1981 Ford F-150: trims, real prices & how to pick yours

126 builds left the factory as a 1981 F-150, each a different combination of engine, transmission and body identified by the first eight characters of its VIN. The 3 main configurations sell for $3,000–$13,900 today. Page 3 of 3.

  • 3 main configurations
  • 2,121 vehicles built
  • 29 for sale right now
  • $3,000–$13,900 typical price range

Which F-150 is yours?

Enter a VIN — the 17 characters on the windshield or the title — and we’ll match it to its exact factory configuration, typical price and equipment.

Works with any VIN — a different year or model takes you straight to its own page.

Pick your F-150

Safety, in plain English

What 1FTDF15E-B means

1FT DF15E · B
1FT
the World Manufacturer Identifier Ford registered — assembled in the United States
DF15E
together encode the F-150 line — Pickup, 4.9L 6cyl — as Ford filed it, these five characters are read as one block, not letter by letter
B
in position 10 — model year 1981
9, 11–17
differ on every car: check digit, plant code and the serial number
29 rare configurations — mostly fleet, export or irregular VIN patterns. Fewer than 20 known vehicles each.

Already looking at a specific F-150?

Paste its VIN — we’ll open that exact car’s page: its configuration, market position and every listing we’ve tracked.