Candyapple Red 4×4: This 1979 Ford F-150 Custom Features a 300ci Six

The 1979 Ford F-150 Custom represents the final and most refined year of the “Dentside” generation, a period defined by rugged construction and iconic square-body aesthetics. This specific long-bed 4×4 was initially delivered to the Seattle area and remained under a single owner’s care in Washington State for 24 years. Finished in its factory-correct Candyapple Red, the truck balances a work-ready mechanical setup with a recently refreshed cabin. Utilizing a 300ci inline-six engine and a lifted suspension, this F-150 serves as a capable bridge between classic truck collecting and functional off-road utility. Offered at no reserve, it presents a transparent opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire a documented Pacific Northwest survivor with a clear mechanical history.

Candyapple Red Silhouette and Rough Country Suspension Lift

The visual character of this 1979 Ford F-150 Custom is defined by its long-bed profile and a purposeful 4-inch suspension lift achieved via Rough Country components. Finished in Candyapple Red (T), the exterior features a bright grille, chrome bumpers, and swing-away side mirrors that underscore its vintage utilitarian charm. The truck sits high on 15-inch Eagle alloy wheels wrapped in 35-inch TBB Tires TS-67 rubber, which were installed in 2025 to enhance its off-road stance. While the body maintains its original trim and bright bodyside moldings, there are areas of rust damage noted in the door jambs, passenger floorboard, and bed. These imperfections offer a candid look at the truck’s decades of service in the Washington climate while preserving its authentic survivor appeal.

Refreshed Red Vinyl Cabin and Retro-Style Technology

Inside, the cabin has undergone a focused refurbishment to prepare for the sale, headlined by a bench seat reupholstered in vibrant red vinyl with patterned cloth inserts. The driving environment has been further improved with a replacement dash pad, door panels, and a fresh dash bezel. In keeping with its functional heritage, the interior is equipped with a trailer brake controller, a heater, and a retro-style stereo for modern entertainment. The steering wheel frames factory instrumentation including an 85-mph speedometer and a series of auxiliary gauges, though wind noise and a non-functional speedometer remind the driver of its analog roots. This interior refresh provides a comfortable and visually cohesive space that complements the bold Candyapple Red exterior.

300ci Inline-Six Narrative and 4-Speed Manual Gearing

The heart of this 1979 Ford F-150 Custom is the legendary 300ci inline-six engine, a powerplant famous for its longevity and low-end torque. Factory rated at 116 hp / 118 PS and 223 lb-ft / 302 Nm of torque, the engine has benefited from recent maintenance including a remanufactured Tomco carburetor and new spark plugs in 2025. Power is managed by a floor-shifted four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case, providing a visceral mechanical connection during gear changes. This 4×4 setup is enhanced by manually locking front hubs and power-assisted steering, ensuring the truck remains manageable both on the street and over rough terrain. Dual fuel tanks and polished differential covers round out a mechanical package designed for durability and extended range.

Market Position and the Dentside 4×4 Unique Selling Point

The 1979 Ford F-150 Custom occupies a strong position in the current market, as late-seventies Ford trucks continue to lead the classic utility segment in terms of demand. While many collectors seek out V-8 models, the 300ci inline-six variant is increasingly prized by purists for its “bulletproof” reputation and ease of maintenance. A unique selling point for this chassis is its long-term single-family ownership history and its status as a no-reserve listing, which often stimulates competitive bidding among pro-touring and preservation enthusiasts alike. When benchmarked against contemporary Chevrolet K10s, the Ford Dentside offers a distinct architectural feel and a robust dual-tank fuel system that makes it a preferred choice for those seeking a vintage truck that can still perform genuine work.

Pacific Northwest Stewardship and Marti Report Verification

Ownership of this Ford is anchored by its 24-year history in Washington State and a wealth of documentation including a Deluxe Marti Report. This report verifies the truck’s factory build statistics and initial delivery to Seattle, confirming its authenticity as a genuine Candyapple Red Custom. Recent service work performed between 2023 and 2025, including the replacement of the tank selector valve and fuel filters, ensures the truck’s primary systems are prepared for the 2026 driving season. Offered with a clean Washington title and a service invoice, the vehicle represents a transparent acquisition. The combination of verified production data and a documented Northwest lineage provides the next steward with the confidence required to either maintain its current patina or proceed with a rolling restoration.

A Final Look at a Lifted Dentside Survivor

The 1979 Ford F-150 Custom is a physical manifestation of a time when the American pickup was a tool of unyielding reliability and simple, effective design. By merging the 116 HP inline-six with a 4-inch Rough Country lift and the bold Candyapple Red finish, Ford created a machine that remains a standout in the modern collector landscape. This 4×4 long-bed stands as a proud representative of the brand’s heritage as a leader in both utility and durability. Whether it is destined for a local truck show or a return to the trails of the Pacific Northwest, this F-150 remains a permanent icon of the automotive world that successfully carries the Dentside torch into a new era of appreciation.

Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Details, analyses, and opinions reflect current trends and personal views, not professional or financial advice. Always verify information with official sources before making any decisions.

Source: bringatrailer.com