Ford launched the Ranchero as a “coupe utility” (Ute) in 1957, and it ran continuously through the 1979 model year. From 1966 forward, the Ranchero was based on the midsize Fairlane/Torino, including the “aerodynamic” 1970-71 models. The seller’s ’70 edition is the GT, a sportier version of the Ranchero that came standard with a V8 engine. This project has some parts and pieces missing, but it has a 351 cubic-inch motor and AMF transmission in place. Located in Hillsboro, Oregon, this pickup is available here on eBay, where the bidding is only $930 thus far.

Despite it being first to market, the Ford Ranchero was almost always outsold by the Chevy El Camino (which arrived in 1959-60 and returned in 1964-87). The gap was pretty large in 1970 when the newly redesigned Ranchero only managed 21,640 copies vs. 47,707 El Caminos which had only received a minor facelift. The Ranchero GT saw sales of 3,905 units, so they’re a fairly rare find today, regardless of condition.

If you take this Ranchero home, your shopping list will need to include a passenger side window, most of the interior, a rear bumper, and a drive shaft. The engine and transmission should run once you get Humpty Dumpty together again. That includes installing the gas tank, which still survives. You’ll need to take an inventory of the parts inside the truck to get a full list of requirements together.

There is no discussion of the condition of the body and paint. This vehicle appears to have been well-used over the past 55 years (the odometer is just shy of flipping over at 100,000 miles). The photos provided could be better, but the body of this Ford doesn’t look bad depending on the angle. Since we assume only a few hundred of these GTs have survived since 1970, could this be a worthwhile project?