1957 Ford Ranchero

Very rare E-code Ranchero with dual quads. Older frame-off restoration still in very good condition. Beautiful paint, interior, and engine bay. Automatic, power steering, power brakes. A high-grade Ranchero with a big horsepower surprise under the hood.

The El Camino seems to be the most well-known of the truck/cars, but Ford was on the scene first with the all-new 1957 Ranchero. Thanks to a big redesign of the Fairlane, the Ranchero could enjoy full-sized car performance with a big dose of practicality in the full-sized pickup bed. And that s ignoring the fact that it is flat-out gorgeous. This 1957 Ford Ranchero is a real-deal E-code model (it s right there in the VIN), meaning it packs a 312 cubic inch Thunderbird V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors. A strange option on a utility vehicle, but a very cool find in today s world. Perhaps due to its rarity, this one received a very high-quality body-off restoration several years ago and remains in outstanding condition today. It shows 3751 miles since it was finished, but it still presents quite well, with a deep gloss to the finish, laser-straight bodywork underneath, and fit and finish that are probably better than Ford was doing in 1957. And, of course, on any 50s car, the chrome and stainless trim is critical, so you ll be relieved to note that all the brightwork is in excellent shape. Accessories include a front grille guard, dual fender-mounted mirrors, and those twin exhaust tips peeking out from under the rear bumper, perhaps warning onlookers that this is no garden-variety Ranchero. It also comes with a set of factory steel fender skirts (not currently installed). There was obviously a great deal of money invested here.

The two-tone red and white interior is how the car was originally spec d and was fully restored with the rest of the car. The wide bench seat is still firm and supportive, and the pleated seat cover is an exact match for the original. Likewise, the door panels, floor mats, and headliner were all replaced, the dash was repainted to match the bodywork, and the color-matched steering wheel is in great shape. A big arching speedometer dominates the dash, flanked by fuel and temperature gauges, along with idiot lights for oil pressure and generator output, and they all work properly. Heater controls are simple and intuitive, and there s an operational Town & Country AM radio in the dash. The clock apparently works but has been disconnected to prevent damage and running down the battery when stored. There s also a full-sized spare and factory jack assembly stashed behind the passenger-side seat.

What makes an E-code special is under the hood: 312 cubic inches and dual 4-barrel carburetors, for a total of 270 horsepower. Why this engine was even available in the Ranchero remains somewhat of a mystery, but here it is and it looks awesome! The big air cleaner with dual hats gives it a distinctive look, and the finned Thunderbird valve covers are simply beautiful. The rest of the engine bay is quite correctly detailed, from Ford script hoses to correct hose clamps to proper markings on things like the heater motor and inner fenders. A big radiator helps the Ranchero keep its cool on the job site (although I doubt this one ever worked for a living) and power steering makes it effortless to drive. Ford s 3-speed automatic does a commendable job of finding the right gears to keep it in the sweet spot, and with 3.56 gears out back, it feels quick around town but cruises easily at highway speeds. Floors have been painted in correct red oxide primer, which looks great behind the satin black frame and galvanized exhaust system. Brakes and suspension have been rebuilt, so it tracks, steers, and stops properly, and while there are signs of use, they could probably be erased in a weekend with some light clean-up. A new gas tank hangs out back, and it sits on factory 14-inch wheels with hubcaps and road-friendly 215/75/14 Coker wide whitewall radials.

Documentation includes a factory owner s manual and advertising brochures.

This car is cool for all kinds of reasons. First, Rancheros are always cool, that s a given. Then add in the high-performance E-code motor, and you have something of a unicorn that simply shouldn t exist. That s awesome! Then there s the high-quality restoration, and it still shows beautifully. All together, this is a desirable 50s Ford for the collector who appreciates the unusual. Call today!

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