The Ford Ranchero began as a station wagon-based pickup in 1957. Then it had an identity crisis. From 1960 to 1965, it was a compact truck, and then from 1966 to 1979 it was a mid-size. The seller has a 1961 example from the days when it rode on a Falcon set-up. It looks to be far from complete, and a restoration would be resource-intensive. Located in Newnan, Georgia, this wayward wagon is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $2,000 OBO. Moparman is the source for this forlorn tip.
Ford’s Ranchero, categorized as a utility coupe or Ute, was usually the second-best seller in a two-entry market, bested by the Chevrolet El Camino, which it inspired. But from 1961 to 1963, the Ranchero had the market all to itself as the Chevy took a three-year hiatus before returning in 1964 as a derivative of the new mid-size Chevelle. These little trucks were powered by inline-6 engines, and the seller says this Ranchero’s motor is seized, but we don’t see where it’s supposed to be. Maybe in the bed?
We’re told this Ranchero is a 1961 model, yet it has a 1960 grille. Maybe it was replaced or this is a 1960 edition, which would be essentially the same pickup either way. The seller refers to a three-speed manual, which may be MIA as well. At a minimum, new floorboards will be needed, while the seller says the bed is good with no rot. But it’s full of all sorts of stuff. The missing tranny?
The interior is going to need much more than “buffing out” to be usable. The bench seat is down to the springs, as upholstery is a thing of the past. Trades will be considered, but at a $2,000 price point here, another challenged project is probably all you can expect to swap.
Nice little project if it’s not to far gone… Will a Coyote motor fit in there?
sure it will, right beside the 6 banger in the bed
Hard to see a project worth $2,000 from the pictures provided. Inexpensive asking prices are a trap a lot of buyers fall into. They look at the entry price without calculating what it will cost to get the project running, safe and presentable. They say you pay for your education through your mistakes, learning it’s smart to buy the best example you can afford is a prime example.
Steve R
After looking at the picture of the front end I thought there was hope for it. Then you see the rest of the pictures and all that hope vanishes.
Too far gone to save because it simply isn’t desirable.
I think the tranny’s on the passenger-side floorboard by the bellhousing on what’s left of the seat.
Where’s the frame rails in the rear
Oy, again and again, we see a reoccurring theme here, all the “good” ones have been found, and this is all that’s left. I’d be embarrassed to even try and sell something like this, but these are rough times. Obviously, one would be a fool to restore this, and as a parts car could have some useful parts, I’m sure those tail gates are hard to find. Time is running out on “projects”. I once had a hankerin’ for one of these until I actually drove one. Pretty crude. “Utes” in America had a very limited following. Someone into Rancheros has to want this, it’s a great find.
Uh yeah. They were really a POS when new. Especially after the 57-59 ones.
Of course I never liked the early falcons. Thought they were pretty ugly. Nor did I care for Ford 6s
lot of work need here for sure.
A lot of needs
My very first car I ever owned was a 61 Ranchero with the 177 “big” six and three on the tree. Barely 14 years old, and too ashamed to ask for help with a manual transmission, I drove it home myself with a lot of clutch slipping!!!! Oh, and I paid a whopping $125 for it in 1969. So, when I see another one like this, my heart says yes but my brain (and pocketbook) says NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!