An outstanding project car, the seller says this 1971 Ford Ranchero Squire has zero rust, and you won’t find a cleaner vehicle to start with. That almost makes it sound like more of a project than it may be, but we don’t know for sure. One thing we do know is that they have this fancy Ranchero posted here on craigslist in Fairplay, California, east of Sacramento, and they’re asking $10,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Zappenduster for the tip!
I love the unusual factory wheelcovers on this car, and they’re still available in the off chance that the next owner accidentally spins the back wheels or takes a corner too sharply and one falls off. Not that any of us have done that. The fifth-generation Torino-based Ranchero was made for model years 1970 and 1971, and they came in the regular configuration and also a really beautiful, not awkward or ungainly at all, cab-forward design. Just kidding, I made that one, obviously.
Ford offered buyers four trim levels: the base Ranchero, the 500, the GT, and the Squire, as seen here. I like sporty vehicles almost as much as the next person does, but make mine a Squire every time for the kitsch factor. We don’t get to see under the tonneau cover on this example, and there are no underside photos, but I’m hoping both areas are as free of rust as the seller says they are.
Rust isn’t an issue inside; it’s that incredibly toasted padded dash pad that gives me the shivers. JustDashes.com can work miracles if you have the cashola, but maybe one could somehow be found in a junkyard. I mean, a salvaged auto parts recycling facility. They say there are no other rips or issues inside, and it does look great, other than the steering wheel, and unfortunately, not having been vacuumed before taking the photos.
The engine, as you can see, is Ford’s 351-cu.in. OHV V8, which with a four-barrel carb had a whopping 285 horsepower, ahhh.. the early 1970s. Sadly, this one isn’t running, and the seller thinks it may be a cam issue. Most Barn Finds readers would have this one running in a weekend. Hagerty is at $9,600 for a #4 fair-condition example and $21,300 for a #3 good car, so there’s a bit of room on this one to fix it up. Remembering that it isn’t 1995 anymore, how much is this rust-free Ranchero Squire worth?
It has interior deficiencies, tired paint, and an engine problem. So obviously it is not perfect. But otherwise it is quite clean. A Torino Ranchero Squire, how cool is that. I love those “Sporty Wheel Covers” (that was their brochure name).
Concerning that “really beautiful, not awkward or ungainly at all, cab-forward design” special Ranchero, I might have to think about it…. But seriously, the “Scotty Editions” are fun to look at.
As much as I like the Cab forward design ( I really do actually). I’m wondering what a drop top version would look like and a crew cab… ( poor Scottys now going to spend 8 hours………)
I accidentally hit post comment before finishing lol. The early 60’s Falcon version is my favorite but these Torino based ones definitely come in at a close second.
Nice power from that 4V351 bigtime. Alot of work here but potential for a beauty w performance.🏁 I’d slap a Trac-Lok 3.15 out back w that autoloader.
It looks pretty nice, but not anywhere close to $10,500. Torino’ bring more money than Rancheros, the strongest selling point is the 351-4V, but the engine has issues and a flat cam often leads to a rebuild after the debris runs through all of the bearings. A price closer to $5,500, maybe $6,000 might get it sold. It’s been on the market for 26 days, 50 miles from a population center with 1,000,000+ people, if it was a good deal it would have already sold.
Steve R
One of our neighbors had a GT that was white, black vinyl top, mag wheels with the reflective side stripes. Bad news was it was his daily driver to the steel mill in NW Indiana…cool car but rust ate it up. Nice squire find!
I wonder how long it’s been parked and where out west it came from originally. No blue license plates means it might be from a neighboring state. Either way, I doubt there are too many Rancheros left in this solid and original state. Nice car that would probably clean up quite well.
Another “cam issue”, translation = the use of newer non-zinc oil with that hydraulic flat tappet cam.
I bought a classic with this issue and my engine builder sent a separate full page warning “Warranty Void with use of non Zinc oil; need > 1,400 ppm zinc).
I use Driven HR that was typical for oil 60’s- 70’s. Zinc is the cushion between lifters and cam but newer oils do not have this as it is not needed with roller cams + it is tough on converters.
I remember 1985 as the transition for Fox body 5.0HO to roller cam/lifters so zinc no needed any longer.
Anymore these are bigger projects than 5 yrs ago but if you have lots of desire, time, some $ and a trusty backup mechanic then your Team is more ready to take this on. After 6 yrs I can tell the tale.
I like it -all Classics have value and deserve a caretaker.
Thanks for mentioning that, sir. That is a great reminder.
Nice call Torino. I worked w a guy that had a mint 85 Mustang.
5.0, 5sp. White GT. It was some runner. 🏁
I bought a 1971 Ranchero the same color (no squire option) in virtually the same place/neighborhood about 9-10 years ago.It had no rust and the interior was better than this one. (Dash only had one small crack and the rest of the interior was like new) I don’t remember the mileage but the 302 and C4 were rather worn. I installed a 5.0 and AOD transmission and alloy wheels and white letter tires. Even though the paint was partially burned off by the sun. It was a great looking car. At the time I worked in downtown Reno where they had the street bocked off for Hot August Nights car displays (about 300 in that location) My car was parked out back in the employees lot. A guy came in asking about the Ranchero. And offered me about 3 times what I had in it. I countered with $1,000 more and he accepted. That ended up being about $15,000 total. I wish I had never sold it. The car even made it through a wild fire with chunks of very large embers discovered in the tailgate jamb a few weeks later.
The last of the uni-body Torinos, I like the styling on these the best, but I miss the cargo capacity that a full frame offers. This one is a mixed bag, with a good body, decent interior and non-running engine. $10.5k would be worth it if it ran, but for a non-running example, not so much. OTOH, with the prices of everything, including parts cars exploding these days, it might be worth it at that. If it were closer, I’d be tempted, but the shipping cost would add another $3k to $4k to the price! GLWTS!
listing gone. cool looking ride even needing motor work
Thanks for mentioning that, hairyolds68!