Here’s a real barn find that has survived the years largely intact. I wonder if that’s the barn behind the Ranchero? Regardless, it’s a model year 1965 that was put away for a while until the current seller purchased the car. The intent was to restomod it using components from a Lincoln Versailles as upgrades, but now the seller has decided to sell it here on eBay. Bidding is quite low so far at $1,725 but has not yet met the reserve. It’s located in Granbury, Texas.
As you can see, there are some rough edges on this one, but at that price I can understand it. Most of the panels have minimal rust, though, and the trim seems to be present, if a little dented. The seller tells us it is licensed and inspected and, of course, drives.
If you are not terribly interested in originality, the Mustang wheels would look okay on here, especially if you had the right centers. I’d prefer steelies with center caps, though. You can see the dents and rusty areas from here.
Here’s some closeups of the rust. The middle picture shows a small frame problem, and the right picture shows some rust at the bottom of a door. It’s apparent the seller really wants us to see what we might be getting into; I was surprised, for example, to see the picture of the frame spot. Many sellers would not include that one.
Actually, the inside, while not original, doesn’t look that bad. The C4 automatic is controlled by a column shifter and you’ll need to come up with some things to finish out the interior over time.
The 289 left the factory with a two barrel carburetor, but it now has an aluminum intake and a Holley four barrel. I’m guessing this color is the original; personally I like the maroon better. I doubt that this vehicle would be purchased by a restorer anyway–I suspect this one will become a restomod. But what do you think?
I think it could restored by someone who has a passion for these cars. The seller is doing a good job of letting you know what shape it’s in and kudo’s to him, wish more people were upfront. In this case you know what you are getting yourself into and nothing appears to be hidden. Probably worth doing.
I see this as a great cheap hot rod or kids shop class car. Love it.
While the ’65 Falcon wasn’t my favorite style, these smaller Ranchero’s are. Got to love Jamie’s optimism, but the interior is HORRID. The up side, is it is a pickup, so there’s only “half” an interior to restore. If one could find a camper top,( got to be 1st gen only with round backs) like the one featured here last summer, it adds a lot of covered space, the biggest draw back to these. http://barnfinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/070816-Barn-Finds-1965-Ford-Ranchero-2.jpg
Not many of these to begin with, and the V8 is cool, but a bit much for these, and a 6 with OD would do just fine. Great find ( I hear tail gates for these are non existent)
Howard, wouldn’t a tailgate from a Falcon wagon fit? I say the 289 in a
Ranchero will move it right along, it did the ‘Stang , somebody said that isn’t an original dash. I would respectfully disagree , although a “Stang dash would be nice! would see if that paint would buff out, but if not, do a repaint in the same color , since there is body repair anyways .. Keep the bench ( or replace the one that is in it if it is too shabby) slightly larger than stock tires, and have steelies and dog dish, or baby moons , it will be a looker!
Thanks mike, you’re right, research shows the tail gates did interchange with the wagon. I never knew that.
This needs a lot of work, but it’s deluxe Ranchero. Dash is correct, seat and door panels have been reworked. Wagon tailgate does interchange.
I had same in vintage burgundy years ago. I put a 289 4V, 4-speed, buckets/console in it. Was great running/driving (relatively speaking) car.
I have a 65 2 door with a body that’s in better condition. When I retire, the resto mod begins.
this is my car.