This well-optioned, fully restored, 1958 Ford Custom Ranchero represents only the second year of production for the new utility coupe by Ford. Further, this stylish pickup/automobile fusion has been fully restored to very fine standards by Harbor Auto Restorations in 2004. It is an award-winning example that has been maintained in an exemplary fashion since its successful days on the show field.

The 1958 model was available as a Custom (like this example) or in standard guise; between the two, there were 9,950 produced with 8,479 being the Custom Ranchero. The Custom offered all of the standard Ranchero brightwork, plus bright metal cap molding around the top of the body and rear of the cab. Also the distinctively different brightwork full-length side moldings highlighted by gold anodized aluminum. Interior additions consisted of foam rubber in the seat cushion, armrests on both doors, sun visor on the passenger side, horn ring, and cigarette lighter. The Custom was also available in 11 stunning “Style Tone” color combinations. This one is presented as when new: Silverstone Blue and Colonial White (code ET2) with Light Blue and Medium Blue woven plastic (code 72) interior.

Driven by the Interceptor 300 horsepower, 352 cubic inch V-8 engine that is matched with the three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission with a 3.89:1 rear end axle ratio; this fine looking Ranchero has a nice array of factory accessories that includes Select Aire air conditioning (V-8’s only), Town and Country radio, dual spotlights, whitewall tires, seat belts, tinted windshield; power windows, seat, steering, and brakes.

Remaining highly detailed throughout and presented as it would have looked from the factory on day one, it is easy to see why this Custom Ranchero received an AACA National Junior First Prize in 2004, as well as Senior presentation the same year. A Best of Show was won at the Atlanta, Georgia UPS Concours in October 2004. The next year saw an AACA National Award for the Best Junior Truck at a National Meet. An AACA Grand National First Prize would follow later in 2005. The last AACA competition is listed as the Topeka, Kansas AACA Grand National Senior in September, 2009.

This was an exciting concept in vehicle design when it appeared on the scene and the sedan/pickup concept remains a respected platform that is sure to be a topic of conversation whenever they are viewed.