For Sale at Auction: 1974 Ford Ranchero in Scottsdale, Arizona

Introduced for 1957 and produced along several iterations through 1979, Ford's Ranchero combined utility and sportiness like few other competing vehicles during its long run. Initially based on the compact Falcon but progressing to mid-size status by 1968 as part of the Fairlane series, the Ranchero continued in this basic form through 1976. A three-model subseries, the Ranchero was available in Ranchero 500, sporty Ranchero GT, and upscale Ranchero Squire guises. Virtually all Ford powertrains were available with the Ranchero, along with an amazing array of factory options, making it possible for buyers to specify their very own Ranchero, ranging from basic workhorses to fire-breathing muscle cars. This 1974 Ranchero Squire is a wonderful case in point, one of just 3,150 Squires produced for 1974 and 1 of just 68 with its paint/trim codes comprising Ginger Glow Metallic paint, brown vinyl top, and Medium Saddle vinyl split-bench seat. Highly optioned, this Ranchero Squire is one of only 223 equipped with Ford's 460 CI 4-barrel big-block V-8 engine and C-6 SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission. Other factory highlights include air conditioning, power brakes and steering, power windows, and tilt steering. GT instrumentation monitors vital functions and the AM/FM radio includes an 8-Track tape player. According to known history, it was delivered to Van Motor Sales in Leroy, Illinois as a demonstrator, driven by the owner of the dealership for several years before selling to the original owner, who subsequently traded it back to the selling dealer. After the dealership eventually closed, the original owner bought it back at the dealer's inventory auction in 1994. In 2015, the Ranchero Squire joined the Mile High Collection, with limited use and climate-controlled storage ever since. As offered, this exceptionally rare 1974 Ford Ranchero Squire remains unrestored with one repaint and highly original with under 13,000 miles. As offered, the Ranchero sounds great with a dual exhaust system sporting Flowmaster mufflers and rides on a set of chrome Magnum 500 wheels mounting BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires. Includes a Marti Report documenting factory data and equipment. From the Mile-High Collection.