Modern overlanding rigs can cost a fortune, but this 1976 Ford F-250 Highboy proves that heading into the wilderness doesn’t require the latest equipment. With its weathered paint, vintage camper, and classic four-wheel-drive hardware, this old Ford looks ready for an adventure straight out of the 1970s.
The three-quarter-ton pickup is heading to Mecum’s Dallas/Fort Worth auction on October 22, 2026, where it will be offered without reserve. Its combination of original mechanical components and period-style accessories makes it an interesting find for vintage truck enthusiasts.
There’s also a rather unusual addition mounted to the front bumper. A 1978 Honda XL125 motorcycle accompanies the truck, giving its future owner another way to explore once they’ve set up camp.
The package has plenty of old-school charm, although its next owner may want to inspect the camping equipment before planning a lengthy getaway. Either way, it’s difficult to imagine a more nostalgic way to spend a weekend outdoors.
A Proper Old-School Ford 4×4
Under the hood sits the truck’s original 360-cubic-inch (5.9-liter) V8, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. It also has a divorced transfer case, a defining feature of the classic Highboy configuration.
The Highboy nickname refers to Ford’s taller four-wheel-drive F-250 pickups built through early 1977. Their distinctive chassis and suspension arrangement gave them a noticeably higher stance than conventional trucks.
Although it looks almost white at first glance, this example actually wears faded light blue paint with clear-coated patina, and colorful Free Wheeling-style graphics complete its unmistakably 1970s appearance.
A Camper And A Motorcycle
Sitting in the bed is a vintage Wolverine Pup slide-in camper, complete with a rear entrance and small side windows. Mecum doesn’t provide interior photographs or details about its equipment, so its condition and amenities are unknown.
The custom front bumper carries a Warn 8274 winch, a desirable piece of recovery equipment for off-road enthusiasts. The included 1978 Honda XL125 sits on a separate front-mounted carrier, completing the truck’s distinctive adventure-ready appearance.
Heading To Auction Without Reserve
Mecum lists the truck as Lot T19, scheduled to cross the block on Thursday, October 22. With no reserve, it will sell to the highest bidder regardless of the final price.
While there are certainly newer and more comfortable ways to go camping, we can’t think of many that have this much character. For someone who appreciates vintage pickups and simple outdoor adventures, this Highboy could be a wonderfully entertaining addition to the garage.