With the redesign of its cars in 1957, Ford introduced two new types of vehicles. One was the “Hideaway Hardtop,” which had the roof retracting into the trunk area. The other was the Ranchero, a “Utility Coupe” or “Ute” that was a pickup based on a 2-door station wagon. The seller has a rusty example of the latter that will need a total restoration. This first-year Ford project is available here on craigslist and in Blaine, Washington, for $5,000 (the price will be lowered monthly until sold). A tip of the hat goes to “Curvette” for another vintage tip!
The Ranchero underwent two transformations in its long run (1957 to 1979). After being a full-size truck in 1957 through 1959, Ford shifted the nameplate to the new compact Falcon platform for 1960 to 1965. Then it became a Fairlane/Torino-based mid-size from 1966 until retirement. During its lifetime, its only competition was the Chevrolet El Camino, which ran from 1959 to 1987 (with a break from 1961 to 1963). Alone in the market in 1957, the Ranchero found more than 21,500 buyers in its first outing.
This Ranchero has a 292 cubic inch V8 whose originality or running status is unknown. It has a 3-speed manual transmission, and the shifter may have been moved from the steering column to the floorboard. The odometer is broken, so who knows how many miles were accumulated before the vehicle was parked some time ago. The clutch is bad and needs replacing, perhaps the reason the Ford went dormant.
There is no bench seat, but that provides easier access to any patches you may need to apply to the floors. The paint may have been white to begin with, given the scraped off burgundy or primer. A bunch of extra parts come with the sale, including extra fender wells, bumper, valance, rocker panels, quarter panels, padded dash, and lots more. Also, permanent vintage Washington State license plates will accompany the pickup. The seller started at $5,500, now it’s at $5,000, and perhaps $4,500 next month.
This would be a great project for somebody with the room, tools, and skills. To my unpracticed eye the only penetrating rust is in the rockers and new ones are included. The floor and bed look solid. The rust around the windshield is a little concerning though. Play th waiting game and you may scoop up a bargain.
“somebody with the room, tools, and skills.”
Those guys are now 75, selling their sprawling gearhead property out in the countryside and now headed for the senior living subdivision in town.
That’s what plagues every “project car” in 2026.
Great article Russ and find Curvette. This truck seems to be a mostly complete do it yourself kit. Price seems reasonable with all the parts included. I kind of appreciate the candor as far as if you wait I’ll drop the price if available. If I had the room I would make an offer to go ahead and buy before it’s lost.
I love the early Rancheroos and Elcos. although I like the dual headlights on the 58 better, I am partial to the 57 as I myself am a 57 model.
I just rembrred that I had a rubber like toy of this car when I was a kid. The fender had a tear in it and it’s long gone, but this brought back memories of when I was 5 years old. This hopefully gets restored by someone.
I can’t remember when I was 16, much less 5!
if you were 16 when I was 16 and did what we did then you now will remember why you dont remember ! Having fun!
I agree with Fox Owner.. This looks “all there” with the exception of the seat, add buckets and a console?? For a person with average body work skills and a place to work this truck will make a great entry into the antique hobby. Especially with the low original investment.
this needs more than a clutch. cut to the chase drop it to 500.00 and be done. just hope you can find somebody to give 500 for it. should have sold this 30yrs ago.
Nice scene here to sell something. Junk everywhere, truck is junk, and the price on the moon.
At least they attempted to keep the critters and their food stash out of the air cleaner assembly. (Aluminum foil on the air intake)
IMO this vehicle is worth about $1,500 max. You’re gonna drop another $15k to get it anywhere near where you want it to be. Good luck.
Funny how these never achieved the cult status of the El Camino. what did the Chevies have that this didn’t?
Good Question!!!!!! That I can NOT answer..