12 of The Rarest Ford Pickups Ever Built That Are Hard To Find

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12 OF THE RAREST FORD PICKUPS EVER BUILT
12 OF THE RAREST FORD PICKUPS EVER BUILT

Ford produces one of the most popular pickup trucks ever with the F-150. The truck has its pros and cons but is mostly known as a dependable, powerful vehicle that can handle almost anything while looking great.

It is often ranked high in many important truck categories, such as towing capacity, engine choices, and sometimes even its price. The F-150 is very common, and Ford has had similar success with its other trucks, including the electric Ford F-150 Lightning.

However, there are some trucks Ford makes in smaller numbers. The Raptor and the Tremor are examples, as they are designed for enthusiasts and produced in limited quantities.

Over the years, Ford has also created several special edition trucks or experimental models that were only available for a short time. Despite selling one of the most popular trucks of all time, Ford has also produced some of the rarest trucks ever made.

If you’re interested in learning about some of these, here are some of the rarest Ford trucks ever produced. For this list, custom builds and one-off vehicles are not included since those are more common.

Partner builds, like the Hennessey VelociRaptor, a special version of the Ford Raptor made by Hennessey with only 500 units, are also left out.

1979 Ford F 150 Indy 500 Special
1979 Ford F-150 Indy 500 Special

1979 Ford F-150 Indy 500 Special

The Ford F-150 Indy 500 Special is a unique edition truck made only in 1979. It was mostly a cosmetic package for the Ford F-150 to celebrate the Ford Mustang being the official pace car for the Indy 500 that year.

These trucks were generally well-equipped for their time, likely because they were displayed at dealerships, which often featured their best models.

The Ford F-150 was the main truck in the Indy 500 special package, and Ford made 4,225 of them. For the most part, the trucks were regular Ford F-150s with special decals and additional features such as an AM/FM radio, air conditioning, tinted windows, and more.

There were also two engine options, including the 460 cubic inch Ford V8 and the 302 cubic inch V8. Some of these trucks still exist today, but their numbers are dwindling as they get closer to their 50th anniversary.

While the Ford F-150 Indy 500 Special is the most talked-about, there are even rarer Indy 500 Special edition trucks. According to sales data, Ford also created special editions of the F-100, F-250, and F-350 models.

The rarest of these is the Ford F-250 4×4 Indy edition, with only 62 units known to have been made. In total, Ford produced 6,350 Indy 500 edition trucks across its entire lineup.

2002 Lincoln Blackwood
2002 Lincoln Blackwood

2002 Lincoln Blackwood

The Lincoln Blackwood is a rare pickup truck, but not because it’s unique. It’s mostly rare because it was a complete failure. Ford wanted to create an upscale version of the Ford F-150 under the Lincoln brand.

The truck combined luxury sedan features with the utility of the F-150, but it wasn’t well-received by consumers. This was in contrast to the Lincoln Navigator, which was a luxury version of the Ford Explorer and was more successful.

In total, Lincoln made around 3,300 Blackwoods before they stopped production. The exact number isn’t clear, but most sources say it’s around 3,300 or a bit below 3,500.

The truck had several unusual features, including a hydraulic tonneau cover that kept the truck bed always covered and Dutch-style barn doors as a tailgate. The bed was carpeted and had LED lighting.

In short, it looked like a truck, but didn’t really perform like one. As a result, it became a failure for Lincoln, which stopped making the Blackwood after only part of one model year, making it the shortest production run in Lincoln’s history. However, if you happen to find one, it’s known for being surprisingly comfortable to drive.

1998 Ford F 150 NASCAR Edition
1998 Ford F-150 NASCAR Edition

1998 Ford F-150 NASCAR Edition

The 1998 Ford F-150 NASCAR Edition is the second limited edition truck on this list. It was created in 1998 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of NASCAR racing. It’s similar to a regular 1998 Ford F-150 but has a factory-installed NASCAR decal running down the truck bed sides and around the back.

It also had a single cab, a short bed, and a 4.6-liter Modular V8 engine under the hood. The wheels had a NASCAR theme, with most of the chrome parts blacked out.

Ford made exactly 3,000 of these trucks in 1998 and sold them to NASCAR fans. Few of these trucks remain in good condition today, as people typically drive them.

Mechanically, it wasn’t too different from other 1998 Ford F-150s, but the NASCAR Edition was mostly about the looks. If you have a black 1998 Ford F-150, you can buy the NASCAR Edition decal online for about $270, though the rims are harder to find.

A year later, in 1999, Ford introduced the Ford F-150 Lightning, which featured a more powerful engine and aggressive styling. In a way, the NASCAR Edition F-150 paved the way for this model, which offered more than just a stylish decal and cool rims.

