There’s been rumors of Ford considering a pickup-type vehicle that would slot below the recently re-introduced Ranger pickup, and that it might look something like a Ranchero. I’m not holding my breath, but I would be among those lining up for a light-duty, two-door pickup with a manual gearbox between the seats. Even if they someday make a truck like that, I doubt it will ever be as awesome as this 1969 Ford Ranchero Rio Grande here on eBay, which is described as a rare “Special Performance Vehicle” by the seller. 

For 1969, the “Special Performance Vehicle” (SPV) option was added to the already top-shelf Rio Grande editions, which amounted to mostly cosmetic enhancements. The hood scoop, bed rails, vinyl top, and side stripes all help to set the Rio Grande / SPVs apart from lesser models, and this example appears to retain most of those add-ons. The engine is a running and driving 302 paired to an automatic, upgraded here with overdrive.

The interior is far from correct or original, with the carpets missing, a cracked dash, and non-original seats awaiting the next owner. The seller doesn’t elaborate on how the cabin ended up this way, but does note the presence of rust in the floors – which may be why the carpet was removed. Regardless, these are minor cosmetic issues to address once the rust is cleaned up. At the current bid of just over $1K, do you think it will fetch bigger dollars due to the rare features?

More impressively, the bed is completely solid, and the seller says the frame is solid, too. The Ranchero has lived in El Paso all of its life, which explains the mostly dry condition. The Ranchero’s interesting options list, further enhanced with the original “Calypso Coral” paint that still covers most of the truck, does make it a rarity among Ford’s light-duty haulers. The seller says it’s just one of 400 vehicles optioned this way, and despite not being a true performance vehicle, I’m sure it will attract plenty of bidders on eBay.