What is the rarest Ford Ranchero?
The rarest Ford Ranchero is generally considered the 1957 inaugural model year, produced in far smaller numbers than later Ranchero generations, which makes surviving examples exceptionally scarce. What follows explains why that year stands out and how other early years compare in terms of rarity.
This article delves into the Ranchero lineage, the factors that drive rarity—production totals, surviving examples, and collector demand—and surveys the years most often cited by enthusiasts as being scarce, with the 1957 model at the forefront.
Ranchero lineage and rarity at a glance
The Ford Ranchero was introduced in 1957 as a car-based pickup, built on Ford’s car platforms rather than a traditional light-truck chassis. Its first generation (1957–1959) is the source of most rarity discussions, because early production volumes were deliberately modest and dealership networks were still figuring out the concept. The second generation (begun in 1960) adopted a more conventional Falcon-based platform and saw higher production, which generally reduces rarity compared with the opening year. In collector circles, scarcity tends to cluster around the earliest, lowest-volume years, with 1957 often cited as the rarest.
Why the 1957 model stands out
- The inaugural year had the smallest production run of the Ranchero line, with Ford launching the concept to test market reception.
- Limited initial dealer allocations and conservative marketing kept production numbers down compared with later years.
- Few surviving examples exist in today’s market, which elevates value and perceived rarity among collectors.
- Historical records for early Ford model programs are incomplete, which sometimes makes precise counts elusive and fuels ongoing debate among historians and registries.
In summary, the combination of being the first year, having a modest production volume, and having relatively few extant examples strongly positions the 1957 Ranchero as the rarest model in the lineup.
Other years often cited as scarce
While the 1957 model is widely regarded as the rarest, several other early Ranchero years are still considered relatively scarce by collectors. The following notes provide a sense of how rarity trends after the inaugural year evolved, without asserting exact production totals that vary by source.
- 1958 Ford Ranchero — Early in the program, with production still limited; comparatively scarce but generally more common than 1957.
- 1959 Ford Ranchero — Continued low volumes relative to later generations; rarer than the 1960s models but not as scarce as 1957.
- 1960–1963 Ford Ranchero (second generation) — Introduced a more modern Falcon-based platform; production volumes increased, making these generally more attainable than the 1957–1959 cars, though well-preserved examples remain collectible.
- Later years (mid-to-late 1960s and beyond) — As production ramps up and the model matures, Rancheros become more common at auctions and in private collections, reducing relative rarity compared with the earliest years.
These years illustrate how rarity shifts after the opening year: scarcity is strongest in 1957 and gradually softens as production scales up and more examples survive into the modern era.
What collectors consider when evaluating rarity
Rarity is not determined by a single factor. Enthusiasts weigh a combination of production counts, surviving condition, originality, documented history, and market demand. For the Ranchero, pristine, numbers-matching examples from the 1957 run tend to fetch higher values, while well-preserved mid-century Rancheros remain desirable but comparatively more accessible.
Summary
The consensus among restorers, registries, and collectors is that the 1957 Ford Ranchero is the rarest model in the line, owing to its status as the inaugural year with a limited production run and relatively few survivors. While early years like 1958 and 1959 are also scarce, they are generally not as rare as 1957. As production expanded in the 1960s, Ranchero models became more common, though well-preserved examples from any year can still draw strong interest from buyers and enthusiasts. The rarest model is thus defined by a combination of low production and limited surviving examples, with the 1957 Ranchero occupying that apex position in the collector market.
How much is a 1967 Ford Ranchero worth today?
The value of a 1967 Ford Ranchero varies widely, ranging from approximately $11,550 for a low-retail condition model to over $32,800 for a high-retail condition one. For a good, average condition example, a reasonable estimate is around $16,829. Pricing depends heavily on the vehicle's overall condition, mileage, history, and desirable features.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Low Retail | $11,550 |
| Average Retail | $19,400 |
| High Retail | $32,800 |
| Good, Average Spec | ~$16,829 |
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- High-end models: Exceptionally well-maintained or rare examples with desirable options can command higher prices.
- Low-end models: Vehicles needing extensive maintenance, or those with accident histories, will be at the lower end of the price spectrum.
- Recent sales: Recent auction prices for the 1967 model have varied. For example, one sold for $9,129 in March 2023, while others are listed for sale in the $20,000 to $40,000 range.
What was the best year for the Ford Ranchero?
Per Ford's archives, a total of 508,355 units were built over the model's 22-year run. The best-selling model year for the Ranchero was 1973, with a total of 45,741 sold, and the lowest production total was in 1958, with just 9,950 models rolling off the assembly line.
How much is a Ranchero car worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $16,486 for a 1969 Ford Ranchero in good condition with average spec.
What is a 79 Ford Ranchero worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $10,925 for a 1979 Ford Ranchero 500 in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1979 Ford Ranchero 500? The highest selling price of a 1979 Ford Ranchero 500 at auction over the last three years was $26,250.
