Vehicle Description
1957 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 1957, the first year of production
for the Ranchero. This looker is complete with a swoop spear, two
tone paint, wrap around windshield and a single headlight with that
large front quarter visor protecting it. A small fin is on back and
Ford T bird thruster taillights flank the gate.
Exterior
Miles deep Flame Red for the lowers on this car/truck and then the
swoop spear allows the Colonial White to kick in above and for the
bed as well. Red grabs the baton for the top and we are looking so
cool I can barely stand it! A large frame in stainless steel
surrounding the rear glass stands in back above the bed and is
nearly straight vertical. The roof creates a visor for this glass
too, not to be outdone by the single headlights. Horizontal
rectangles create the egg crate grille and below a large bumper
looks like it's ready to sweep the street in front of the vehicle.
The Colonial White hood runs back to the cab which has a curved
windshield and a single door on either side that lines up nicely
with the side slabs. An all steel bed in pristine white painted
condition is between the finned long and strong rear quarters and
the gate goes up and down with ease. Below the gate is another
large bumper which is nice and shiny with no pitting. Nice round
wheel coverings with a central Ford badge are wrapped by thin
whites on all 4 corners. Also on the back is a steer head in a
circle for the Ranchero badge... Mooooooooo!
Interior
As we swing the doors, we are bowled over by the Ford designers'
genius with the use of white and red vinyl. Shades of the boomerang
along with some shiny cranks and handles and a red covered
armrest/pull. Seating is courtesy of a split back bench also in the
two tone with wide white bolsters and red tuck and roll inserts,
all vinyl and all clean. In front is the dash, all original and
dripping with 50's styling in a curved speedo, red painted metal,
aluminum and chrome accenting and all spit shined. A newer retro
styled AM/FM radio is in the center and right next to it a
rectangular starburst clock. Stunning red carpeting floods the
floors and there is not a mark on it, and above a nice white
headliner showing just a few slight wrinkles. Yahhhh Yahhhh!
Drivetrain
Lifting the front hinged hood reveals a moment of bling in the
center of a black and white field in this restored and repainted
engine bay. Shining brightly is a 292ci V8 topped by a 4bbl factory
carburetor pushing fuel to the internal combustion chambers
Thunderbird style valve covers, silver painted short snout air
cleaner holder and a red painted intake and block are all looking
good. On the back is a 3-speed manual tranny, and rear axle is 3.92
ratio.
Undercarriage
Here we see floor pans resting nicely within a jet black frame with
no rust. Dual stock exhaust races rearward, past independent coil
springs upfront, and leaf spring rear suspension. Drum brakes are
seen 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 it performed like a champ with smooth
acceleration aplenty and adequate handling for a car from the
1950s. All functions were operational at the time of our test
drive, although the brake pedal was a bit spongy which may have air
in the system?
A great restore/rebuild all the while bringing this very desirable
first 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. Giddy-yup!
VIN DECODE
C7EF222395
C-292ci V8 4bbl 206hp
7-1957
E-Mahwah, NJ Assy Plant
222395-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 66B-Custom Ranchero
COLOR CE-Dresden Blue & Colonial White
TRIM CODE OBLITERATED
DATE 16D-April 16th
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.
