1957 Ford Custom 300 Series Ranchero Ranchero

The first Ford Ranchero was introduced in December 1956, three months after; the rest of the new 1957 Ford line-up. Part car, part truck, the ingeniously designed Ranchero was based on the two -door Ford Ranch Wagon station wagon. With an integral cab and cargo box, the Ranchero offered style and Utility. Base and upscale Custom trim levels were offered, and most passenger-car options were available, including two-tone paint.

The Ranchero was an instant hit, filling an untapped niche for vehicles offering the utility of a light truck and the ride quality of a car. This success inspired the Chevrolet El Camino, which appeared two years later.

Our featured Ranchero is a rare high-performance 'E -code' model, indicating it was factory -built with the dual carburetor version of the 312 cubic -inch V8. It was originally ordered without radio and heater, though a dealer -installed heater has since been added. The current owner found this truck on an Indian reservation in the western US. A frame -off restoration was completed in 2011.