The Ranch Wagon was Ford’s cheapest station wagon. Offered between 1952 and 1974, it was usually a full-size wagon though it deviated for two years as a mid-size. As a 2-door wagon, it was a budget-minded companion to the 4-door Country Sedan. This 1957 edition has been parked in a field for more than 40 years, having been replaced by a then-newer model. Located in the desert sun in Tucson, Arizona, this wagon offers a lot of potential – if your bank account is large enough. The Ford is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $1,025.
Besides offering a low-priced way to haul people and cargo, the 2-door Ranch Wagon of 1957-59 served as the basis for the Ranchero, a new “gentlemen’s pickup” that was introduced. The platform saw 60,486 of the Ranch Wagon and 21,705 of the Ranchero built in 1957 alone. We don’t know if this wagon was in running condition when it was “retired” in the 1970s, but the passage of time and help from Mother Nature have taken their toll.
The seller suggests the body is in better shape than it looks, but the floors are in really bad condition from the rust perspective. The paint was once white and the interior red, but with the tailgate open you also see blue paint, so perhaps that was replaced at one point. The passenger compartment is going to need a ton of work and the glass seems fine although the windshield may be damaged. But rust is everywhere and I’m not as optimistic as the seller is.
Under the hood lies the remains of either a 292 or 312-cubic-inch V8 (the seller doesn’t know which one). The original buyer opted for an automatic transmission and power brakes (but not steering?). The seller says the suspension is solid and complete, but the brakes are toast. He/she thinks this vehicle could be a good restomod project, only fixing what must be fixed and sticking with that patina look driving down the road. A video is provided regarding the status of the old workhorse.
These old 2 door wagons are really cool.
I can remember visiting my Grandmother in
Sumner,Washington,& relatives would show
up & there would be at least two of these Ford
wagons in Red & White,the best looking color
combination.
I’d prefer a 57 Chevy 2 door wagon, since my first car was a 210 2dr sedan, but 2 door wagons are so cool. I hope it gets saved.
This is the somewhat rarer Del Rio variant (46,105 built) of the Ranch Wagon (60,486 built). It was Ford’s answer to the Chevy Nomad.
Engine is a 292 per the VIN, valve covers and 2-barrel carb.
As I recall,there was also a Chevy Yeoman.
Yes there was, for 1958 only. They were the only 2 door wagons for Chevy that year. They were also the cheapest in the wagon lineup.
Actually Tiger, the `56 Park Lane 2dr. wagon was Ford’s answer to the Nomad.
The one fitted with the Crown Vic interior.
very true I was about to say that and the parklane was only for one year 1956 it was a nice looking wagon
Tiger 66,
You are correct, the side trim is the deluxe Del Rio version.
Super crusty. Man, those pink weatherbeaten taillights tell a story I don’t want to know about.
They’ve seen some wickedly hot sunny days in their past, haven’t they?
Ad says “I’m pretty sure all the glass is good” most all the pics show cracked glass. This old boy will surely need some work.
I bought an 80’s T/A from AZ about 8 years ago. All the cheap GM plastics inside were powder. So anything not metal is done.
Anything soft that sits out in the AZ sun turns to dust…no matter who the manufacturer is.
Before tiger66 confirmed it as a 292, since it was an el cheapo model was going to say, could be a 272. Like the 332 FE, you just don’t hear about them anymore
Good article Russ. Live old Ford wagons… It looks like there is a power steering reservoir there on the left side.
I have always wanted one of these, in the worst way. And this is obviously it “In the worst way”
I think I will pass.
It’s a 292, not a 312.
Original interior was aqua, yes. and it does have PS. Still worth saving, floors are easy to replace when the frame and rest of the body is usable.
The owner of these still has an early 60s Mopar on the land (see pics in auction) and had a early 60s chevy wagon there too (which I missed getting) but Im going back for a 61 Polara wagon soon.
Interior was green. There was no “aqua” on these–red/wh, green/wh or tan were the choices for a RW.
This may work as a good donor car for someone needing solid body panels on a 2 door Ranch wagon project. Possibly a restomod for someone else. Not worth bringing it back with a full restoration
The trim codes are Colonial White and Willow Green. Fits for everything but the tailgate.
I would give this vehicle a try. The body does look decent. It will be hard to find the little parts for it even if they are available. A money project for sure but with a little time, some hard work might be a fun project for the home restorer. No way can you have a professional shop rebuilt this vehicle. It would cost you your home and first child.
Pass, this one has been out in the sun too long.
LOL I suppose you would rather have one thats been in 50 winters and eastcoast humidity instead. haha. Truth is, you cant afford it is what it is.
Ouch!
My dad bought one of these new in 57, same colors . He was an electronics salesman and bought a new Ford every two year or so as he racked a lot of miles in that short time. It would be cool to think this was the same Ranch Wagon he bought , but living in CT. I’m sure it was rusted away and scrapped before the 60s were over.
thats why one great option is resto mod , but still keep it rat-rod on the outside.
Do the brakes, susp and drivetrain, and then interior…and drive it like you stole it !
I bought 2 front Ford 61 one year only Ranchero fenders from a Texas salvage yard several years ago in similar, sunbaked condition. No rust or rot thru, so was able to sand and prime before paint, no problem. Paid $675 for both fenders and the same for shipping. So although this one is sunbaked, there’s still value there in body panels.
Looks like it’s been a year or two since the engine ran. Wonder what happened to the original 2 barrel carburetor? At least it’s not one of those engineless vehicles.