The Ranchero, Ford’s “Ute” (utility coupe), went through three phases. From 1957 to 1959, it was a full-sized, wagon-based pickup. In 1960 to 1965, it was a compact truck (on the Falcon platform). And from 1966 to 1979, when it was retired, it was an intermediate. The seller has a first-generation Ranchero (1963) that has some upgrades, like a 4-speed and fuzzy bucket seats. A driver at this point, the little Ford, is available in Spokane, Washington, and here on craigslist for $5,950. Credit goes to Barn Finder Kendra for this tip.
Between 1961 and 1963, the Ranchero had no competition. Chevrolet’s El Camino, which was launched in 1959-60, took a three-year break before returning in 1964. The lack of competition did not help with sales, which dropped slightly to 18,500 units in 1963. Rancheros could only be had with inline-6 engines, which in 1963 topped out at 170 cubic inches. Which means the 200 CI in the seller’s car should be from 1964 or later. Also, a 3-speed manual transmission was the primary choice, so the seller’s T-10 4-speed came later.
We’re told this truck is not a show car, though the paint, interior, and drivetrain all saw changes over the years. It looks good at 20 feet and runs nicely, so it should still attract attention at Cars & Coffee. The body has a few “humps and bumps,” and the green paint was not a quality job. Should you want to improve the pickup’s lot in life, the seller has a rough parts car that can be had for $200 extra.
The new parts list is long and surely accounts for much of the asking price, which doesn’t sound unreasonable. They include new tires, brakes, clutch, timing chain, water pump, alternator, and much of the interior. The choice of seats aren’t ones I would have picked, yet somehow seem to work with how the Ranchero has turned out. If you’re looking for a Falcon pickup and just want a driver, this one could work.
This car falls into that category of not being changed enough to be considered a restored, but being changed enough to ruin its value as a classic.