuperCab) and bed length
- Drivetrain configuration (2WD vs. 4x4) and engine option
- Documentation, service history, and any records of restoration
- Provenance and originality of key components (matching numbers where applicable)
- Regional demand and the competitive landscape for 1980s trucks
In practice, the exact dollar value is the intersection of condition, originality, and demand. A single 1987 F-150 can fetch very different prices depending on how clean and complete the package is, and where the buyer and seller are located.
What the major valuation guides say
To anchor a price, collectors and buyers typically consult multiple sources. Each guide has its own focus—private-party market value, dealer trade-in value, or collector-market pricing—so checking more than one can give a clearer picture of what to expect for a given truck.
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB): Generally reflects typical private-party and trade-sale values for older trucks, with mid-range pricing for everyday-driver examples and higher values for well-kept or unusually complete specimens.
- Hagerty: Widely used in the collector-truck community; tends to emphasize condition and originality. Expect higher values for well-preserved or professionally restored examples, and lower values for projects or heavily altered trucks.
- NADA Guides: Offers regionalized values that can differ between dealer-centric data and consumer considerations; useful for estimating what a dealer might offer or expect in a trade-in in your area.
- Historic auction data and enthusiast marketplaces (such as Bring a Trailer): Can reveal what collectors are willing to pay for clean, original, or highly restored trucks in today’s market, especially when a well-documented example appears at auction.
In summary, most everyday, operable 1987 F-150s fall somewhere in the mid-range across these guides. Pristine, numbers-matching, or highly original units can command premium prices, while project trucks or those with significant mechanical or cosmetic issues tend to sit lower.
How to assess your particular truck
Use this checklist to gauge where a specific 1987 F-150 sits in the market before listing or negotiating a price:
- Inspect the body for rust, dents, and previous repairs; evaluate the integrity of the frame and undercarriage
- Assess the interior for wear, upholstery condition, and originality; note any non-factory upgrades
- Verify the engine and transmission are sound, and check for leaks, overheating history, and service records
- Review the odometer for accuracy and compare wear to mileage
- Confirm trim level, cab configuration, and bed length to ensure you’re pricing the correct variant
- Gather maintenance receipts, parts replacements, and documentation showing provenance
- Check for matching numbers on key components if that is important to your market
- Evaluate any modifications (lift kits, wheels, exhaust) and consider how they affect originality and value
By systematically evaluating these areas, you can form a credible asking price or negotiation target that aligns with current market realities.
How to maximize value when buying or selling
Owners hoping to fetch a stronger price or buyers aiming for fair value should consider these strategies:
- Preserve or restore originality where feasible; avoid excessive modernizations that reduce collector appeal
- Keep maintenance up to date and compile complete service records
- Address mechanical issues and ensure the truck runs reliably, with a clean inspection
- Obtain a professional appraisal or a written condition report to back your asking price
- Stage the vehicle for photography: clean exterior, polished chrome, and a well-lit interior
- Provide documentation of any restorations or major repairs, with before/after details
- Highlight unique or desirable options (for example, original radios, transfer cases, or factory features)
With careful preparation and a realistic understanding of the market, you’ll be better positioned to set a compelling price or to spot a fair deal if you’re buying.
Summary
The value of a 1987 Ford F-150 today depends on a mix of condition, mileage, originality, specific configuration, and market demand. While many examples fall in the mid-range with typical drivability and cosmetic wear, pristine or well-documented trucks can command premium prices. To get the most accurate read, compare multiple valuation guides, inspect the individual vehicle closely, and consider how regional market trends are shaping prices. A well-documented history and careful restoration that preserves originality typically offer the best chance of maximizing value in today’s market.
