I know, 1974 wasn’t the best year for cars. Emission regulations were really starting to take hold and crash standards were mandating uglier bumpers, but there is still something appealing about this ’74 Ranchero. I’m not sure if it’s the condition, the looks, or the fact that it’s powered by a 302 V8, but for some reason I think this would make the perfect junk and parts hauler. It has some issues, but the seller claims it runs and drives. If the A/C works, it would even make for a nice daily driver. With a few engine upgrades some of the detuning could be undone and give this Ranchero some added pep. And with an asking price of just $2,900 I don’t really see how you could go wrong! Find this truck here on craigslist in Louisville, Illinois! Special thanks to Robert R for another great tip!
I’m with you, Josh. This would make a nifty parts hauler, even if you left the engine in its current wheezy emission-controlled state. I could even live with the tatty interior, for which accessory seat covers would make a world of difference.
The only thing that bothers me is the seller’s statement that it has “some” rust. The photos, taken in the shade, don’t give any clues. An in-person inspection would be essential.
I don’t know what the collector interest in these late Rancheros might be, but I would think it’s worth the asking price just for parts. Hope that’s not how it ends up….
Unless there was structural rust, I think this is a decent deal for the vehicle and like you say, a great parts hauler.
Maybe its the color. Something comforting about that old school brown and those plaid seats. Maybe it just looks like grandpa used to look :)
Id say the ad is a bit sparse on details though. He started it with “More than a car, more than a truck!” but anyone who has owned one would probably have said “Not quite a car, but less than a pickup at the pumps”
The claims of rust without visual proof is a bit disheartening however it seems like a great deal for a run about.
If it was local I’d be all over it.
how many miles on this? body on frame design but still need to know more about the rust. if that issue can be resloved then i too think this is a driver. might be a great way into the hobby. great find.
My neighbor who was 78 at the time had a 70 Ranchero with a 351W, we used that thing for hauling anything and everything. He finally sold it last year because the rear spring hangers were starting to break away from the frame. Plus he was starting to get Dementia and his kids wouldn’t let him drive anymore. If frame rust is not the issue I would think this is a decent price for a parts hauler.
Being a ’74, its smog exempt making it a perfect car to modify. I dig the Torino front end, and it even looks better on the Torino You guys are all echoing my thoughts – if this was much closer, I would at least drive down to check it out. very, very tempting…
My dad had a 1975 Ranchero GT with the 460 and an automatic. It was blue with a white stripe on the rear fender and was lowered in the front so much that you could knock over a pack of cigarettes on it’s side. The back was jacked up with air-shocks,and a set of Cragers and had dual exhaust. For all that coolness he had a topper on it because he was in construction. I remember one story: We lived in Minneapolis and had a small chain link fence between the back yard and driveway. One 4th of July a friend brought over some fireworks and one was a large rocket. We lit that one and it went up a little but then went straight at the Ranchero. The rocket wedged into the fence and then blew up! I will never forget my fathers face!