1958 Ford Ranchero Street Rod

475ci Supercharged V8 Engine
2 Four-barrel Carburetors
Est. 950bhp at 6,800rpm
Automatic Transmission with B&M Shift
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disk Brakes

*Offered from the Judge DiLoreto Collection
*Hi-Po engine built by Louis Unser, performance chassis by Rick Parent
*Fearless stoplight dragracer with a utility angle
*A serious High Performance Hot Rod in Patriotic Livery


THE FORD RANCHERO

"It's more than a car! It's more than a truck! Any way you look at it, the stunning new Ranchero is the slickest, sleekest pickup ever to pack a load. And what a load! The Ranchero carries more than half a ton—more than many standard pickups!" -Ford advertisement for the new Ranchero

The Blue Oval and the Bowtie had been locked in a protracted battle in the market for pickup truck buyers since the end of the war. When the Ranchero debuted, it put Chevrolet on the back foot once again. The new vehicle had the good looks and luxury of a Fairlane with the practicality of a pickup from the B-pillar back - a veritable work boot with full brogue wingtip design.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Finished in patriotic livery with Stars and Stripes running down the flanks, this 1958 Ranchero is as far from its original mechanical specification as it can be, while still retaining its original classic 1950s design. Judge DiLoreto commissioned the build of this serious Street Rod, and really took it all the way. Mind you, he was not a man to do things half-way. DiLoreto would entrust the chassis build of his Ranchero with Rick Parent, who fully customized it front to back, while fitting Weld Racing wheels on Mickey Thompson performance tires. A fully customized interior and steering wheel was installed, as was a Vintage Air A/C system to keep the cabin cool on a hot Southern California day. Out front, an extremely powerful 475 cubic-inch V8 built by Louis Unser was fitted, topped by a massive Supercharger sucking through two 4-barrel carburetors. A B&M quick shifter was fitted to quickly go through the gears and get the potent truck up to speed. DiLoreto used his Ranchero Street Rod quite often, even on longer trips to Hot August Nights in Reno. The Ranchero is believed to put out as much as 950 horsepower, and will surely be the fastest truck in the Home Depot parking lot, should one decide to haul some lumber home with it.