I admit I never understood the appeal of classics like this 1969 Ford Ranchero until I bought an Australian Ford Falcon Ute as a daily driver and tow vehicle for my race car. I kept the Falcon long after my race car headed to a new home, and I hung up my helmet because I appreciated the breed’s sheer versatility. That is the opportunity awaiting the new owner of this Ranchero. It presents well as a driver-grade classic, featuring a Crate 302ci V8 under the hood. It has a few minor needs, but none will cost the buyer a fortune. The seller has listed the Ford here on eBay in Franklinton, North Carolina. They set their BIN at $12,500 with the option to make an offer.

Ford’s Fourth Generation Ranchero range enjoyed a very short production run, gracing showroom floors in 1968 and 1969. This wasn’t unprecedented, because the same was true of the First and Third Generations. This Ranchero left the line in 1969, ordered by its first owner in beautiful Winter Blue Metallic. The vehicle presents well, having been repainted in its original shade. It is unclear when this occurred, but the lack of significant cosmetic imperfections will allow potential buyers to consider it a driver-grade classic with no pressing needs. There is no evidence of rust, but the Ford appears to be missing a few badges. The seller includes an LED headlight conversion kit that the buyer could fit at their discretion. I recently experienced LEDs for the first time, and if originality isn’t a key consideration, the kit is worth installing. Another welcome item is the GT hood scoop, which would add to this vehicle’s inherently muscular appearance if installed. This Ranchero’s Magnum 500 wheels are in good condition, wrapped in new BF Goodrich radial tires.

The positive vibes continue inside this Ranchero, courtesy of its Grand Touring interior. Trimmed in Blue vinyl, the only visible issues are worn armrests on the door and damaged kick panels. It is unclear what lies beneath the dash cover, but the seller’s emphasis on the interior’s good condition suggests the pad is likely crack-free. Potential buyers shouldn’t be discouraged by the hole where the factory radio should be. The seller includes a shiny new CarPlay stereo and speakers for the new owner to install. That should effectively relieve boredom on long journeys.

Without access to the VIN, it is impossible to know what engine powered this Ranchero when it left the factory. We can’t rely on the air cleaner decal because Ford’s Sales Brochure indicates that it never offered the 4V version of the 302ci V8 to ’69 Ranchero buyers. However, that is irrelevant because lifting the hood reveals a Crate 302 wearing a new Edelbrock 650cfm carburetor. The motor specifications are unclear, but the listing and images confirm that the remaining drivetrain components include a three-speed C4 automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The seller states that this beauty runs and drives well, and that they recently renewed the rear brakes. They say that the front brakes may need similar attention because they are sticking. The only other identified fault is a slight leak from the transmission pan. The seller believes that this is due to lack of use, but even if the gasket requires replacement, the cost won’t break the bank.

This 1969 Ford Ranchero offers its new owner a world of possibilities, and the listing statistics suggest it has struck a chord with potential buyers. Recent successful sales indicate that the seller’s BIN figure is realistic, although the situation could improve if they are flexible negotiators. It has no cosmetic needs, and its few identified shortcomings should be easy and inexpensive to address. I believe it will find a new home before the listing expires, and it will be fascinating to discover if we have any readers who are tempted to make it theirs.