Some enthusiasts are more passionate than others and will accumulate a vast collection of classics, planning to transform each into something genuinely special. Time can work against them, and they may choose to send these unfinished projects to a new home and a buyer willing and able to see the work through to completion. Such is the case with this 1958 Ford Ranchero. It is part of a vast collection that is listed for sale exclusively at Barn Finds Auctions. It needs love but is a complete classic with a healthy drivetrain.
The owner is a great fan of the styling Ford employed in its 1958 model range, which explains why it is heavily represented in this collection. The Ranchero rolled off the line dressed in Azure Blue and Colonial White and retains those shades. It looks pretty tired, and the winning bidder faces a total restoration to reclaim this classic’s lost youth. The owner is candid about the vehicle’s condition, indicating it has significant rust issues. They are visible in areas like the headlamp eyebrows, although plenty underneath requires attention. However, the seller has much of the needed metal to restore it, but if you end up missing something or want to purchase freshly stamped pieces, replacement steel is plentiful and highly affordable. The upper front fender sections sell for around $170 each, while a complete front floorplan will lighten the buyer’s wallet by $200. A frame-off approach would seem the best option, allowing the buyer to complete their work to a high standard. Most trim pieces are in good order and would respond positively to some work with a high-quality polish. The glass looks excellent, with no cracks or other problems.
This Ranchero has a couple of aces up its sleeve, and its interior condition is the first. The factory radio is missing, but it is otherwise complete. The upholstered surfaces, like the seat, are in good order, and I believe they could sparkle following a deep clean. The steering wheel has cracked, but restoration kits using an epoxy base retail for under $50. The painted surfaces require a refresh, but if the winning bidder pursues a frame-off restoration, that will add little to the cost of the build.
Buyers considering a faithful restoration will be pleased to learn this Ranchero retains its original drivetrain. The engine bay houses a 352ci V8 which sends 300hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. That may not sound like a recipe for excitement, but it is worth noting that the Ranchero’s curb weight is under 3,700 lbs. That means it could scorch the ¼-mile in about 16 seconds without anything in the bed. If the news that the vehicle retains its original drivetrain is positive, the fact the engine and transmission are healthy will help its cause. The engine runs perfectly, with no smoke or odd noises. There is no fuel tank, but that is a minor consideration in a build of this type. A competent person in a home workshop could undertake most of the tasks required to return this Ford to a mechanically roadworthy state.
The Ford Ranchero emerged with a flourish in 1957, allowing Ford to find homes for 21,696 vehicles. The total fell off a cliff in 1958, with only 9,950 buyers handing over their cash to own one. The figure represents a fall of nearly 55%. That makes this classic relatively rare, increasing the attraction for some Blue-Oval enthusiasts. It would best suit someone with well-developed welding skills willing to be hands-on in the build. If you fit the description and are searching for the right project candidate, submit a bid so this Ford can be parked in your workshop. And also, stay tuned for more cars from this collection!
- Location: East Point, Georgia
- Mileage: TMU
- Engine: 352ci V8
- Transmission: 3-Speed Manual With Overdrive
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
- Mo bid $1,501.00 2023-06-23 10:34:19
- Porkcho bid $1,100.00 2023-06-20 13:27:00
- Crazy bid $1,000.00 2023-06-20 12:43:45
- Steve0127 bid $700.00 2023-06-20 11:24:22
- Crazy bid $200.00 2023-06-20 09:28:11
So, if it’s listed no reserve, why does it read reserve not met under the current bid price???? These are cool cars to be sure and the 352 is no slouch, 3 on the tree with a cable pull overdrive should help get it past at least some gas stations. Terrible rusters though, good idea to do an in person inspection before getting crazy with the bids.
Has anyone ever seen a 58 rancheros with the taillights same as a 58 coupe or wagon etc ? I have.. Told they were rare. Or were they someone’s custom job? The one I saw yrs. Ago sure looked real and the guy said it was and was rare. Or a great custom. Can anyone correct me. I like these and would love to add one to my collection. Thanks.
all 1958 rancho have the 1957 taillights if you saw one with 1958 taillights someone replaced the tailgate with one from a 1958 station wagon
They replaced more than just the tailgate, the whole back end was different between a 57 and 58 wagon
This 58 needs a ton of work. I bet the owner probably paid around 250.00 back then. Your gona make a good profit, sell it.
not really 57 58 had same back end except for tail lights on the sadans
Never was a fan of this year Ford. One thing I find curious though is the statement that nosy parts are plentiful for this car. I mean , we’re not talking a Mustang here or Thunderbird. Who carries these parts? The implication was that they were NOS, or did I miss something?
There’s aftermarket and reproduction suppliers for all 50s Fords.
Because it was the same platform as the wagon and ANY other Galaxies 58/59 the noise is more likely the false floor that actually comes up and you can use it for storage 😎😎😎
Would it be possible to get photos of the condition of the bed area without all those plastic pieces in there?
Unfortunately, the seller had to go out of town, but as soon as he gets back we will have him take more photos of the bed. In the meantime, we will go through the photos the photographer sent us to see if happen to have any photos of the bed that got mixed in with the other vehicles (we have about 500 photos from this collection, so it’s possible).
Thank you for your response.
My dad bought a new 58 , I had a used 59, and a new 67 .I like the drive train set up. However the 1st gear in the 3 spd goes out .
I currently own my father’s 57 Ranchero Gasser. It has not had an engine or transmission since the early 70’s. It is very rusty and in need of much sheet metal. I am always looking for donor vehicles. However, like you said, this one is getting too pricey for a donor car.
That bid is super duper out of this world
My Dad was killed in a 1965 Ranchero, that he had modified with an under the dash air conditioner and a full Mustang K code Ho-Po transition including the hi-rise aluminum intake, Holley 715-cfm carb, Tri-Y headers and voila, you’ve gone from an advertised 271 horsepower right up to 306. Weighing about 3,500 lb it was impossible to get it to hook up with stock wheels and tires.
It is important to his legacy to point out someone else was driving.
Looks like (Mo) is bidding against him or her self?
Mo is hunting for the reserve price?
the 57 and 58 wagons did not have same back and fins as the Fairlane 500 they had the smaller fins of the custom 300