1959 Ford Ranchero – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 17.09.2020

While the all-Australian ute was invented in the mid-30s, Ford in the US followed up some decades later with this – the Ranchero

Ford’s new-for-1957 platform birthed an expansive range of models, one of them being the Ranchero coupe utility.

Ford’s Ranchero was the first post-war American vehicle to combine the closed cabin of a sedan with the tray of a pickup, a formula famously invented in Australia back in the mid-30s.

The American ute was produced from 1957 to 1959, and was available in two main trim levels; a stripped-back variant pitched towards traditional truck buyers and farmers, and an upmarket Custom model which mimicked the luxurious Fairlane in options and accessories.

This one caught our eye on the market, as a rare and unique sight on the Australian market.

Appearing in the upmarket Custom trim, the Ranchero is fitted with the 352ci Ford Interceptor V8 backed by an automatic transmission. Power brakes and power steering are added luxuries, while the rest of the car comes loaded with wheel spats, cowl spotlight, hazard switch, tonneau cover and more.

The car has been restored in off white over beige duco, showing plenty of lustre with good great brightwork all round. The interior has similarly been restored to factory specification of two-tone saddle trim.

The selling dealer states that this has never been a workhorse truck and, while currently fitted with 100-spoke knock-off wire wheels, is accompanied by a full set of original wheels with white wall tyres.

The Ranchero is based in Queensland and is listed for $45,000.

Check out the full listing here!

Classic Australian Family Car Value Guide home page

Muscle Car Value Guide home page

Japanese Classic Car Value Guide home page

Recent auction results

Unique Cars magazine Value Guides

Sell your car for free right here