Vehicle Description
1958 Ford Ranchero
While it's often referred to as a pickup truck, the Ranchero was
actually a coupe utility vehicle as it was adapted from a two-door
station wagon that integrated the cargo bed into the body. The idea
wasn't new when Ford introduced the Ranchero in 1957. The
Detroit-based company had created trucks from cars long before
that, with the first examples dating back to the Model T that was
offered until 1927. Ford also made a cargo bed version of the Model
A that was built from 1927 until 1931, too. However, American
trucks quickly evolved into a heavier duty form with cabs and beds
built as distinct elements by the late 1930s.
For consignment, a cool cat from 1958 the second year of production
for the Ranchero. This version has some shades of resto-mod with
shaved panels and rear bumper, a frame off restoration which
brought it back from what the consigner called a "grave of rust".
Now looking snappy and a contemporary flair to a late 50's classic
utility coupe.
Exterior
After its discovery in a field, our consigner grabbed it up, and
began the process of bringing this vehicle back to life. It was put
on a rotisserie where new floor pans, quarter panels and any other
parts that suffered from invasive rust were cut out and replaced.
Plenty of liberties were taken during this process, all yielding a
very "cool" end result. Upfront the grille was replaced by a
stainless steel "caned" pattern grille which smiles at you through
its surrounding shiny two tier bumper. A small chromed "tank" is
centrally located mounted to the bumper. Dual headlights flank the
grille, and the hood has a fabricated "whale nostril" shaped hood
intake. This bump up carries through to the roof where another one
is seen. Just below is a nifty wrap around windshield and side
glass with blackened trimmings and a shiny chromed winglet window
next to the curvaceous A pillar. Also, note the detailing of the
side view mirrors (Buck Rogers futuristic!). Moving to the rear the
bed has a canvas covering, a smoothed bed, and rear quarters with
shades of the T bird here with jet engine styled round taillights.
A small fin and a custom vented tailgate bring up the rear. Noted
the rear bumper has been shaved and shiny dual exhaust tips
protrude proudly out the bottom. Also of interest on the rear
quarters are open fender skirts in bar form. All this steel with
fair gaps is bathed in the deep end of the pool black paint. The
corners are finished off with 14-inch American Racing Torque Thrust
wheels. Flossy flossy!
Interior
As we swing open the doors, we are bowled over by more custom
starting with those door panels where a wool textured gray
broadcloth provides the background for a billet styled aluminum
armrest and door pull. Original cranks and door actuators remain
and are nice and shiny. Inside we sit in high back buckets which
are late model, have power adjustments (nonfunctional) and black
seat covers with a screen printed design. In front is the dash, all
original and dripping with 50's styling in a curved speedo, black
painted metal, aluminum and chrome accenting and all spit shined.
Some aftermarket gauges hang below and hover above a creme colored
carpeting which is clean. In the hump, is a Hurst shifter. A rally
steering wheel with a tachometer attached to the column reaches out
to the driver. Neatly inserted into the center of the dash is a
digital radio from Kenwood. This pumps sound out to dual behind the
seat mounted subwoofers, and door mounted speakers...rock on!
Drivetrain
Lifting the front hinged hood reveals a moment of bling in the
center of a black field in this restored and repainted engine bay
in black. Shining brightly is a 302ci V8 topped by a 4-bbl
Edelbrock carburetor posing fuel to the internal combustion
chambers through a newly installed Edelbrock Intake. Valve covers,
air cleaner holder and intake are all shined and gleaming. On the
back is a T5 5-speed manual tranny, and rear axle is 3.92 ratio.
Only 13,000 miles on the engine.
Undercarriage
The rotisserie allows one to fully address any undercarriage
problems easily, and here all have been addressed. Here we see new
floor pans resting nicely within a jet-black frame with no rust.
Dual glasspack exhaust races rearward, past independent coil
springs upfront, and leaf spring rear suspension. Power drum brakes
are now in all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
She fired up with a nice gurgle from the exhaust and it was off to
the test track. Here is performed like a champ with smooth
acceleration aplenty, bias free braking, and rail like handling.
All functions were operational at the time of our test drive.
A great custom rebuild all the while bringing this very desirable
low production year for the Ranchero back to life and looking more
modern than ever. Roll up to a show in this baby and you are
definitely dressed to impress.
VIN DECODE
A8RF730327
A-223ci I6 1bbl 145hp
8-1958
R-San Jose, CA Assy Plant
F-Ranchero Pick Up
730327-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 66A-Ranchero
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM AB-?
DATE 28A-January 28th Build
TRANS 1-3 Speed Manual
AXLE 4-3.89 Gears
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
