The Ranchero was Ford’s “gentleman’s” pickup, a car-based truck like the Chevy El Camino it inspired. It launched in 1957 and would remain a part of the Ford line-up through 1979. At first, it was full-size, then a compact, and finally a mid-size as Ford designers tried to find the right niche for the truck. This 1971 Ranchero is the low-production GT model and looks to have been sitting out in the backyard for several years. It doesn’t run, but we’re told its numbers matching with what might be a 429 V8 under the hood. Located in Napa County, California, this find is available here on craigslist for $6,500.
Entering 1970, the pickup was in its fifth generation and was the last of the unit-body Rancheros. The Ranchero was built on a 114-inch wheelbase, which was shorter than the Torino coupe’s as it was based on the 1968-69 station wagon/Ranchero platform. It was never a huge seller, with 21,640 built in 1970 of which 3,905 were GTs. For 1971, there was a slight uptick to 24,946 units in total including 3,632 GTs. With survival rates being what they are 50 years later, the seller’s GT is likely in some rare company.
Unfortunately, this Ranchero hasn’t fared well the past few years. It looks to have been parked out in the brush with only 66,000 miles on the odometer. Because it has the shaker hood (1 of 25?), the motor may be a 429 Cobra Jet big-block paired with an automatic transmission. But who knows when the last time was that it ran, and the drivetrain could be why it was abandoned. It’s going to need new floor pans at a minimum and we don’t know about the subframe rails which may be harder to come by. The seller’s asking price doesn’t leave much room for restoration against low Blue Book value.
Unfortunate that this was parked for so long out in the open.
Not that it will start as is, but I bet a LOT more shakes than just the intake, which is cool as long as what shakes doesn’t fall off too far from the ‘Chero. Or in too many pieces to bond back together…
Might be just a parts car if the frame is rotted even though you can fix anything if you dump enough money into it. However, the value is in the 429 motor if it’s a Cobra Jet. The trans should be a C6 three speed. Probably worth the ask just for the running gear, the shaker set up and Ranchero specific parts.
Assuming all the innards of the 429 haven’t rusted into the block.
Really a shame someone let this car get this bad. Maybe was one of the I intend to restore it someday. Had to watch a Firebird rot away like that many years ago. Drop top was just parked out beside a garage and let the earth take it over. Oh well another story
Hola Cadmanis. I have an identical Firebird story in Washington State. Every time I visited a neighbor of the owner, all I could do is imagine performing a restoration on that gorgeous ragtop that was sinking into the ground. Drooling over the possibilities, I was told the same ol’ story. “Not for sale. He’s gonna fix it up some day. ” Meanwhile, the additional deterioration being inflicted every day pushes that possibility further from reality. Painful reminder that I should have kept the 66 Fairlane XL I restored. ~S
This song’s title might be a good song for this ute: Dead Fish Don’t Swim Home – artist – New Musik
Always loved those Laser stripes (they were reflective too).
These are under valued imho. Same as a Cobra only with a bed. I guy in my town had one back in the day, 429 Codra Jet, 4spd Drag Pack. Seriously fast car, he put concrete/sand in the tail gate and in the bed (cubby hole?) It bit hard and he won way more than he lost.
This would have been a very nice car when new. But it has endured 50 years of neglect. Nothing here but maybe a few parts.
That’s not necessarily true. The seller says the floors are shot, but makes no mention of the “frame”. The car is located in a very dry area often without measurable rainfall from May to October and low humidity. Perspective buyers would be wise to inspect the car in person before making a decision.
Steve R
Can tell by the visible valve cover it’s a 351…the 429cj and Thunderjet did not have that kickup in the valve cover,either way..totally love these regardless of the engine size.
Agreed, is a Cleveland. Most likely a M code 4V but not a 429 anything for sure. CJ had aluminum valve cover for a start and the shape is wrong. Still would be a very cool car, to bad it sat outside for so long.
I bet this was stunning back in the day. I’m in agreement with Steve R. Bad floors isn’t necessarily a death sentence. Sure would be tempted to swap in a manual trans though.
It’s a M code 4v Cleveland
How long has the oil filler cap been missing and what are the floors like for a supposedly low production model it would still be bargain basement time for me, a complete strip down and inspection a 20 to 30 grand resto, it a pity this wasn’t valued more
The car has now bumped to $8,500. I guess he must have had a pile of calls at the lower price. Would be a cool car when done if you had the resources to get it done correctly.
This is a nice find, The price will depend on the condition. Unfortunatly the 3 photos don’t reveal much except a cool car/truck that is suffering from neglect. The only way to know for sure is a close-up, thorough, in person inspection. The restyle for 1970 resulted in a larger Fairlane/Torino/Ranchero with a huge flat hood that allowed water to pool on it instead of running off. These were more rust prone than their predecessors. Sitting under that tree collecting dirt and leaves will allow moisture to remain for long periods. The climate is this part of the state is mild so there is a good chance that it isn’t real bad. The shade helps keep the sun from blasting it. The photos are few and bad enough to be discouraging to someone trying to decide if an inquiry is worthwhile.
If I didn’t already have 3 projects going I would go take a look. It’s about 60 miles from me.