Our friend and fellow writer and editor, Jamie Palmer, just showed us a Ranchero Rio Grande a few days ago, so it may not seem like they’re really as rare as they are. But, that’s like saying (insert example of rare thing here that’s supposed to relate back to how rare the Ranchero Rio Grande really is). So, let’s check out another 1969 Ford Ranchero Rio Grande posted here on craigslist in beautiful Bozeman, Montana. The seller is asking $6,000 or best offer for this super solid-looking car. Thanks to Ikey H. for sending in this tip!
For the record, I’m getting $1.75 every time I use the word rare, so let’s check out this rare, rare Ranchero! I’m kidding, of course, but it is really rare. Ford only made around 400 of these, or 900 of these, depending on which source a person believes, as Jamie also says. The seller says that 378 in this Calypso Red color were made so I would tend to veer towards the 900ish end of production numbers.
This car looks great to me. In these first three photos I don’t really even see any flaws at all, do you? They mention some rust in the bottoms of the quarters and one dent in the driver’s side of the bed, which is painted black on the Rio Grande edition Ranchero. To paraphrase Paul Harvey’s from the what it’s worth department (74% of the readers just wondered, who the heck is Paul Harvey?!), Hagerty lists the value of a regular 1969 Ranchero with a 302 V8 in #3 good condition as being worth $10,600. This could be a good buy, maybe a very good buy as a #2 excellent condition model is $17,000 and that isn’t for a rare (cha-ching) Rio Grande edition. Comprende?
There appears to be some rust in this photo on the driver’s side floor. I would have expected to see carpet in what was the top-of-the-line Ranchero for 1969. This car looks like it has the same rubber flooring that our 1969 Ford F-250 Ranger Camper-Special pickup had. This Ranchero is also an automatic and I don’t know the breakdown for manual transmissions compared to automatics in this model. The seller says that the driver’s side window needs to be replaced so add that to the list, but still, this is a potential bargain.
I already mentioned that it has a 302 cubic-inch V8 and in this case, it would have had 220 hp. That’s enough to do a decent burnout because we all know you like to do that. This is an original Montana vehicle and is 99% complete, according to the seller, who also says that this Rancho has newer tires and runs fine. I’m tellin’ ya, this sure looks like a good deal to me, what do you think?
That ’69 Ranchero is a beauty. The one I traded away that spent its life in Salem, OR; a super solid ’68 Ford Ranchero GT factory 390 FE engine (NOM) Toploader 4-speed and equipped with a factory tachometer. Just to see the custom ones now that are lowered causes me to self-inflict myself with bruises all over again.
Scotty, I’m shocked! Not a word about the red heater hoses!
Paul Harvey was awesome! Some people should be allowed to live forever.
And now you have the rest of the story, have a good day! That’s what he said at the end of each episode. LMAO, memories?
Though I had a ’70 Ranchero GT back in the ’90’s, the ’68-’69 versions are my favorites. If this car was closer, I’d be on it ASAP and it would be in my garage by the end of the day. It has almost everything I’d want for a daily driver in a Ranchero; 302, auto and a cool color. No A/C but I’d add that at some point. Take care of the rust, freshen up the interior, address the mechanicals and just enjoy it every day. I can’t see this Ranchero being on the market too long, $6k is a good deal.
This neat Ranchero is on the other side of the country from me; 2,310 miles to be exact. Dang it! Where’s a Star Trek transporter when you need one?
Personally, I like it. Could be used as a parts runner. Having had a 69 Torino GT Fastback, looks like the mechanics on this one are basically the same as that one was. Not fast nor powerful, but it got you from point A to B.
For some reason, reading this car’s name makes me want a burrito…ole!
I like this truck! The hood seems a little ambitious for the 302. But other than that, I’d be happy driving this to the bail bondsman any day.
You know how embarrassing it can be to have your parents drop you off at middle school in the wrong vehicle? Well, my dad had one of these, a basic 302 in baby blue with a vinyl roof. For those few seconds, I felt like the coolest kid around. Then gym class started.
Solid looking classic truck,drive it as is,price is right!
Nice Rancho–worth the coin I do believe!! Good luck to the new owner.
Cheers
GPC
I too would be hot for this if it was closer, but for the love of God, post pictures of rust when you say a vehicle has rust, ok? No one wants to drive 2500 miles to see it when a photo would have worked.