The Ford Ranchero was a “gentleman’s” pickup that was based on three types of platforms during its 23 years on the market. This edition from 1969 is pretty rough and was a parts car at one point. That is until a family member put a Holman-Moody engine under the hood, which should have turned it into a performance beast. The truck is being sold from the estate of its owners and can be purchased for restoration or harvesting of the valuable drivetrain. Located near Kennewick, Washington, this opportunity is available here on craigslist for $20,000.

Launched in 1957, the first Ranchero was based on a full-sized Ford wagon platform. That shifted to the new compact Falcon for 1960-65 and – finally – it emerged as an intermediate for the rest of its run (like the Chevy El Camino). More than a half-million copies of the pickup were built while it was part of the Ford portfolio. Fourth-generation Ranchero’s were produced for just two years (1968-69), which would have included the seller’s edition.

As the story goes, this Ranchero was a project that was traded back and forth between the seller’s father and uncle, who both are now deceased. Between the two of them, they spent a couple of years building and spec’ing the engine, which is said to have originated with Holman-Moody. H-M has been involved in racing for years, producing a lot of race cars and engines as well as owning a team that won the Daytona 500 in 1967 and NASCAR national championships in 1968-69. So, their credentials are well-known in automotive circles.

The seller knows little about the mechanics of this “car”, but has notes indicating the block is from 1965, and the 427 has 7000-series rods and smaller valves for low-end torque. Supposedly 428 Cobra Jet heads ride atop the block and we’re told both the engine and its companion 4-speed manual transmission (Top Loader?) perform well and the seller can provide a video of the car running. We’re told it sounds great! BTW, dig the “Student Driver” sticker on the back window!

We’re not given much on the way of photography of the Ranchero and we get the impression that you’d be getting a car/truck to go with the drivetrain if you bought the package. Sources tell the seller that the engine and transmission alone could be worth $25,000, but we don’t know who’s telling him that. Would you buy this Ford to restore it with the monster motor already there or pull the drivetrain and part out what remains?