If you’re a fan of the days when the coolest station wagons had those faux wood panels running down the sides, perhaps the only concept I can think of that may one-up it (even if ever so slightly) is the period when a few coupe utility vehicles got dressed up similarly!  When it comes to this type of hauler, it seems like I hear a lot more talk these days about the Chevrolet El Camino than the Ford Ranchero, even though the Ranchero beat the El Camino to the market by 2 years, as it was introduced as a 1957 model and the Chevy didn’t follow until ’59.  By the time 1971 rolled around, the Ranchero was already into its fifth generation, having received a complete restyle the previous year, and by the end of production in 1979 Ford had ended up selling over half a million units.  If you’ve been in the market for a nice early seventies example and like the woodie look, this 1971 Ford Ranchero may be worth checking out.  It’s located in Olympia, Washington, and can be found here on Craigslist with an asking price of $24,950.

A big Barn Finds thank you goes out to reader Matt R. for the great tip on this one!  This Ranchero is stated that it’s being offered for sale by its original owner, and right off the bat, things get a little confusing here.  The last photo in the ad shows a list of maintenance that has been done to the vehicle over the years, and while it’s comprehensive and impressive, the first entry begins by saying that the Ranchero was purchased new.  But it lists the year as 1973 and mileage as 25k, and on the same line notes that a new custom canopy was installed, gas shocks were added, new tires installed, a front-end alignment was performed, plus an oil, filter, and lube.  Maybe he means the first maintenance was performed in 1973 at 25k miles, I’m not sure.  But in any event, to be over 50 years old there’s plenty of indication that this has been a well-cared-for ride.

The wood theme doesn’t stop on the sides and continues onto the back tailgate.  The seller mentions that the Ranchero was fully restored in the mid-eighties, and according to the maintenance list, in 1983 a quarter panel was replaced and the tailgate was repaired.  There’s no specific mention of an entire repaint, just an entry stating a full restoration at 93k miles with a cost of $4,500.  The body is said to be straight with a few flaws, and there is now some rust in both quarters.  We can also see that the odometer rolled over in 1985, and at that time a new transmission was installed.

Fast-forward to 2001, and at 156k miles the engine was replaced, which the list says was a new 2-Barrel 351 Cleveland V8.  Prior to this, the transmission was replaced a second time in 1997 at 151k miles, so it appears that the Ranchero is on its third tranny.  The seller says that, until recently, it has not been driven since 2007.  Some spare parts are also included with the sale, although no mention of specifically what these parts are.

Inside, things are said to be immaculate, with the original AM radio still intact in the dash.  Hand controls have also been installed, to assist a disabled driver.  What are your thoughts on this 1971 Ford Ranchero Squire, and its price tag of $24,950?