1967 71 Ford Bronco Pickup
1967-71 Ford Bronco Pickup

1967-71 Ford Bronco Pickup

The first-generation Ford Bronco was a time of experimentation for Ford. Initially, the Bronco was designed as an all-purpose vehicle that could be sold in various body styles, including an SUV, a pickup truck, and others.

For instance, the Bronco Roadster didn’t have a roof or doors and could be customized to remove the windshield glass, which could even be folded down out of the way.

Not every version of the Bronco was successful, however. By 1967, Ford started to phase out the previous year’s Bronco pickup due to low sales. This process continued for a few years until 1971, which marked the final year for the Bronco pickup.

The 1967 Bronco pickup saw 2,602 units produced, and by 1971, that number had dropped to just 1,503 units. As a result, the 1971 model is considered the rarest of the Bronco pickup trucks.

In total, Ford made around 17,260 Bronco pickups. While the Bronco continued to be produced in its wagon and SUV versions until June 1996, it hasn’t been available as a pickup since 1971. Ford brought the Bronco back years later, but there has been no Bronco pickup produced since then.

2014 Ford F 150 Tremor
2014 Ford F-150 Tremor

2014 Ford F-150 Tremor

The 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor was a powerful truck for its time. Ford introduced the Tremor package in 2002 for the Ranger, and although it wasn’t anything extraordinary, the company reused the name for a special edition of the Ford F-150.

This version was essentially an FX2 trim of the Ford F-150, equipped with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, designed for high performance. It could reach 60 mph in just 6 seconds, which is impressive for a truck weighing over 5,000 pounds.

Despite its power, the Tremor didn’t gain as much popularity as Ford had hoped, and fewer than 2,500 units were produced. Due to this, Ford stopped using the Tremor name again until it was brought back for the 2020 model year, where it has remained a part of the F-150 lineup ever since.

The 2014 version of the Tremor is now considered a potential collector’s item, especially given that no model year of the Tremor was particularly popular.

Ford is sticking with the Tremor name for future models, and it’s even introducing the trim to other vehicles. The 2025 Ford Explorer will be the first non-truck to feature the Tremor trim. So, aside from the 2014 model, it seems the Tremor name will continue in Ford’s lineup.

2011 Ford F 150 Raptor Super Cab
2011 Ford F-150 Raptor Super Cab

2011 Ford F-150 Raptor Super Cab

The 2011 Ford F-150 Raptor Super Cab is rare in its own unique way. Ford has been producing the Raptor for many years, and each model year tends to be rare due to its high performance and enthusiast-focused design.

Raptors are made in smaller quantities, as they typically cost more than standard F-150 models. For instance, the 2025 Ford Raptor R starts at $112,725, which makes it unlikely to sell in large numbers at that price.

What makes the 2011 Ford F-150 Raptor Super Cab stand out is that it was the least popular variant of the Raptor in its model year. The X1R version of the Raptor sold 2,314 units, which is only a little over a quarter of the sales of the more popular W1R crew cab model.

There is some confusion about what to call it, with reviewers often mixing the Super Cab name with the SuperCrew name, even though Ford considered them two different products.

The 2012 Ford Raptor Super Cab was similarly rare, with 2,462 units sold. Both the 2011 and 2012 model years are prime examples of rare Ford trucks.

1992 Ford F 150 Nite Edition
1992 Ford F-150 Nite Edition

1992 Ford F-150 Nite Edition

The Ford F-150 Nite Edition was a special edition truck that Ford offered for just a couple of years, in 1991 and 1992. The Nite package was also available on the Ford Bronco, which by the early 1990s was strictly an SUV.

This package was a simple appearance upgrade, available only in black, with a blue and purple stripe and a Nite logo near the back of the bed. In 1991, the Nite trim was limited to the XLT Lariat model, but in 1992, it expanded to other trims and the Bronco, making the 1991 model the rarer version.

Unfortunately, exact production numbers from that time are mostly unknown, so the true number of Nite Editions made remains unclear. Estimates suggest around 1,949 units in total, which would make it one of the rarest Ford pickup trucks ever.

Few people have seen these trucks, and they rarely come up for sale, adding to their rarity. While it’s possible to recreate the truck using custom decals, it won’t be the same as the original. We may never know the true production number unless Ford releases that information.

2008 Ford F 150 Foose Edition
2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition

2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition

The 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition is a limited-edition truck that Ford only produced for one year. Designed by hot rod legend Chip Foose, the Foose Edition wasn’t just a cosmetic upgrade.

It came with a supercharged and intercooled 450-horsepower V8 engine that delivered 500 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful trucks on the market in 2008.

Unlike many other rare Ford trucks, we know exactly how many of these were made—only 500 units were produced. This limited production makes the Foose Edition a true rarity.

At the time of its release, it was the most powerful hot rod truck available, especially after Dodge pulled its 500-horsepower engine from the market that year. The truck was a fitting tribute to Foose, who was famous for his work on hot rods like the F-100, which he rebuilt to perform exceptionally well.

