Recently Rebuilt 352: 1959 Ford Ranchero
By 1959, the Ford experiment known as the Ranchero, half-car/half-pickup truck was in the third and final year of its first, full-size iteration. Always an interesting vehicle to review, and infrequently seen these days, it’s nice to find a 1959 example, located in Durango, Colorado, and available here on craigslist for $6,000. Thanks, as always, to Ikey H. for this tip!
The website rancheros.us lists 1959 production at 14,196 units, quite a bit higher than 1958’s 9,950 but behind the inaugural year of 1957 when 21,696 were knocked together. The ’58 recession, which caused a significant downturn in auto sales, probably played some role in ’58’s lackluster sales numbers. That said, from observation, it seems that 1959 examples are the most infrequently encountered.
This Ranchero is a curious blend. It has what the seller refers to as its original 352 CI V8 engine that has been recently rebuilt but is laid up with a generator problem and is, therefore, non-running. For my eyes, the engine doesn’t look original, it appears dressed as a newer unit so I’ll ask our Ford expert commentators to weigh in on that front. Period literature lists the Ford 352 “FE” as being the top dog option for ’59 with 300 gross HP so that’s a nice find as opposed to a six-cylinder or a 292 CI Y-block motor. Transmission responsibilities are managed by an automatic unit, either a Fordomatic or a Cruise-O-Matic, three-speed unit, the seller did not elaborate on that matter.
The body of this centaur style vehicle is a bit rough but it probably looks worse than it actually is. The seller states that it has been parked for 30 years but no reference as to how or where i.e outside, under a lean-to, inside; specifics would help to gauge this truck’s structural vitality beyond the minimal description in the listing. There is a lot of surface rust and the seller admits that the rocker panels are shot and the wheel opening edges, primarily the rear, are seeing some degradation too. The body is, however, intact, the trim etc. is either installed or in the cargo bed so at least it is available. And speaking of the cargo bed it appears to be sound but it is not possible to glean a complete view of it. There is a rear taillight lense that has gone missing and the grille has a minor bend to it but these are minor items. The front bumper looks worse than the rear but that’s pretty normal as leading with your chin will wear it down first. It would be helpful to know a bit about the underside of this Ranchero owing to its 30-year siesta in an unknown environment. Good to see is the intact side and rear glass. Where the windshield is a standard 1959 Ford affair and has a big crack, the side and rear glass are Ranchero specific and probably a challenge to source.
The interior looks pretty typical, it’s rather forlorn, including the seats, non-matching carpet, gravity challenged headliner, weather stripping, missing door card(s); the whole environment needs a makeover. The good news is that it is a small space unlike a similar era Galaxie or Fairlane. Of interest is the floor-mounted gear selector, it would seem to be from a first-generation Mustang.
I am always drawn to Rancheros even though crosstown rival Chevrolet’s El Camino is the scene-stealer. The Ranchero was first and these original-generation models are so much more impressive than the follow-on ’60 to ’63 Falcon based arrangements. I would like to know more about the engine in this Ranchero, it feels like something is missing in the storyline. Nevertheless, this one is worth follow-up questions; there are just so many different directions you could take this unique car/truck. What do you think, what do you see as this Ranchero’s future destiny?
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Comments
I think you are right on the 352…I don’t think they invented the PVC valve yet…I could be wrong…
No, you’re right about the PCV. No such thing until at least 1973. I’d bet the VIN shows this left the factory with the in-line 6 and a 3-speed manual. That Pinto automatic on the tranny hump needs to go. So does that velour seat material–eeeeschh!
Wil, PCV systems came in to play in the 63-64 time frame. Like we said, could be any FE Mill, If the hardware is original i’m guessing its mid to late 60’s and could be a 390 s they were more plentiful. Not sure what the last year was for the 352, i’m thinking 66 or 67?? Don’t underestimate the 352, good strong durable mill. Stay safe.
Cheers
GPC
Maybe Ford didn’t use them until 1973, but GM cars used them in the mid-60’s.
Steve R
Charlie, the 352 was available in cars until 66, trucks 67. Ford was funny with letting engines go longer in trucks. BTW, the side windows shouldn’t be hard to source, flat safety glass that can be cut.
From the look of the motor I am guessing late sixties early seventies. It could have had a 352 from the factory but doubtful. More like a 332 if had a big engine. The old FE Motors top end looks nothing like this,
Looks to be Ford FE motor of some kind, maybe a 390? This would make a good project, but at 6 grand with lots of unknowns ahead, that’s steep money. I’ve been looking for one of these for a few years now; they either seem to be mint and unreasonably expensive, OR big projects and unreasonably expensive, lol.
