The seller is listing this 1974 Ford Ranchero GT low enough to hopefully save it from the crusher, at $1,000. Looking at this first photo, there’s a lot more than a grand worth of parts on this car, even if the whole carcass can’t be saved, and I’m hoping it can be. The seller has it posted here on craigslist in Renton, Washington. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Scott for the tip!
Did I mention this car has a huge 460 V8 under that perfect-looking hood? $1,000? This one can’t last long at a grand, the wheels alone are worth a few hundred, but I hope it can somehow be saved and brought back to like-new condition rather than parted out. With that monster engine lurking under the hood (which, of course, can be tweaked for more power), this is a no-brainer.
Ford offered the sixth-generation Ranchero from 1972 through 1976, and I’ve mentioned before that the ’73-’76, wide, post-Starsky-and-Hutch era Torino-based Ranchero has my favorite grille. I was never a fan of the tiny mouth/grille on the early sixth-gen cars for some reason. The seller says this car is 90+% original, and around 850 of them were made with these options. I believe it. I’m assuming the parts in the bed go with the sale, but there’s no mention of it in the listing.
The interior should be a straightforward and relatively simple restoration project, but you’ll want to tackle the body rust first. They mention both doors have some rust on the bottom edges, and there’s some rust on the quarter panels. I sure don’t see anything even remotely scary on this car, having grown up in Minnesota with rusty vehicles my whole life. This one is ready for Pebble Beach compared to the rusty junkers we had for decades. No wonder I’m depressed all the time. Replacement metal shouldn’t be hard to find, or just cut and bend sheet metal yourself as we did back in the stone age. This car has the optional sport dash with extra gauges, and that’s a nice feature.
This monster is Ford’s 460-cu.in. OHV V8, which by 1974 had around 200 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque when it was last driven, which was several years ago. It’s sent through an automatic to the rear wheels, and this Ranchero GT has been sitting outside for a while. It isn’t currently in running condition, but I have a feeling that someone will save this once very nice Ranchero GT. I’d do a full factory-correct restoration; how would you bring this one back to life?
If there was a like button, I would press it one thousand times. These are a blast to drive and it takes effort not to spin the rear wheels every time you accelerate.
If there was a like button, I would press it one thousand times. These are a blast to drive and it takes effort not to spin the rear wheels every time you accelerate.
Seattle / Vancouver west coast cars that sit, guaranteed mold everywhere on the inside. Love the 460 motor in any vehicle. 👍
Good write-up Scotty. We often complain about the “entry” cost of a potential project. Well, here is something for which this cost is negligible. Never will be a high-end collectible, but it does have some appeal. Maybe would be worth the money/effort to get it mechanically sound, attack the rust, and to rework the interior (the optional gauge package is cool). You might end up with something fun to make the Home Depot runs.
And to top it off, it’s brown…
I have cleaned up, fixed up three of these Rancheros. The Wimbledon white one had a cast iron cruiseomatic. That was a nuisance. Not sure you would find one now if that’s what it has and what it needs. These things are handy to have around. They clean up good. The parts alone are worth the price.
Scotty, I am frightened of the non-stock green additions to the interior. The exterior looks acceptable, otherwise. That 460 needs to sing once again! And like Bob says, it’s brown!
I haven’t seen a $1000 big block project car this complete for years. Either restore it or find a rust free body to use.
I’m in Winston Salem NC, will you deliver? I’m sure there would be a fee.
Assuming that your comment is serious:
From West to East coast, expect about 2K in shipping fees.
Not to mention the loading charge.
1974…the year of high school graduation. I also look pretty good on the outside but needed work last year on the inside. It kept me running. Love this truck! Agree with y’all that the 460 needs to be heard again. Fix it up as you go. It’ll never be a car show standout but who cares? Scotty, you always have the best write ups btw!
It’ll be good enough for cars and coffee, AND you can haul that nasty ole couch to the dump in it..
I’ll say one thing:
The seller of this 1K car put a lot more effort in their C.L. ad than the seller of the 22K Camaro.
I bought this car …big project just to get running….all the linkages were rusted solid….extreme rust thruout….does now run and move tho….needs everything.. will never be the great car it once was….most parts are unobtainium…I love it
This rancho is now running reliably with new tires and brakes…will tackle the oil leaks from engine, trans , and diff this winter….The more we drive it the better it runs…She’s a lot of work but worth it…..