Utility Coupe Project: 1958 Ford Ranchero
Ford expanded its lineup in 1957 to include a “gentlemen’s” pickup or utility coupe (Ute). It was a 2-door Custom station wagon that was built as a truck. The company had the market to itself until 1959 when Chevrolet did the same thing with its Biscayne wagon. This second-year edition is pretty rough after sitting for about 30 years, so it will be either an ambitious restoration or a questionable parts car. Located in El Dorado, California, this field find has a V8 engine/automatic transmission combination and is available here on eBay where the opening bid of $1,750 has yet to be made. Double that and you have the Buy It Now price.
Demand for the Ranchero started briskly in 1957 at 21,700 copies but dropped by more than half the following year. 1958 was a recession period for the U.S. economy and most manufacturers saw a temporary decline. Sales perked back up in 1959 to 14,000 units before the vehicle was shifted to the new compact Falcon platform in 1960. The ’58 editions are distinguishable from the ’57s from the addition of two extra headlights and a new taillight treatment in the back.
According to the VIN, if the engine under the hood of this old Ford is original, it would be a 292 cubic-inch OHV V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor (rated at 205 hp). The motor isn’t frozen but hasn’t likely run in three decades so who knows what it will take to bring it back to life (fuel system refurbishment?). We’re told that the automatic tranny shifts (how can you be sure unless the car is running?) and the brakes may be at least adequate.
The original color of this pickup is not black. The old blue/green finish is peeking through in many places and – if the door tag paint code is an “F” – that would make it Silverstone Green (looks more like turquoise). Rust can be found at a minimum in the rocker panels and tailgate, but a thorough inspection could find that things run deeper. Besides the truck, you’ll only take home a bill of sale as the Ford has been out of the California DMV system for ages. So, what’s the plan? Try to restore it, search out usable parts, or just move on.
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Comments
Great deal . I wish it were closer , but then it wouldn’t be a California car . Needs a tailgate ? That’s an easy fix !
Mig welder and a universal door bottom! because good luck finding (paying for)a solid tail gate. Me? chopped top, cruiser skirts, lake pipes, 1958 Edsel front clip and all done 50’s style.
Rough but doable, at least it still has the hard to find trim pieces. Looks like a punk kid had it at one time
Love the garden hose fuel line. LOL
That would be a 3/8″ fuel line, a garden hose would be considerably larger, don’t be silly
Certainly looks saveable to me…like Yblocker said- hard to find trim is there, that helps alot; I’d fix the interior, tires and brakes, make the yblock run and enjoy it as is…I’ve had two 292’s and current have a 312 ecode…I love the way they run and their very distinct Olds-like sound…
Amazing for a 58 Ford that it doesn’t show more rust. My Dad bought a 58 Ford wagon new and always garaged it. Even in a mild climate like Portland Or it rusted badly just looking at it.
BF: “The ’58 editions are distinguishable from the ’57s from the addition of two extra headlights and a new taillight treatment in the back.”
I think the taillight treatment on these is the same as the ’57s. At least I’m not seeing a difference. I think the only body changes for ’58 were the front clip and the side trim. Or maybe I need an eye exam.
58 Rancheros shared rear-end treatment with the 57s, take a look at the rear end of a 58 sedan or wagon and you’ll see the difference.
The most glaring thing is that the engine is painted early Ford blue. that engine color should be a reddish orange. Probably worked on 40 years ago when the black paint was sprayed on the body.
Looks like Ford built it from a Thunderbird platform.
Factory sunroof! Always wanted a ’57 I like the front end better…. Perfect combination of utility and car…..
Back in the 60s I remember a 58 Ford 2dr wagon that raced under a partial sponsorship from the local Ford dealer. It had a 427 and 4spd I believe. Painted 2 tone (green/silver). Man I loved that car. Lost track of it, don’t know what happened to it. Also remember that a few guys put 58 hoods on their 57s. Better looking hood with that decorative chrome notch.