The very last compact Ford Ranger pickup was sold in the U.S. a pretty long time ago, and it was a number of years before that model returned as a mid-size hauler in the states back in 2019. Long relegated to workhorse status, we’re starting to see more and more older – and smaller – Ford Ranger pickups surfacing for sale at collector car auctions, oftentimes, in great condition with few miles on the clock. The latest example of that phenomenon. comes to us in the form of this 1987 Ford Ranger XLT pickup, which is heading to auction very soon.
This 1987 Ford Ranger XLT is set to be sold at Mecum’s Florida Special Summer 2025 sale in July, and it has a reasonable 74k miles on the clock at the moment. It may not be the lowest mile early Ranger we’ve come across, but it is a nice example that has remained in the possession of the original owner since new. Its Dark Gray and silver paint looks to be in great shape, and was just treated to new pinstriping, joining chrome that still shines like it just rolled off the dealer showroom floor, while the wheels are the originals as well.
The same goes for the clean red interior, which is equipped with a split bench seat and few amenities, which was common for this era of the Ford Ranger. Mechanically speaking, it’s equipped with the larger and more powerful V6 available during this era, which was just treated to a tune up and is mated to an automatic transmission. This particular Ranger is a four-wheel drive model as well, with automatic locking hubs, and it has lived in a garage its entire life thus far.
This Ford Ranger is also one of many early examples of the pickup that we’ve seen cross the auction block in recent times, however. That list also includes a 1989 Ranger with 38k miles on the clock, as well as a 1991 XLT with 65k miles.
Comments
Had a 1988 stx with the 2.9L. Really really liked that truck. Couple a guys at work had toyotas in the 90s and would always challenge that ford in a game we seem to play before or after work. Put 198000 mile on her finally traded it in 2004 for a f150.
With 74k plus on the clock it certainly has NOT “lived in a garage” it’s entire life, and as far as the “clean interior” tha dash and wheel appear to be totally sun faded and the drivers seat upholstery looks to be worn, torn and sun faded. IDK what was the original MSRP in today’s dollar and what could a buyer hope to realize in profit for this investment with this purchase?