While Ford produced 24,946 examples of the Ranchero during the 1971 model year, only around 10% of those classics were the Squire derivative. That already makes our feature vehicle a relatively rare classic. While only forty-nine Squires rolled off the line with the 429 Cobra Jet/automatic transmission combination, the owner claims this is the only example with that drivetrain and this paint shade. This classic is a solid vehicle that is a prime candidate for restoration. It is structurally sound and would make a great project to tackle in a home workshop. Located in Hooper, Nebraska, you will find the Ranchero listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has hit $6,400, but this figure remains short of the reserve.
In its glory days, this Ranchero must have been a stunning vehicle. These light pickups perfectly combine comfort and practicality, and this one rolled off the line wearing Dark Green Metallic paint. Much of this has made way for surface corrosion, but exterior penetrating rust is limited to the rockers and lower rear fenders. The remaining panels look clean and sound, while the underside features some penetrating rust in the left rear floor and the bottom of the radiator support. The rails and torque boxes are good, suggesting that addressing the rust issues should be straightforward. Its drivetrain makes this Pickup a rare beast, but the owner claims that when combined with the paint color, the Marti Report indicates that this is a genuine 1-of-1 vehicle. As a starting point for a restoration, this relatively solid Ranchero shows promise. The vinyl faux woodgrain has badly deteriorated, but kits are available for around $400 to address this issue. The edge trims for the woodgrain look pretty good, with no significant flaws or cracks. Most of the exterior trim appears restorable, while the tinted glass is virtually flawless. Even though returning the exterior to its former glory would seem the obvious path, it should be up to the task if a buyer wanted to continue driving this as an unrestored survivor.
This underside shot is indicative of how solid this Ranchero is. The surface corrosion is relatively minor, and the penetrating rust is minimal. The seller supplies no interior photos and little information about its condition. We know that the original owner ordered it trimmed in green vinyl and equipped the car with air conditioning and an AM radio. It seems that the compressor for the A/C has been removed from the engine bay, but the rest of the system is complete. It isn’t clear whether the upholstery is in good condition or whether the crack-prone dash pad has survived intact. These items will require an in-person inspection to confirm that they are okay.
When we lift the hood, we discover why this Ranchero should have enough power to satisfy most enthusiasts. The space is occupied by a 429 Cobra Jet V8 that should be pumping out an impressive 370hp and 450 ft/lbs of torque. That power finds its way to the 9″ rear end via a three-speed C6 automatic transmission. The original owner also ticked the boxes beside power steering and power front disc brakes on the Order Form. This is a potent package and should be capable of devouring the ¼ mile in 14.9 seconds in its prime. The owner says this classic runs and drives, but it is not roadworthy. The impression he gives is that it needs a thorough mechanical inspection, but returning it to its rightful place on our roads should not be a difficult or expensive task. Getting it to that point sounds like a wonderful way to fill in some spare time during the colder winter months.
For potential buyers seeking a vehicle that combines stunning performance with practicality, this 1971 Ford Ranchero Squire has to be a strong contender. With so much power on tap, it is a classic that should offer enough performance to satisfy the most hardened enthusiast. Its overall solid nature makes it appear to be an excellent option for anyone considering a “hands-on” project build. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the bidding reach $15,000 before the hammer falls. Fully restored, its value could nudge beyond $30,000. Is that enough to tempt you to pursue this one further?
Real sleeper back in the day, don’t think will be an easy project, but should be quite a head turner with the hood open.
We had one in our town back in the 80’s, Super CobraJet drag pack four speed shaker hood car. The motor was breathed on some and it would fly. Had concrete bags in the floor and hardened pieces in the tailgate. I didn’t realize how rare it was until I saw the Marti report, one of five with a 4 speed.
The rear shackle picture tells a story of you better pay attention to this car. The long bolt shackle extensions. What was that guy thinking when he cut the shackle from the frame.
Seriously, those bolts look scary. Those welds give way and that thing is heading for a guardrail fast. I had shackles on my 68 Fairlane but at least they were through-frame bolted.
I am curious what these shackle things are. Is this in photo 23? What is the problem, and why would someone do this?
BITD, guys who were to poor or too cheap to buy Gabriel Hijackers would put extended shackles on their cars to create some rake, and enough room for some L-60x15s.
But they were sneered at as “cob-job” mechanics. Helper springs were used as well. I’ve never seen anything as pathetic as this set up before! And the car still sits level.
Thank you, this is such a great community. I love cars and really enjoy learning about them. It sounds like their ingenuity was far ahead of their common sense.
Nice lines on this ranchero.
Big block and auto make this a tough match-up at the dragstrip.
1of1 cuz of rusted paint…the whole car is shot, the rear end is one launch from falling out….parts at best
The cost of options was almost half of the base price. Wow. Kudos to the original owner. These are the options I would picked (sans the faux wood grain) if I could turn back time and visit my local Ford dealer.
Torino Rancheros are my favorite. I’ve heard of some that were produced as dealer only vehicles for sales purposes. This 429 Cobra Jet option is impressive but as some have pointed out, someone has monkeyed around with the rear end shackles. That’s downright dangerous with this size engine. Be one of the first things I addressed. Great find
At least there are honest photos.
$8700 bucks and reserve still not hit. I guess someone else gets to tackle this $5k would have been my max, but I would have just gotten it road worthy then drove it not restored it.
Buy this and you’ll be underwater…but at least the wood panels will already look ‘mossy green’.
A BARGAIN at $10K is goes that LOW!
Taking a really close look at the pictures, at least the seller isn’t hiding anything. Its been in an accident in the left front where the frame was not fully repaired. There is more than just “patina” rust in many places. It was an AC car but compressor and brackets are gone. There were two different 429cid in the Ranchero in ’71, a “C” code which is what the vin says with 370hp and a “J” code with 375hp, if memory serves correct. The 375hp version was the rare one with the shaker intake like the Mustang. Currently it is a $9600 bid and if you’ve got the hankering to put $30K into it after winning the bid you’d still have a $25k to $30K Ranchero.
Are you sure that area you reference as “Damage” may be the old make it easy to grease the suspension bushings trick. That trick was to blow torch a hole in the shock tower to make it easy to git your grease gun on the bushing grease nipple.
You see that all the time on early Mustangs.
Not that I couldn’t look it up but I’m curious how many Rancheros in general came equipped with the hostile version of the 429. Not many I bet. A one time El Camino hunter no doubt.
good project for the right price and you have knowledge and skills. Not just parts!!!,that’s just silly….. but whatever. Only worth $ 8500 tops….if reserve at 10G or Higher??….too much! But if someone willing to pay it…more power to seller!! GLWTS.
Looks like it may have sold for $12k and some change which is an OK price for this Ranchero. At least the seller did his due diligence with good honest photos.