The seller of this Ranchero states that it is in desperate need of a new paint job, but that it runs and drives as is. It definitely would look better with a fresh coat of paint, but personally, I’d focus on tuning the engine and fixing any rust before worrying too much about the paint. It’s been parked outside for the past few years, so there appears to be rust issues underneath, in the bed and where the paint has come off. As long as the core structure is solid, it seems like it would be worth fixing up though. If you’d like to take a closer look at it you can find it here on eBay in Vista, California with a BIN of $3,500.
Hopefully, the seller is open to hearing offers, as their asking seems a bit high for a Ute that’s got rust issues. The 351 Windsor V8 is a great engine that should provide quite a bit of grunt. The seller apparently got it running with minimal work, but didn’t drive it enough to determine its overall condition. It’s said to start right up without any smoke, but it runs rough and will need a full tune-up.
The interior looks better than I was expecting it too. It definitely needs work, but it isn’t terribly sun damaged and I don’t see any signs of rodent damage. The seller notes that there could be an electrical short somewhere, so hopefully, that doesn’t mean there are issues up in the dash. It sounds like it’s a slow drain on the battery, so it could be something as simple as a sticking ignition or a bad electrical component. Since this is more or less a Torino, parts are plentiful and fairly cheap, so the easiest option would be to simply replace all the key components that tend to go bad. It’s an AC equipped car, so that would definitely be on my list of things to get working this summer.
It’s hard to say what the future holds for this Ranchero. There are lots of options for it, but it will inevitably come down to how solid it is and what the next owner’s budget is. A new paint job would certainly make it look nicer, but if you are on a tighter budget, that money would probably be better spent fixing the rust issues and a mechanical refresh. So, if you were to buy this ute, what route would you take with it?
This is a cool old Ford,I like it as-is with the patina and the price is right too! With the 351winsor this is a runner!
I’m sorry, but I really don’t think a poorly applied clearcoat that is peeling is considered patina. Just a bad paint job. There is nothing wrong with giving a vehicle a proper paint job.
Price is a little high, as noted in the write-up
I say from the sketchy description from this full line of collectibles ebay seller it’s an old car with pretty wheels that still needs everything. It looks like a GT. It’s not. Hauling to the East Coast add $1200 plus to your investment.
got to watch for rust up in the cowl area on these. mandatory inspection a must. if its not that rotten the buy in is reasonable. Good luck to the new owner.
Cheers
GPC
If the rust isn’t terminal this could be a good buy. I would fix the rust and sort the mechanical issues then drive it. Fix the paint/cosmetics as time/money allows. I wish I had the extra dough for this.
Still maybe a steal at that price for a drive as ya fix…..
Being located in the northern part of San Diego county this car is getting more rain on it this year than the past twenty years! Ha ha..
Like the wheels, not a bad looking car really, but juice the engine up a little. Would make an interesting driver/weekend beach cruiser.
Given its colors, it belongs in Michigan. Great tailgating car for U of M games!!!