“Time capsule”, “nicest one left”, “show quality”, “none nicer”, the descriptions go on and on regarding this mind-blowing original, rust-free, gorgeous 1968 Ford Ranchero GT. This car looks like it’s had a nut-and-bolt restoration, it’s hard to believe it’s original and in such outstanding condition. And with 92,821 miles, it isn’t exactly a low-mile trailer queen, this hauler has been used over the last 56 years.
The fourth-generation Ford Ranchero was made for two model years: 1968 and 1969, and was based on the Torino. The previous Ranchero, also made for two model years, had stacked headlights but the fourth-gen version had horizontal headlights. There were three trim levels, the top-of-the-line “Grand Touring”, or GT” model, which used Torino GT details. The mid-level Ranchero 500 also used Torino details but from the Torino 500, and there was also a base Ranchero.
Yes, that’s a vinyl top on a Ranchero. I grew up in the vinyl top/fender skirts era so I like both of those features, although I wouldn’t want fender skirts on a Ranchero. The black vinyl top, I like. This car looks amazing, even in the back – the hauling area, which would be more than big enough for any hauling needs for 90% of Americans who wouldn’t be using this car for their contracting business.
The flawless appearance continues inside where it’s fitted with a beautiful red interior. As with the exterior, I don’t see a single flaw, nick, crack, rust spot, or anything else even remotely concerning here. The center console houses a three-speed automatic, but manual transmissions would have been available. There is no backseat to show here but as expected, even the slim area behind the front bucket seats looks like new.
The engine is Ford’s 302-cu.in. OHV V8 with 220 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The seller says this beauty runs and drives like a dream and I don’t doubt that one bit. They have it posted here on eBay in Raymore, Missouri and the current bid price is $7,100 but the reserve isn’t met. Hagerty is at $26,600 for a #2 excellent condition Ranchero GT, and this one certainly looks that nice. I was just in Raymore, Missouri, I would have loved to see this car in person, it’s gorgeous. Any thoughts on this Ranchero GT?
I don’t get it? it is at 8 k now, I guess the demand dictates the price. I would think someone will want it and up the bid.
It’s an auction with 4+ days left and no BIN price, many times serious buyers wait until the end to put in their bids. For whatever reason a lot of people operate that way. I try to buy various things on auction, mainly parts or memorabilia on auction often, it’s not unusual for items to triple or quadruple in price, often hundreds of dollars in the last few minutes. Cars are a bit different, but I’d expect the bids to go up substantially the last day of the auction.
Steve R
Who said there was no BIN price?
Robert, the seller doesn’t have an official buy-it-now price listed. If you click on the eBay link in the last paragraph you can see that there isn’t one on the auction, which is now at $13,200 with the reserve not met. I’m sure if someone offered them $30,000 they’d take it home, but there is no eBay Buy It Now button for stopping the auction.
Not to mention, if you really want the car, no need to drive the price up if you intend to buy it at the end.. You’re going to have to top the last bid anyway. I never understood people who were serious about the item bidding before the end. Unlikely to drive the other serious bidders out of the hunt..
And is precisely why they make Snipe bidding apps. that automatically place bids for you right at the end of the auction. You just set the max amount you want to bid and the app will place bids for you up to your max.
That way, you don’t get caught up in the last second bidding frenzy and overspend.
The auction ended with a high bid of $15,200 but did not meet reserve.
Steve R
Nice Ranchero. Just maintain it, like has been done for decades. Try to not scratch the bed when you haul supplies home from Home Depot.
I have an interest in old small town car dealership buildings. Using the address from the Marti Report, it looks like this car’s selling dealership in Cottage Grove, Oregon is now the Chamber of Commerce. But if you look closely you will see a small “Ford Service” sign, perhaps a nod to its former use.
Good job Scotty.
Thank you for looking that up and sharing that Bob!!! I love old buildings, I looked it up and you can just picture the service bay doors etc. Loved thebolf Ford Service sign, such a great piece of history. A town I used to live in had several old car dealership buildings still standing but no longer dealerships. I always liked looking in back for where theyd brick in the service bay doors etc.
Hey Bob in TN if you like old dealerships check out Maguire in Watkins Glen is is from 1919 and still operates in the same building with a tiny two bay service area I found out the hard way they can’t do major repairs when my tow vehicle a Ram 2500 blew out valve packs in the trans I took when I was in Watkins Glen and they told me I had to have it towed to a dealer in Ithica
Next to the service bays they are using is an old out of service wooden work rack they the drove vehicles onto to work under them
Anyway this is really nice ranchero I am an Ell Camino Guy having owned 5 and currently rest modding an 85 choo choo but I love the 68 and 69 rancheros and this is a really nice one
Nice one Bob! That is pretty cool to see!
bt
I just sold one in less shape than this beauty about 6 months ago for 6K, it ran and drove sweet but the cosmetics were needing a lot of help.
The NSRA has their spring show here in my home town of Springfield Mo. There is always a ton of participants dragging the local streets after the show. I saw a sweet Ranchero that night and wondering if this is the same one. If so, it is as good or better in person.
There are several old dealership buildings in Nocona, Texas that are restored and full of classic cars and memorabilia. Nice downtown main street also.
Great looking cars these are, used to be one exactly like it in my small town, however I’ve had two 68 Torino GT fastbacks and think they are a gorgeous car, but the mechanicals suck and the widow regulator system is cheaply built. Interior is more like you’d find in a boat. I hope I never get stupid and purchase another one.
No 390?
Now that’s fine.
One of the few times the older model looks way better than the newer models. If you’re serious about this car and have a set offer I’d bid in 5k increments above the highest last bid and see where it goes from there.
Auction update: this one made it to $15,200 and no sale. The seller has relisted it with a $25,900 buy-it-now price.
The auction ended with bid of $15.2k, and it didn’t sell (reserve not met)>