Ford Highboy Reborn: Coyote-Powered 1972 F250 Restomod

A classic American workhorse receives a modern heart transplant while maintaining its legendary stance and character

If you've ever seen a lifted classic Ford rumbling by and thought, "That's the one"—chances are it was a Highboy. 

This restomod takes that iconic style and gives it the modern guts to match.

What Is a Restomod, Anyway?

If you're new to classic trucks, you might be wondering what "restomod" means. It's pretty simple: a restomod is a classic vehicle that's been restored on the outside, but modernized under the hood and inside the cabin. 

Think vintage style with modern power, comfort, and reliability.

Unlike a pure restoration (which aims to return a vehicle to factory-original condition), restomods blend the best of both worlds. 

You get the iconic looks of a classic with the driving experience closer to a modern vehicle. For this 1972 F250 Highboy, that means you can enjoy its unmistakable vintage charm without dealing with the quirks, maintenance headaches, and performance limitations of 50-year-old technology.

🛠 Top 5 Things We Love About This Build

1. Gen 3 Coyote V8 with 460+ hp - Nearly triple the power of the original engine

2. Ford 10-speed auto - Smooth cruising, snappy acceleration when you need it

3. Relicate Caramel leather - Seriously, it's gorgeous and feels as good as it looks

4. Built to be driven, not trailered - This truck was made to hit the road

5. It's being given away 👀 - Yes, you could actually own this truck

Why People Love Highboys

There's something about the way a Highboy sits—tall, proud, unmistakably old-school—that makes people stare. It's not just a truck. It's a statement.

When Ford built these trucks from 1967 to 1977, they weren't thinking about creating an icon. They were building work vehicles with the stance they needed for serious off-road capability. 

But that extra height, combined with the clean, purposeful styling of the era, created a silhouette that still turns heads decades later.

Highboy owners talk about the feeling of sitting up high in the cab, the commanding view of the road, and the thumbs-up they get from other drivers. 

There's a sense of authenticity to these trucks that newer vehicles—despite all their technology—just can't replicate.

Where to Spot These Trucks in the Wild

Wondering where you might see a Ford Highboy in person? These trucks have dedicated followings in specific places:

• Mountain towns - Especially in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, where their 4×4 capability and rugged character fit the landscape

• Off-road events - From casual trail rides to organized events, Highboys still show up ready to work

• Cars & Coffee gatherings - Particularly at truck-friendly meetups, where they stand out among the usual muscle cars

• Classic Ford truck forums - Online communities like Ford-Trucks.com host regular member meetups

• Rural America - Some of these trucks never stopped working and are still handling farm and ranch duties daily

What Makes This Build Stand Out

While many restored Highboys exist, this particular 1972 F250 restomod features several elements that separate it from the pack:

• Coyote power - The modern 5.0 V8 provides the perfect balance of power, reliability, and parts availability

• Perfect color combo - Boxwood Green over Wimbledon White is both period-correct and striking

• Advanced drivetrain - The 10-speed automatic and Atlas transfer case represent significant upgrades over stock

• Premium interior materials - Relicate Caramel leather elevates the cabin experience without looking out of place

• Built to drive - Unlike museum pieces, this truck was created to be driven and enjoyed regularly

Modern Coyote V8: Triple the Original Horsepower

While the original Highboy came with several engine options (including the bulletproof 300 inline-6 and torquey 360 FE V8), this restomod takes performance to an entirely different level with Ford's modern 5.0 Coyote V8.

The Gen 3 Coyote engine produces over 460 horsepower - nearly triple the output of the original powerplants. 

This massive power upgrade transforms the driving experience from "capable truck" to "performance vehicle with truck capabilities."

Unlike the original engines that struggled with fuel economy in the 8-12 MPG range, the modern Coyote offers significantly improved efficiency while delivering more power. 

The electronic fuel injection provides reliable cold starts and consistent performance across all driving conditions.

Modern Drivetrain: Smooth Power Delivery

Backing the Coyote engine is Ford's sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission. This modern gearbox provides:

• Smoother acceleration through closely spaced gear ratios

• Better highway fuel economy with multiple overdrive gears

• Stronger towing capability with optimized gear spacing

• Reliability advantages over the original C6 or manual transmissions

The upgraded Atlas transfer case represents another significant improvement over the factory Dana 24. This modern unit provides quieter operation, greater strength, and improved shift quality while maintaining the divorced mounting position that defines a true Highboy.

Classic Aesthetics with Subtle Upgrades

The Boxwood Green over Wimbledon White paint scheme perfectly captures the era-appropriate color palette while giving this truck a distinctive appearance. 

Unlike modern trucks with their aggressive styling and chrome-heavy treatments, this Highboy presents a clean, purposeful design that's aged remarkably well.

Factory-style rims and original side trim maintain period-correct aesthetics, while upgrades like custom marker lights add subtle modern touches without compromising the vintage character.

