Vehicle manufacturers occasionally produce what I call well-kept secrets. These are vehicles that don’t sell in significant numbers because the company doesn’t promote them heavily. The 1969 Ford Ranchero Rio Grande is a perfect example, as it barely rated a mention in the company’s printed market literature. As a result, only 816 of these classics ever left the factory. Our feature Ranchero is one of them, with its condition indicating that it has led a relatively sheltered life. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Ford listed here on eBay in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. The seller set their price at $31,900 with the option to make an offer.

Ford’s Fourth Generation Ranchero range had a brief production run, appearing on showroom floors in 1968 and 1969. This final-year example is 1-of-816 examples of the Rio Grande produced, and it is worth establishing what constituted the package. Ford based it loosely on the GT, though it was only available in three paint shades. Buyers could select Wimbledon White, Poppy Red, or the Calypso Coral gracing this classic’s exterior. A hood scoop and Black stripes were standard equipment, as were sports wheels with unique center caps, bed rails, and a vinyl top. This Ranchero retains those items, and its condition is extremely good for its age. The seller identifies a small area of developing rust in one lower rear quarter panel. Otherwise, the paint shines beautifully, the panels are straight, and the underside shots confirm that this classic is rock-solid. The vinyl top shows no signs of deterioration, and the bed appears to have a fresh coat of Black paint. Apart from splashing cash on a Marti Report, there is one clue that helps to identify the Rio Grande. Examining the Data Plate reveals that the Paint Code field is blank, as the paint shade is an integral part of the Special Order process. Therefore, if the Plate shows a paint code, that vehicle isn’t the real deal. However, this Ranchero ticks the right boxes, so there’s nothing to worry about.

Powering this Ranchero is a 351ci V8, which the first owner paired with a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. The Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 290hp and 385 ft/lbs for the V8, and, with the Ranchero a relative lightweight compared to the Sedan upon which it is based, performance was considered pretty impressive. However, the driver needs to tread lightly with their right foot on loose or slippery surfaces, because it’s easy to light up the rear tires due to the lack of weight over the rear end. Potential buyers can consider this Ford a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives well, with no mechanical issues identified.

The theme of “survivor-grade” presentation continues inside this Ranchero. Trimmed in Black vinyl, it features a bench seat, faux woodgrain accents, and an AM radio. A close-up shot reveals a pair of seam separations on the driver’s seat, but the remaining upholstered surfaces are in good order. The dashpad could be a highlight. These are incredibly prone to cracking, and reproduction pads aren’t available for under $850. This one is crack-free, and if I were to become the new owner, I would probably throw a mat cover over it to limit future UV exposure.

The Marti Report tells the story of the 1979 Ranchero Rio Grande, confirming that only 816 of these cars left the factory. This is the third that we have seen at Barn Finds, and it is the nicest of the trio to cross our desks. However, it needs to be to justify the BIN figure. Interestingly, although the Rio Grande is significantly rarer than the GT variant, there is little to separate the two when value is considered. Would the low production number be enough for you to consider pursuing this Ranchero Rio Grande further, or would you pay slightly less for a GT?