351 and a Manual: 1969 Ford Ranchero

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The Ford Ranchero has the kind of shape that naturally attracts attention from enthusiasts, and this 1969 Ford Ranchero currently offered on eBay has a particularly appealing ingredient under the hood: a 351 V8. Better yet for drivers who prefer to choose their own gears, it’s paired with a manual transmission.

The eBay listing is fairly light on details, so there’s no lengthy restoration story or ownership history to unpack. What the seller does provide is a straightforward set of specifications. The Ranchero is finished in white with a black interior, has a clean title, and shows 63,000 miles.

Since the seller doesn’t specifically describe those 63,000 miles as original or verified, it’s best to treat that simply as the mileage displayed in the listing. There’s also no information provided about the Ranchero’s mechanical history or any previous engine work.

Under the hood is where things get interesting. The seller lists the engine simply as a 351, without specifying which version of Ford’s 351 V8 is installed or providing any additional specifications. Rather than guessing based on the model year, that’s something a prospective buyer should confirm directly with the seller.

The transmission is similarly described only as a manual, with no information about the number of gears or whether it is original to the vehicle. Even with those details left unanswered, a V8 and manual gearbox make for a combination that’s likely to catch the eye of anyone browsing for a classic Ford they can actively enjoy from behind the wheel.

 

There are plenty of questions worth asking before bidding. The listing doesn’t describe the condition of the body, paint, interior, chassis, drivetrain, or cargo bed. It also doesn’t say whether the Ranchero currently runs and drives, so those details shouldn’t be assumed from the specifications alone.

Still, the information that is provided makes this an interesting starting point: 1969 Ford Ranchero, 351 V8, manual transmission, white over black, 63,000 miles displayed, and a clean title. Sometimes those basic ingredients are enough to make an enthusiast stop scrolling.

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Comments

  1. Steve R

    I remember when Hot Rod ran a few articles/stories with this car, if real, it’s surprising the seller didn’t put some effort detailing the cars history into their ad.

    Steve R

    Like 14
    • PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

      I agree – one of the worst description ever – super lazy seller:

      “Item description from the seller:
      1969 Ranchero X, Hot Rod Magazine race car competed in the Baja 1000
      You decide”

      Hopefully no one “decides” to bid.

      Like 5
  2. ThunderRob

    It’s not the Hot Rod Ranchero,that was a 1968..But it’s a cool tribute to it.

    Like 12
    • MrB

      That’s what I remember, mainly because my brother had a 68 Torino GT. I agree that it’s a cool tribute, but too many unanswered questions for me.

      Like 7
    • david davidMember

      Yes indeed, cool tribute. Here’s a link to the real one currently in a museum. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/y2CtrNOEVJ8

      Like 3
    • JagManBill

      I seem to remember that one (the 68) was stolen and has never been seen since

      Like 3
    • 19sixty5Member

      The real Roadkill Ranchero is in a museum in Montana.

      Like 3
  3. Pinto

    F 150 makes more sense. Like the trans and engine, sure, but needs to be in a Torino. Never practical as a truck or a car, be it this or the Chevy/GMC version. And while on the topic, trucks should never be performance oriented, just don’t balance or handle well. Power needs to be in the right platform.

    Like 6
    • Bunky

      Then I guess this is not for you. I previously owned a ‘70 Ranchero with a 351C/auto. It performed and handled just fine, thank you.

      Like 4
  4. Jay Bach

    Based on the thermostat housing location, it’s a 351 Cleveland

    Like 16
    • Paul

      With my best Ed McMahan imitation, you are correct sir.

      Like 1
    • William HallMember

      Wrong year for Clevland they didn’t come 70. I had a 73 Ranchero with a Clevland totally different engine than this.

      Like 1
  5. nick

    Looks like the “Raunchero” from one of the first Roadkill episodes.

    Like 2
  6. suprarossa

    If it’s the real one from Roadkill, check for dog barf ;)

    Like 3
  7. BrockyMember

    As Pinto said these vehicles are not practical as a truck. This replica, with some TLC, can give the buyer a handy vehicle which he can also show..

    Like 3
  8. RDRNRWELD

    This looks like the one that Freiburger and Finnigan from “Roadkill” built on their show to resemble the original. They drove it to Alaska once on the show. Not saying this is it but sure looks like it.

    Like 5
    • old rodderMember

      I could be wrong, but I thought that the truck on that episode was the original. Why would they donate a copy to an automotive museum?

      Like 3
      • RDRNRWELD

        I honestly don’t remember. I’d have to go re-watch the episode. You might be right

        Like 3
  9. old rodderMember

    If this is a clone, it’s a pretty damn good one, and I’m surprised that Elizabeth didn’t point that out.

    Like 3
  10. Dave in PA

    Most looks okay except for that unfortunate interior photo. I would feel self conscious driving it around with the lettering looking as it does but I’m sure others would be fine.

    Like 3
  11. al

    bought a new one in 1968 torino gt fastback 390 4 speed loved that car

    Like 4
  12. BA

    Yes a Cleveland with manual was a hot ticket back in the day

    Like 2
  13. t-bone bobMember

    Not bad. But, I could do without the decals

    Like 2
  14. PaulG

    Poor write up when you don’t even talk about the obvious paint scheme.
    I had to learn about it from the comments.

    Like 1
  15. t-bone bobMember

    Bidding ended on Sat, Sep 26 at 10:44 AM.
    US $5,100.00
    18 bids
    Reserve not met

    Like 0

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