It is no mystery that Ford trucks dominate the new-vehicle marketplace – and have done consecutively so for over 40 years. During calendar year 2023, Ford sold a mind-boggling 750,789 F-Series pickups. That put Ford in the lead by a long shot; Chevrolet’s Silverado came in second place at 555,148 units sold. America’s love affair with Ford trucks goes back deep into automotive history, and one of Ford’s most unique vehicles was a car-based pickup called the Ranchero which came out in the late 1950s.
The Pick of the Day is a first-year 1957 Ford Ranchero listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Salome, Arizona. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Original California car, always garaged,” the listing begins. “I have owned the car since 1966; restoration in 2011.”
The car (or truck, depending on how you prefer to see it) is understated, yet attractive. On the outside, it has a clean, neutral two-tone paint scheme offset by a set of five-spoke American Racing aluminum wheels and tinted windows. The cabin has a black vinyl bench seat, lap belts, auxiliary gauges, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a T-handle floor-mounted shift lever. The powertrain consists of a 390cid V8 mated to a C6 three-speed automatic transmission.
The Ranchero was launched in December 1956 for the 1957 model year as a two-door “coupe utility” on the same platform as some of the other full-sized Ford cars. It shared architecture with the Custom sedan, the Courier sedan delivery, and the Ranch Wagon station wagon.
Because of its unique shape, Ford called attention to its similarly unique capabilities. The car was marketed as “More than a car! More than a truck!” One advertisement for the 1957 Ranchero said, “Any way you look at it, the stunning new Ranchero is the slickest, sleekest, pickup to ever pack a load. It gives you all the luxury and handling ease of a fine car just right for those trips to town.”
The Ranchero went through seven distinct generations, ending production in 1979. We recently read about a Ranchero in Andy’s story of an AutoHunter-auctioned car from the second generation (at the time, it was referred to as the Falcon Ranchero). There are several Ranchero owner clubs around the nation, including a Facebook group with over 3,500 members in it. As quirky as it may look, the Ranchero has solidified its foothold as a collector vehicle with a devout enthusiast following even today.
For light-duty hauling, this 1957 Ranchero will tackle your chores – and do it with a sense of style.
The seller’s asking price is $30,000.
Visit Pick of the Day to find this listing on ClassicCars.com.
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