Barn Boon: 1979 Ford Ranchero GT 6K Survivor – SOLD!
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1979 marked the final model year for Ford’s unique part-pickup, part-car offering, the Ranchero. Apparently, Ford enthusiasts forty-four years ago believed that final-year Rancheros might be worth something someday as we regularly come across extremely low-mileage, like-new, survivor-quality examples.
Our latest is this 6,257 original mile, all-green, 1979 Ford Ranchero GT for sale, first spotted in August 2023 on Craigslist in Kalispell, Montana. The seller’s brief description lets the pictures do the talking about their low-mileage barn find. While many shades of green from the 1970s should stay in that decade, the jade green metallic is a beautiful shade that has aged very well.
Currently offered for $29,600, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is at the high end of this guide’s five-year rolling results trend for similar 1979 Ford Ranchero examples. By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can get a sense of what comparable examples sold for recently:
As a second data point, the downloadable 2023 Old Cars Price Guide Big Book confirms the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $24,750 and its #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $38,500 for a completely stock example.
The 1979 Ford Ranchero GT was a unique and versatile vehicle that blended the characteristics of a car and a pickup truck. It was part of the sixth generation of the Ford Ranchero, a model Ford had produced since the 1950s. The 1979 model year marked the last year of production for the sixth generation, making it a notable year in the Ranchero’s history.
The 1979 Ranchero GT featured a distinctive and stylish design that was in line with the aesthetics of the late 1970s. It had a sleek, angular body shape with a prominent grille, rectangular headlights, and a pronounced hood. The GT trim added some sporty touches, including GT badging, racing stripes, and unique trim elements. The vehicle’s bed, which was the defining feature of the Ranchero, had a practical design that combined a car-like cabin with a pickup-style cargo area.
Inside the Ranchero GT, you would find a comfortable and well-appointed cabin that aimed to provide both driver and passengers with an enjoyable experience. The interior featured high-quality materials, plush seating, and modern conveniences for the time. The dashboard design was functional and intuitive, with a driver-centric layout emphasizing easy control access.
The 1979 Ranchero GT was available with a range of engine options to suit various performance preferences. These options typically included a selection of V8 engines known for their power and torque. These engines were mated to automatic transmissions, providing smooth and effortless driving experiences. The GT badge often indicated a more performance-oriented setup, but specific performance details could vary depending on the engine chosen.
One of the standout features of the Ranchero was its versatile bed design. It combined the practicality of a pickup truck’s cargo area with the comfort and convenience of a car’s interior. This allowed owners to use the Ranchero for a variety of tasks, from hauling goods to transporting passengers. The bed could be covered with a tonneau cover or a camper shell to protect the cargo from the elements.
The 1979 Ford Ranchero GT represented the end of an era, as it marked the last year of production for the sixth generation of Ranchero models. Subsequent generations of the Ranchero were not produced after this point. The vehicle’s legacy lies in its unique blend of car and truck characteristics, providing buyers with a versatile and distinctive option in the automotive market of its time.
Today, the 1979 Ford Ranchero GT holds a place of nostalgia and interest among classic car enthusiasts. Its distinctive design, versatility, and historical significance make it a sought-after model for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate vintage vehicles from the late 1970s.
The Tony’s Fords and Mustangs YouTube Channel provides a nice overview of Ford’s Ranchero spanning 1957 through 1979:
Cars are only original once, and this six-thousand-mile 1979 Ford Ranchero for sale is about as original as you can get forty-four years later. The combination of a 302 cubic inch V8 and factory air conditioning make this low-mileage Ranchero a comfortable way to travel between car shows or even use it for vintage touring events.
If you are serious about buying this Ranchero, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad. When you connect, please mention that you saw their final-year Ford Ute featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!
Here’s the seller’s brief description:
302 V8 W/Factory AC *& A/Transmission
Trades considered“
Show or go: What would you do with this 1979 Ford Ranchero GT for sale? Please comment below and let us know!
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