The introduction of the Ford Ranchero marked an important shift in vehicle design and purpose. When it launched in 1957, establishing what became known as the “coupe utility” segment, it created a new market niche and prompted the introduction of the competing Chevrolet El Camino. The Pick of the Day is a 1957 Ford Ranchero listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Burlington, Washington.
Some 25 years ago, I was living in southern California and working as a religious missionary. While my scope of work centered around church-oriented initiatives, I was a car fanatic to the core and couldn’t help but notice and appreciate special cars. One of them was a yellow 1957 Ford Ranchero in a friend’s backyard. The picture is of poor quality, but I remember the day (and the car) as if it were yesterday.
“From the moment you lay eyes on it, this Ranchero is a head-turner,” the listing says. Refurbishment was reportedly done in the 1990s. The body is dressed in two-tone red and white, and features include chrome bumpers, antenna, body side moldings, driver side mirror, spray in bedliner, and 14-inch steel wheels wrapped in wide whitewall tires.
The interior is color-keyed to match the exterior, and features include split-back red vinyl bench seat, air conditioning, and Kenwood stereo. The Stewart Warner gauges are enclosed in an engine-turned-aluminum surround. The odometer reads 90,033 miles, although true mileage is unknown.
Under the hood is a 352ci “FE” V-8 (not original to the car, since a 312ci V-8 was the largest engine available that year from the factory). The listing says, “Polished, oblong, finned air cleaner and matching finned valve covers add a touch of classic hot rod style. For effortless cruising, it’s equipped with a retrofitted three-speed automatic transmission.”
“This well-maintained truck has seen limited use and performs exceptionally well. A rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history that’s both beautiful and ready to enjoy,” the listing concludes.
The asking price is $45,000.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
