Equipment
292/212hp with added later Holley 4-barrel, automatic, power windows, brakes, steering, Town & Country radio, (cold) factory air conditioning, chrome wire wheels, radial whitewalls, tailored rubber sheet bedliner, dual outside mirrors, vee bar grille guar
Condition
Very qood paint, chrome and interior. The engine compartment, frame, chassis and underbody are all nearly like new with some chassis black added subsequent to the restoration The glass is unblemished; dash and instruments are high quality. The engine compartment is like new. All the plumbing lines have been replaced and are like new. The driver's door has some areas of over 2mm filler near the lower rear corner. There is filler elsewhere but only enough for getting flat, smooth panels. The air conditioning blows cold. The power steering is reasonably tight. The best '57 Ranchero in years, and better than I expected it to be.
Market commentary
Sold by Worldwide at Houston in 2010 for $55,000, then at Bonhams Scottsdale in 2014 for $60,500 and bought here four years later at a significantly, but not excessively, higher price. I raised the bidder's paddle for this Ranchero on behalf of a former neighbor for whom I've been searching for a high quality '57 Ranchero since 2014. In that period this is only the third one I've found good enough for him, and the second one was ludicrously expensive jewelry, far too good for his winter driver in Florida. It was time for him to take the plunge: as his son, Willy, said, "Dad, you've wanted one for ten years. You can afford it. Buy it!" He was determined, and was prepared to spend more, which illustrates both how rare the Ranchero is, and how people make bidding decisions. He couldn't stand the suspense, though, and when I called him a few lots before it hit the block he simply said, "You know what to do. Call me when it's over." So I did, and now it's in Florida, but I forgot to take its picture.