BF Auction: 1979 Ford Ranchero GT
- Seller: Charles C
- Location: Naperville, Illinois
- Mileage: 89,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 9H48H118281
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 302 V8
- Transmission: Automatic
UPDATE – Sold
In 1957, Ford debuted the Ranchero, an interesting hybrid car and truck. The idea was popular enough that some form of the Ranchero remained in production until 1979. The example seen here is one of the final Rancheros built and was optioned in GT spec. It’s a driver that has already had considerable work done to ensure it’s ready to enjoy! It’s currently located in Naperville, Illinois, and is being offered here as a Barn Finds Auction. So, if you’d love to hit the streets in this Ute, be sure to bid below.
The Ranchero saw seven iterations, most of which were based on the Fairlane or Torino chassis. The final generation was based on the LTD II, which replaced the Torino in ’77. This meant the Ranchero received the redesigned front end and engine options of the LTD II. Mechanically, nothing major changed from the previous generation, with most of the changes being cosmetic.
The base model Rancheros received the 302 V8, which is what the seller states the car is currently equipped with. Power numbers were down, partly due to the change from gross to net measurements, but also to meet new regulations. This V8 was fitted with a 2-barrel carburetor and rated 134 horsepower. While it isn’t the tire-burning performance that could be had in a pre-’70s Ranchero, it’s enough to be enjoyable. If you need more power, there are plenty of bolt-on upgrades to free up some ponies. The seller states that during their ownership, it has received new lower and upper ball joints, front and rear shocks, front rotors and pads, a brake master cylinder, and a new exhaust.
Full-size trucks of this era were typically barebones, but since the Ranchero was based on a car, you could choose one to be quite luxurious. This one is well-appointed, as it was optioned with the GT package and the Brougham decor group. The Brougham vinyl-covered seats are very comfortable and feature individual fold-down armrests. The GT package included the sport gauges and an engine-turned cluster applique. The seller states that the seats are free of tears, and during their ownership, they installed a new headliner, carpet, seatbelts, and the bed was coated with Rhino Liner. It also features A/C, cruise control, and an AM/FM cassette radio. The seller tells us that the A/C pump kicks on, but the system doesn’t blow cold, and the cruise control system was removed at some point, but they have all the parts to put it back on if so desired.
At some point during its life, this Ute was repainted black. It initially wore white paint with GT graphics. We would leave the paint as is since it seems to present nicely, but we would consider putting new GT decals on it. There weren’t many Rancheros built in ’79, and of those, few were optioned with both the GT and Brougham options. While there’s some surface rust showing on the underside, the seller states that there aren’t any rusted-through spots, and the professional photos seem to back that up. Having it blasted with dry ice would clean the underside up nicely and allow you to spray it with fresh undercoating to keep it protected from further rust concerns.
Overall, this Ranchero presents nicely and is ready for its next owner to drive. Parts are readily available, and there’s a dedicated following for 7th-generation Rancheros. This Ute’s next owner has lots of options, whether they drive it as is, restore it to its original configuration, or customize it with a front clip from a different ’79 Ford product. What route would you take? Please leave any questions you might have for the seller in the comments section, and make sure to cast your high bid!
Bid On This Auction
Steve bid $6,750.00 2024-08-06 09:10:02
cashtango bid $6,500.00 2024-08-06 04:38:34- Steve bid $6,000.00 2024-08-04 08:48:29
- cashtango bid $5,000.00 2024-08-03 14:57:11
- Steve bid $4,750.00 2024-08-03 14:44:07
- cashtango bid $4,500.00 2024-08-03 14:41:10
- Steve bid $4,000.00 2024-08-03 07:04:51
- cashtango bid $3,000.00 2024-08-03 07:03:38
- Steve bid $2,500.00 2024-07-31 08:52:30
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Comments
That sure doesn’t look like any 302 that I have ever seen. Most likely either a 351M or 400M.
