The Ford Ranchero existed in many forms over its long production run between 1957 and 1979, as many Blue Oval fans are well aware. Regardless, the Ranchero also enjoyed its fair share of success, as FoMoCo sold over a half-million of them during its existence. The part-car, part-truck was based on a variety of vehicles over those years, but today, we don’t see a ton of them out there for sale – at least, not unmodified examples with few miles on the clock. That makes this incredibly low-mile 1978 Ford Ranchero quite special, however.
This 1978 Ford Ranchero is up for auction at Bring a Trailer with just 213 miles on the clock, which is a mind-bogglingly low figure for any vehicle of this vintage. As for why the original owner never really opted to use their car/truck, well, their spouse reportedly didn’t like it, so it sat parked until 2013, which is when the selling dealer purchased it. Now, that dealer is parting ways with the Champagne Metallic ride, and as one might imagine, it’s a true time capsule in every way.
The Ranchero rolls on a set of 15-inch wire-spoke chrome wheels wrapped with BFGoodrich Advantage T/A white-stripe tires, and inside, it’s every bit as pristine. There, one will find a brown buttoned cloth covered bench seat, along with woodgrain trim, manually operated windows, a locking glovebox, an AM radio, and a heater.
Power for this Ford Ranchero comes from the venerable naturally-aspirated 5.0L V8, but it was factory-rated to produce just 134 horsepower – meaning that it might take some time to merge onto a modern highway in this large, heavy machine. That engine is mated to a three-speed automatic transmission, and one will find power steering, an independent front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, and front disc brakes underneath.
It’s entirely unclear what someone will be willing to pay for this gem of a 1978 Ford Ranchero, in spite of the fact that it’s probably the lowest-mile example in existence. It also isn’t exactly a coveted or iconic sort of vehicle either, but we imagine that at least a few people out there will disagree and try to bring it home, regardless.
Comments
Now that’s one worth BIG bucks.
Man, the styling proportions on that thing are all messed up.
True enough, but you wouldn’t miss it on the road. It’s from my young adult era. The Aussies have driven more calm versions of these, smaller, better proportions, from their “cute ute” era.
I grew up in the 70s and as a kid I recognized the style sucked then and it still sucks.
Dear God! I think I just found another candidate for the ugliest car ever made!