An XLT Spot

Fords First Diesel V8!

Truck: Ford F-250 XLT Lariat

Year: 1984-86

Where: Marion County, FL

Spotted in a parking lot, this cool 'bullnose' truck is part of the seventh generation of the Ford F-Series. This XLT Lariat is a 'top of the line' model, which offered plush carpets and car-like features. Ford first introduced the Diesel light trucks in late 1982, as a result of the tripled gas prices that shocked the country. Diesels high fuel economy and low prices were attractive, especially in the truck world where fuel economy was not the best!

Ford and International Harvester teamed up in the early 80's to develop the new diesel V8, and International signed up to a $500-million agreement to develop an engine for Fords light and medium duty trucks.