I had a 79. Paid $7200 for it new in 1980. It had a 351m. I believe that’s what’s in this one. Those are definitely Cleveland heads, not Windsor.
I dont think any car built with stacked square headlights was an improvement in the looks dept. over the single round lamps . This Ranchero is mint, but I’d still be tempted to swap out the header panel for one off an Elite
I had a 79, 351 but I can’t remember if it was a W or M. Put a 79 Tbird nose on it.
Sweet looking ride. Question: what’s the black canister in front of the brake fluid resivoir?
my 93 bronco had 1, i called it the mater juice can, it was part of the smog crap on it
I have a 72 LTD with a 400 and I have one, too. It’s a vacuum canister. Like flynndawg said, probably for emissions.
It is a vacuum reservoir. The HCAC controls that run the blend doors run off of vacuum.
So, in other words, it’s part of the HVAC system, and unrelated to smog “crap”.
It’s a vacuum storage canister.
Thanks Boatman
The Ranchero received more than just a new front end for 1977. The doors and rear quarters were altered, as well, meaning only the roof and tailgate carried over from 1976. This one is a very nice example. It’s a bit oddly equipped, though, with cornering lamps and no power assists inside.
@DON – I’m with you on the stacked lights. Combined with the long overhang, they make the car look like the bumper will scrape during hard braking. I wouldn’t choose an Elite nose, though. I’d go for a Thunderbird front end.
Good choice !
A lot of pluses with lack of rust, clean engine and paint, but I would have liked the original color and functional cruise and A/C, especially at my old age. I have a 66 F-100 now with a Mustang 302 instead of the original 6, but it is tough for leg cramps due to my 6′ height and no cruise. I think it would be easier to have A/C and cruise fixed on this one than have to deal with a rust case.
Hm…an ash tray behind the driver’s seat, on a Ranchero…..really?
Take a look at the bottom side shots, at the bolts holding the seats in. They ain’t factory. No telling what they are out of.
Gotta have a place to flick your ashes while retrieving the spare tire
I used to own a 1972 ambulance. There was an ashtray in the side compartment next to the gurney. For added fun, there was a bracket for holding a huge oxygen cylinder. Even as a former smoker, that never made sense to me.
Enroute to hospital: “Pardon me, do you have a light?”
They used tp say these were for guys who were “too damn tough to drive a car and too damn rich to drive a truck” — a bit like Range Rovers now.
It’s a fun-looking ride though, and makes the bed in the comical modern trucks look like a shoe box, so if you need a light duty pickup, you could do a lot worse at the sort of price this is likely to cost.
These big fords from this era had a lot of vacuum operated toys on them. They had a thing that looked like a black coffee can that acted as a “vacuum reservoir” for this purpose.
Nice looking Ranchero GT. It’s an H code – so 351 2V. That engine is not impressive but can be made to produce better power. I had one in a 77 F150 and changed it out for an upgraded 400 which was a smart move. Seats are not original to a Ranchero and exterior trim has been removed. I like the lack of rust. It would make a great daily driver as is and with little effort you could turn it back to its original state, if you had a mind to. Looks like it might be a bargain for someone that wants it.
I’m curious about the mileage. The ad says 89,000 but the car says 16709.
I really like these and they ride smooth too but the disgrace is when you open the hood and see this big beautiful engine that doesn’t even put out 140hp. Not just this car. One if the 76’ olds Cutlass put out 110 hp! Disgraceful
Thank your Government
According to the door data tag the original color is code 1G which is silver poly. Unless I’m reading things wrong.
I do prefer the black.
Nice ride!…The 351M was junk I had 2 in trucks with it and the pistons came apart, read something about rod wristpin ratio n location being a weak point ?….I dropped 460’s in both rides n never looked back
…need the cash or is a trade OK ? I have a mint 2003 BMW Z4…
Looks like a true dual exhaust with no converters. Probably sounds nice