Ford enjoyed sales success when it introduced the Ranchero in 1957, and it would remain part of its model range until 1979. This Ranchero is from the final production year and presents quite well. It appears to be a rust-free classic with a healthy V8 under the hood. The new owner could preserve it untouched or lift its presentation with little effort. The seller has listed the Ranchero here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bidding sits below the reserve at a modest $510, with time remaining on the auction for someone to make a play for this classic.

The Seventh Generation Ranchero appeared on showroom floors for the 1977 model year, and with the end of Torino production in 1976, the new model took its styling cues from the new LTD II. Overall length grew slightly, and the vehicle had a genuine sense of presence. However, Ford management knew the writing was on the wall for the Ranchero. It struggled to compete with other purpose-built offerings, especially those from overseas. Therefore, the Ranchero was consigned to oblivion at the end of 1979. This one is from the final year and presents well for its age. The White paint has a respectable shine, but I wouldn’t call it dazzling. It is acceptable for a survivor, but the winning bidder might want to perform a refresh to lift its appearance. The contrasting tri-tone stripes are in good order, and the exterior shows no evidence of rust. The bed has the scratches you would rightly expect from a vehicle of this type, but there are no signs of abuse or anything beyond a dusting of surface corrosion. The front bumper exhibits slight damage, but the remaining trim and glass are problem-free. The aftermarket wheels add a touch of menace, but the winning bidder could swap them for something more appropriate if they seek a stock appearance.

Lifting the hood reveals a 351ci V8, with the original owner selecting a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The V8 should produce 149hp and 258 ft/lbs of torque, and while that doesn’t sound like a recipe for excitement, it is worth noting that the Ranchero is considerably lighter than the sedan upon which it is based. Therefore, performance was acceptable for the period, and the combination made the Ranchero an effective load carrier. Potential buyers should consider this a turnkey classic, with the seller stating the engine feels strong. So, if you feel like popping down to Vegas for a vacation and driving home behind the wheel of a Ranchero, that seems possible with this classic.

This Ranchero’s interior surprised me because I expected to find baked upholstery and trim. However, it looks incredibly tidy and has no immediate needs. The factory radio has gone, but it is otherwise complete. The only question mark hangs over the dash pad because I am unsure whether it has cracked in a couple of spots. This is common, and the harsh Nevada sunlight can trigger the issue. It isn’t the end of the world if it has succumbed because reproduction pads in the correct color retail for under $400. The Blue cloth and vinyl upholstery look spotless, and there are no carpet issues. The aftermarket wheel won’t appeal to everyone but is the only visible addition. It isn’t loaded with factory options, although the new owner receives air conditioning to make life in hot climates more bearable, and the sports gauge cluster with a factory tach.

It is easy to underestimate vehicles like this 1979 Ranchero because they aren’t as hard-edged as F-Series pickups. However, that is the secret of their attraction. They offer owners excellent versatility, respectable load-carrying capabilities, and the comfort of a sedan. The vehicle known as the coupe utility fell out of favor with the buying public as it turned its attention towards more dedicated models. When these cars disappeared from the market, they seemed gone for good. There are rumors of a potential return for the Ranchero and the Chevrolet El Camino, but they remain rumors. That means it falls to vehicles like this to carry the torch, and this one looks like it will do that with style and class. That makes it worth a closer look.