Ford had hoped their partnership with Foose would continue, but the 2008 F-150 Foose Edition was the only truck that made it to market. With just 500 units produced, it remains a highly sought-after collector’s item.

1987 Ford F 250 BigFoot Cruiser
1987 Ford F-250 BigFoot Cruiser

1987 Ford F-250 BigFoot Cruiser

The 1987 Ford F-250 BigFoot Cruiser brings us into the realm of extremely rare trucks. It was designed to resemble the original BigFoot monster truck, featuring massive 33-inch wheels and decals that gave it the look of a monster truck without actually being one. This design was a nod to the original BigFoot, which was modeled after a 1974 Ford F-250.

Unfortunately, the F-250 BigFoot Cruiser didn’t sell well, and only around 300 units were made, making it a rare find today. The exact number is unclear, as Ford issued a recall in October 1987 that affected 360 BigFoot F-150 and F-250 models, along with an additional 200 Ford Ranger BigFoots.

Ford also reported that 660 BigFoot trucks were still unsold, and dealerships were asked to replace affected parts. Because of these issues, no one is entirely sure how many F-250 BigFoot Cruisers were actually manufactured.

It’s also worth mentioning that the 200 Ford Ranger BigFoots are equally rare, and not many of those trucks can be found today. Ford discontinued the BigFoot series in the early 1990s, making these trucks even harder to find now.

Ford Durango
Ford Durango

Ford Durango

The Ford Durango is a rare and unusual truck. Despite the name being more commonly associated with Dodge, the Durango was Ford’s attempt at creating a truck that looked similar to the Chevy El Camino.

Produced between 1979 and 1982, it’s classified as a “utility coupe” instead of a traditional pickup truck, but it does have a truck bed, so we can consider it as one.

The Durango was meant to replace the Ford Ranchero, another car-truck hybrid that didn’t get enough recognition in its time. Unfortunately, the Durango didn’t succeed either.

Only 212 Ford Durangos were made, making it an extremely rare vehicle. These trucks were not directly built by Ford but were constructed by National Coach Works, who used fiberglass to convert stock Ford Fairmonts into these half-car, half-truck models under Ford’s guidance.

After a short production period, Ford decided to discontinue the project. Because of its rarity, the Ford Durango rarely appears for sale, and when it does, it often attracts a lot of attention.

As of now, there are no known Durangos for sale, but examples do show up every once in a while, usually hidden in a garage.

2016 Ford F 150 Tonka Edition
2016 Ford F 150 Tonka Edition

2016 Ford F-150 Tonka Edition

The 2016 Ford F-150 Tonka Edition is a rare limited-edition truck, known for its bold market yellow color. It was made in small numbers during the 2016 model year. Along with its striking appearance, it featured special body moldings, blacked-out wheels, dark-tinted windows, and a lifted suspension.

Ford had worked with Tonka for years, starting with an F-350 used at auto shows in 2002, but this was the first time a Tonka Edition made it to the public.

Ford initially planned to make 500 of these trucks, but the production number was reduced to just 200, and only around 128 were actually built. The truck was equipped with a powerful 700-horsepower V8 engine, designed by Shelby and featuring a Whipple supercharger.

This made the Tonka Edition not only visually striking but also incredibly fast. While Ford technically didn’t build the truck, it was still an officially branded limited edition.

With only 128 units made, it is one of the rarest trucks Ford has produced. These trucks are hard to find for sale, and they don’t appear often. They sold for around $98,000, which could explain why so few were produced.

1991 Ford Ranger SkyRanger
1991 Ford Ranger SkyRanger

1991 Ford Ranger SkyRanger

The 1991 Ford Ranger SkyRanger is one of the most unique and rare trucks ever built. Ford had the American Sunroof Company (ASC) modify the 1991 Ranger by cutting off its top and adding a convertible roof.

It was the first and only Ranger to ever be turned into a convertible, and it didn’t quite catch on with the public. The soft-top design made the truck feel less sturdy, which turned off many potential buyers.

Ford only made between 17 and 19 of these SkyRangers, depending on the source. Because of their extreme rarity, when one does come up for sale, it usually gets a lot of attention in the automotive world.

Despite its rarity, the SkyRanger is remembered for its unique look and is more suited for cruising than work. One of these trucks is often spotted in Austin, Texas, and gets shared widely on social media.

It’s unlikely Ford will ever create another truck like the SkyRanger, but given Ford’s history of creative designs, it’s not completely out of the question for the future. For now, fans can only admire the few that are still around in photos.

Ford Pickups Ever Built That Are Hard To Find">

By Ritik K

Ritik Katiyar is pursuing a post-graduate degree in Pharmaceutics. Currently, he lives in Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India. You can find him writing about all sorts of listicle topics.

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