Vortec V8: 1959 Ford Ranch Wagon Rat Rod – Sold?

March 2, 2022 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

The Rat Rod craze traces its roots back to the original hot rodders who put together their rides with whatever parts were readily available to them.  This 1959 Ford Ranch Wagon originally listed on Craigslist in February 2022 in Dalton, Georgia is a prime example as the seller (and we assume builder) fitted a Chevrolet iron block 5.7 Liter Vortec into their vintage Ford.  Contrary to popular error, you cannot call this an “LS Swap”; Vortec motors were the last iteration of Chevrolet’s small-block V8.  The only common thread between a small block Chevy V8 and a modern LS is the cylinder bore spacing. The seller reports the quality of this build is good enough that the new buyer can “fly in and drive it home at 80mph.”

Currently offered for $15,000 comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Rat Rod priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $14,200 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $20,500 for a stock example.  Interestingly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $20,500 and it’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $32,700 for a stock restored example.

The Custom 300, Fairlane, and Fairlane 500 rolled into Ford dealerships in 1959 with more conservative styling and new rooflines featuring reshaped wrap-around rear windows on sedans. Soon after 1959 production started, though, Fairlane 500 closed models were demoted to mid-level status, as new Galaxie styles, with Thunderbird-inspired rooflines, arrived. At the same time, a simple badging change converted 1959.  As in 1958, all full-size ’59 Fords except the Skyliner were offered with Ford’s standard 223-cubic inch six-cylinder engine. “Thunderbird” V8s of up to 352-cubic inches were again available. Ford offered no fewer than three versions of four-door ranch wagons for 1959, with trim corresponding to the entry-level Custom 300 line.

The US Auto Industry YouTube Channel features this 1959 Ford station wagon commercial:

Based upon the pictures provided, this appears to be a quality build that you can continue adding your very own touches to now that the hard parts are complete.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“59 Ford’ Ranch Wagon
Swapped with a 5.7 Vortec EFi Built
Backed with a 4l60E Transmission
Mustang EFi Tank
4 Wheel Disc Brake
New Floor Pan Professionally Installed
8.8 Rear End with 355 Gear
Stainless Steel Mufflers
New Wiring Harness
Moon Eyes Gauges
20×8.5 Rims
New Tires
Bluetooth Radio
Hot Heat
All Lights Work
A lot more new parts.

Solid as a Rock!
Very Nice Build!
Fly in and Drive it 80mph Home!
Chatsworth, Georgia 30705
$15,000 OBO“

Show or go: what would you do with this 1959 Ford Ranch Wagon Restomod?  Comment below and let us know!