Shifter on the floor seems to new I would have thought be on the steering column. Then again want do I know;-)
Could be a later 352, or any FE engine, you would need to run the numbers or pull the heads to be sure. 57 rancho had 292, 58 offered 292 and 332, and 59 352 or 292. The FE swap was popular as there were many problems with the 292, plus the advantages or a big block, FE drops right in there with the original mounts. Seems high price with lousy pics and unconfirmed shape on the mill. If the underside is clean that’s a plus but I still don’t see 6k. Good luck, could be a solid rancho. Stay safe.
Cheers
GPC
Good catch, Flmikey–Wiki says CA started to require the pcv valve in 1961, and not likely that any maker would have done it on its own sooner than that. Can’t wait for the Ford guys to chime in and identify this powerplant!
Yikes, The PCV tale again. Staring in 1940/41 it could be factory installed. (Packard taxi cabs had this as an option, because of the low speed/city use of taxis the “road draft tube” was not that effective) Beginning in the early 60s PCV was required on new cars sold in Calif. In 1965/66 Calif. required all cars 55 and newer to retro fitted with PCV sys.
Nice starting place…
nice starting project
I’ve seen a lot of Ford engines, but I’ve never seen the breather hose in the lid! Anyone?
I’m with you on that, I’ve never seen that type of setup…
I had a 59 Retractable it did not have flat top valve covers. They were rounded and no oil. Had a stand pipe in the intake. That hose is supposed to go in the side hole in air filter base. This a newer engine.
@boatman, Morgan Winter and Fasball7. Ok PCV type I was PCV, and an “open”(cap with a wire mesh filter) oil filler/crankcase vent/oil filler. Type II same as type I but had the inlet to the crankcase routed to the air cleaner either to the “filtered” side or with its own stand alone filter.
The way I read the add is the engine was rebuilt at least 30 years ago, the generator went out, then the Ranchero was parked for 30 years.
Has anyone ever seen an LTD II based generation Ranchero Squire before? The vehicle already looked long, but the wood grain and trim on the side made it appear even longer! But it would be great at car shows with some mag wheels and Cooper tires on it since the one I saw had wire hub caps and white walls.
Funny? Someone put up an add for a 352 engine 3 days ago. The Ranchero here went up 2 days ago. The add on Craigs is under wanted by owner in the same area that reads:
Ford 352 FE Engine (GJ/Mesa)
© craigslist – Map data © OpenStreetMap
(google map)
Wanted; Ford 352 FE engine. Would prefer a 1960 Thunderbird Special 352 engine, or 1958-1959-1960 352, but would consider any 352 FE (4 barrel engine). Call or leave contact number in an email.
Ford, FE, 352, engine, motor, 1958, 1959, 1960, Thunderbird Special, Police Interceptor, 4v, 4 barrel, four barrel.
Still all in all without a positive identification on the motor the body looks pretty solid and doesn’t have a repaint with tons of bondo under it!! Good find if in the market!!!
It looks like the car has electric wipers. Nice option to have as most were vacuum operated
Restorable at any cost. If you got the money, time and working space. These probably won’t be around too much longer.
God bless America
True. Less than a year ago, I saw a Falcon Ranchero on Craigs for sale for about $4500. It looked all original and very clean down to the hubcaps and inline 6. The guy said that he had it for about a year, and didn’t have time for it. It was posted and around the next day, it was taken off.
I also saw a Chevelle El Camino posted about two months ago on Craigs by the original owner for about 6k. It was all original that I recall with the inline 6. It too sold in just a couple of days.
This was my first car when I was 16; baby blue and white with three on the tree. Then, I desperately wanted the 1978 Trans Am in metallic blue like my best friend. Now, I’d give almost anything to own the Ranchero again.
Woody, I loved your comments, and here’s mine, almost a carbon copy of yours.
In the summer of ’70 I worked for a buddy at a small ARCO station here in NY, We built a 57 ranchero, 352, 3 on the tree, true laquer candy apple paint job, and Kelsey hayes wire wheels. I went on vacation and while I was Away, my buddy sold it, little did I know he needed the money. Always said I would like to have another one. Fast forward to about 7 years ago. My buddy was on his deathbed. I went to see him and we talked at length about the old ranchero, and how I wanted to build another. But this one was going to be 390 4 speed. 4 months later I bought the car of my dreams, came from texas by way of Toledo. Just this past week I road tested the car. Exceeded all my expectation and runs like a top. Took 50 years but I am finally reaching my dream, with my buddy looking down the whole time. Divine intervention?? I like to think so.
Stay safe!
Cheers
GPC
Fugley.
Good for you Gaspumpchas!!!!
Squared off valve covers don’t look like my 59 rancho. My 300hp 352 was plenty of power back in the day. Smooth running and dependable. Unfortunately mine has sat outside for 30yrs too, albeit in Calif. Had it since 1960.
That was a nice one. Hopefully, it will be refurbished. There are one or two first gen sitting on the side of a house near where I live.
Had to look twice at that one. Mine is very similar, except totally original. Might have to sell mine. Current house outside space is too small for it and everything else I have… Any interest out there? Parked in central Calif.