Modern Comfort in a Vintage Package

Step inside, and you're greeted not by the spartan interior of a 1970s work truck but by a thoughtfully upgraded cabin featuring:

• Relicate Caramel leather seating surfaces that blend vintage styling with modern comfort

• A restomod air conditioning system that performs like modern vehicles

• Custom stereo providing entertainment options original owners could only dream about

• Modern insulation and sealing for a quieter, more comfortable ride

These interior upgrades transform what was originally a utilitarian work vehicle into a comfortable cruiser without sacrificing its classic appeal.

Practicality Meets Performance

The bed features a modern Bullet liner coating, providing durability advantages the original steel bed could never match. The stainless 23-gallon fuel tank extends range substantially over the factory 16-gallon capacity, making longer trips practical even with a thirsty V8.

The Real-World Experience

Behind the wheel, this Highboy delivers a transformed driving experience compared to the original. 

While vintage trucks are often characterized by vague steering, sloppy handling, and limited braking capacity, this restomod delivers confident handling and predictable braking that approaches modern truck standards.

The Coyote V8's power delivery is immediate and linear - a stark contrast to the original engines' delayed response and limited power band. 

On the highway, the 10-speed automatic's multiple overdrive gears keep the engine turning at efficient RPMs, improving both fuel economy and reducing cabin noise.

Why This Matters: The Highboy Legacy

The Ford Highboy represents a pivotal moment in truck evolution - when 4x4s began transitioning from purely utilitarian farm implements to lifestyle vehicles. 

Their distinctive stance, proven reliability, and unmistakable presence have made them increasingly sought-after classics.

This particular 1972 F250 Highboy restomod strikes a perfect balance – honoring the truck's roots while adding modern muscle in a classic frame.

Unlike pristine museum pieces, this Highboy was built to be driven and enjoyed - a rolling testament to American automotive history that keeps its old-school feel while packing modern performance.

Original vs. Restomod: What's Changed?

This side-by-side comparison shows just how far truck technology has come since 1972, while highlighting the thoughtful upgrades that make this particular F250 Highboy restomod the best of both worlds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this 1972 Ford Highboy different from other restomods?

This particular build represents a thoughtful balance between modernization and preservation. Unlike some restomod projects that completely transform the vehicle's identity, this build maintains the iconic Highboy stance and visual character while strategically upgrading key systems for improved performance, comfort, and reliability.

How much would a similar Highboy restomod project cost?

Building a comparable restomod Highboy typically ranges from $80,000-$150,000 depending on the quality of components, level of customization, and labor costs. Original, unrestored Highboys in good condition typically start around $25,000-$35,000 before modifications.

Is the Coyote engine swap difficult in a Highboy?

While not a simple weekend project, the Coyote swap has become increasingly accessible thanks to purpose-built conversion kits. 

The installation requires modifications to the engine bay, custom exhaust fabrication, and electrical integration, but yields tremendous performance benefits.

How rare are original Ford Highboys?

While Ford didn't track Highboy production separately from other F-250 4x4s, they represent a relatively small percentage of total F-Series production from 1967-1977.5. 

Finding original, unmodified examples in good condition has become increasingly difficult, contributing to their rising values among collectors.

Can you daily drive a Coyote-powered Highboy?

Absolutely. Unlike stock Highboys that often delivered 8-12 MPG with limited comfort features, this restomod offers significantly improved fuel economy, reliable climate control, and modern reliability that makes daily driving practical and enjoyable.

What should buyers look for when considering a Highboy project?

The most important factors are frame integrity (particularly around mount points), body condition (especially cab corners, floors, and bed), and whether it's a true Highboy with the divorced transfer case. 

Many trucks have been modified over the years, so verification of authentic Highboy status is essential before making a significant investment.

What Would You Do With Your Highboy?

If you're a truck fan, we'd love to hear what you'd do with your own Highboy project. Would you go full restomod like this one? 

Keep it bone stock? Or land somewhere in between with a few key upgrades? 

Drop a comment with your dream Highboy build!

Vehicle for Good: Changing Lives One Vehicle at a Time

At Vehicle for Good, we're not just about incredible vehicles – we're about making a difference. Every few months, we give away a new car or truck like this meticulously restored classic to support worthy causes.

Our mission is simple: connect passionate vehicle enthusiasts with iconic rides while generating funds for important charitable work. 

Each giveaway supports different organizations making real impacts in their communities.

Past giveaways have included everything from classic muscle cars to vintage 4x4s, all restored to exceptional standards. Want to see what vehicle we're currently featuring? 

Visit our VehicleforGood.com to check out our latest giveaway and learn how you can participate.

Whether you're wondering about Coyote swap F250 projects, searching for a 1972 Highboy restomod for sale, or simply curious if a 1972 Ford Highboy is worth restoring (spoiler: absolutely), Vehicle for Good brings these dream builds to life – and gives you a chance to own them.