I have a soft spot for vehicles like this 1979 Ford Ranchero GT since I utilize an Australian Falcon Ute as my daily driver. It offers greater versatility and load carrying capacity than a Station Wagon, combined with the comfort of a family Sedan. This Ranchero has hibernated since the 1990s, but the seller has revived it, ready for the GT to head to a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Ranchero listed here on Craigslist in Enumclaw, Washington. If versatility and affordability sit high on your Priorities List, the price of $6,900 may make it irresistible.
While the American automotive industry can rightly claim a long list of firsts, the Coupe Utility concept was born in Australia in 1934. This latest offering combined the comfort of a family car with the convenience of a Pickup, and was an immediate smash hit. The genre found its way to North America, with Ford releasing its first Ranchero in 1957. The Ranchero lasted for Seven Generations, with the last vehicles leaving the factory in 1979. Our featured Ranchero is a final-year GT that the first owner ordered in Dark Red. It wears the contrasting Gold graphics that formed part of the GT package, and its condition is quite impressive for a vehicle of this type and age. The paint looks consistent across the exterior, with no evidence of major problems. I suspect that some hard work with a high-end polish might make a huge difference to the appearance without the buyer resorting to the expense of a cosmetic refresh. The Gold sections exhibit some deterioration, but with complete decals kits retailing for approximately $250, rectifying that problem won’t break the bank. The seller confirms that this classic is rust-free, and the Magnum 500 wheels are the first of a range of options that help this GT to stand out.
Power windows, six-way power seats, sports gauges, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player represent a pretty desirable set of factory options that help this Ranchero to rise beyond the ranks of the ordinary. I am surprised that the list doesn’t include air conditioning, but I guess that we can’t have everything. The interior is quite presentable, with no gaping holes or evidence of abuse. It appears there might be a seam separation developing on the driver’s seat that an upholsterer might be able to repair. The armrests on both doors are discolored, as is the wheel pad. Otherwise, this interior has no pressing needs. The dashpad deserves special mention because it hasn’t cracked or faded badly. It is hard to understate how important this is, because you will struggle to find a reproduction for under $850, and OEM pads are made from pure “unobtainium.”
Powering this GT is the entry-level 302ci V8 that is teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission. Power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes was standard fare in 1979, making the Ranchero surprisingly easy to drive and maneuver. Ford’s 1979 Ranchero Sales Brochure doesn’t quote power and torque figures for the 302, but with the vehicle based on the LTD II, its figures of 133hp and 245 ft/lbs should be close to the mark. The seller states that this GT has hibernated since the 1990s, but they have recently revived it. They have used the vehicle for short journeys, stating that it runs and drives. However, they suggest that a thorough inspection and a new set of tires would be wise moves before the Ranchero can be considered genuinely roadworthy.
The automotive industry is a moving feast as buyer tastes evolve and change. By 1979, the Ranchero had reached the end of the road, with Ford focused on alternatives like the Courier. That makes this GT the last of its type and worthy of preserving. Its lack of rust and panel imperfections means that a cosmetic refresh would be straightforward. However, I believe it would probably command more respect if the new owner protected its survivor credentials. Is that the approach you would take? More importantly, are you tempted to make that vision a reality by reaching out to the seller? I won’t blame you if you do.
Nice one Clarkey. Seems a pleasant price too.
These long-hood, stacked-headlight Rancheros are probably the least favorite of the lengthy model run. But they are a good representation of a market segment which in the US is long gone. This example looks decent, and isn’t expensive. Use it to make the Home Depot run on Saturday morning, then take it to the local cruise-in Saturday evening.
The seller presenting it in a muddy field does it no favors.
I like the tonneau cover over the back and color and options. What I don’t like is the enormous front overhang. Ford seemed to do that a lot. Have a relatively smaller wheelbase compared to the length of the car. Was it for maneuverability or was it some kind of forward crumple zone? Picky I know.
8 feet of overhangs on each end, and a five foot cab makes for an unusual visual.
My dad bought a new twin to this in ’79. Same colors, but his had a cloth seat and ac. A good/reliable truck but to my 16-year-old self, what a dog. He installed air shocks and a transmission cooler, pulled a car trailer all over the country. When getting home with a car/trailer, we would have to hook a tractor onto the whole rig and pull it up the hill/driveway as it did not have enough power to climb the drive. Also took my driver’s test in it. Thanks for reminding me of the memory’s.
My dad had an identical one too…351 Windsor and the same upholstery. Used it to pull a 24′ Kenskill Travel Trailer for years. His did have a/c though.
Maybe if it had a 351- I love this body style but I had an ’78 LTD II with the same powerplant and it was no match for lugging around 3700 pounds of Detriot-ness
I had a ‘78 LTD II in 1989 when I was stationed in Hawaii and used it as a beach car. It had the 351 2bl and was still very underpowered but you could throw 4 folding chairs and a cooler in the trunk and the wet bathing suits and sand couldn’t hurt the all vinyl interior. You could also use that huge front bumper as a seat or to push your buddy’s beater out of the way to leave. The price on this monster gives plenty of room to do whatever want to do to it.
I agree with Bob-in-TN that the stacked headlight versions aren’t my favorite styling cue either and the baroque “Bash Beam” Federal bumpers, with all of the funky bends in them don’t help the styling any. The 72-74 examples are my favorite, styling wise, but with that being said, this one is in great shape, has everything I want except A/C (that can be handled: “Hello? Vintage Air?”), and the price is right! If it wasn’t on the left coast, I’d be all over it, but I’d have to add 30% ($2500) to the price tag to pay for the shipping home to the East Coast! Either that, or I’d have to fly out, then take a week to drive it home from WA state. It probably won’t matter, by the time I put the cash together, it will be gone! GLWTS!
Back in 80-83 I had the 1977 version of the Ranchero GT.. with the 400 ci motor and 3 speed auto. Same color red with silver graphics .. loved the look of it especially the black/red interior. I put a red topper roof level on it. The vehicle was a dog as far as get up & go and drank gas .. avg 10-12 mpg .. traded it for a 82 Citation X-11 ..a very fun & sporty car that would get up and go and handle well
This had to be the epitome of the El Ranchero[sic], and a beautiful rendition, fact is, nicest one I’ve seen, even though the vehicle itself doesn’t make a lick of sense. It’s a poor car, due to lack of covered space and a poor pickup, for any rough use. It did have a following for those that needed neither, and got nods from both car and truck owners. A rear cap greatly increases its usefulness, but loses some of the racy looks. Aside from the A/C, it seems they checked every other box. The Ranchero sure went out with a bang.