1972 Ford F-100
F-series fifth gen · 1967-1972 generation is the most collectible Ford truck era.... · Built Ford Tough — the peak of the classic F-series era
Highly Collectible
Production & Overview
Total Production
356,491
Original MSRP
$2,414
Assembly Plants
Dearborn, MI · Kansas City, MO · Twin Cities, MN · Norfolk, VA · San Jose, CA
Wheelbase
116 inches
Body Styles
Flareside Pickup · Styleside Pickup
Curb Weight
3,650 lbs
Notable Packages & Production
Ranger XLT — RangerXLT
Top of the line — woodgrain interior, chrome everywhere, bucket seats optional
1.6-2x base
52,000
produced
390 FE Big Block — 390
Most powerful factory engine in 1972 F-100
1.4-1.8x base
28,000
produced
Available Engines
V 240ci — inline-6
Base six — economy option
150 hp
Y 300ci — inline-6
Legendary Ford 300 six — nearly indestructible
170 hp
F 302ci — V8
Base V8 — most common
210 hp
H 360ci — V8
360 FE — popular mid-range V8
215 hp
Z 390ci — V8
390 FE — most powerful common option
255 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: 390 matching numbers add premium. XLT trim matching numbers less critical but adds value. Most buyers focus on overall condition.. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
Decode door data plate — confirms paint, trim, engine, transmission
Cab corners — primary rust location
Inner rocker rust behind door step
Cab mounts to frame — rust common
Bed floor rust
Frame rails full length
Verify Ranger XLT trim if claimed — woodgrain dash and specific badging
390 engine — verify suffix code and door data plate match
Check lower door skins and door bottoms
Firewall rust from water intrusion
Known Problem Areas
Cab corner rust — most common issue
Inner rocker rust
Cab mount rust
Bed floor rot
Clone XLT — base trucks given Ranger XLT trim
FE engine oil consumption and leaks if not rebuilt
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
Ranger XLT with door data plate documentation
390 FE matching numbers
Short bed Styleside
Factory AC
Grabber Blue or other high-impact color
↓ Decreases Value
Cab corner rust
Frame rust
Missing door data plate
Clone XLT
Restoration Overview
Difficulty
Easy-Medium
Parts Availability
Excellent — massive aftermarket for 1967-1972 F-series
Driver Quality Cost
$14,000 – $32,000
Show Quality Cost
$40,000 – $80,000
Key Suppliers
LMC Truck · Dennis Carpenter Ford Parts · NPD · CJ Pony Parts (crossover)
Pop Culture & Legacy
1967-1972 Ford F-series is the most collected Ford truck generation
Ranger XLT defined luxury truck concept for its era
1972 was last year before federally mandated bumper changes altered the clean look
Strong restomod culture around 1967-1972 F-100s
Other Ford F-100 Years