First generation (1959–1960) The El Camino was introduced for the 1959 model year two years after the Ford Ranchero. According to Chevrolet stylist Chuck Jordan, GM Harley Earl had suggested a coupé pickup in 1952.

**Figure based on a stock 1969 Ford Ranchero valued at $9,900 with OH rates with $100/300K liability/UM/UIM limits. Actual costs vary depending on the coverage selected, vehicle condition, state and other factors.

Ford Ranchero

Fast forward to 2020, the Ranchero is one of the best classic vehicles going around in the market. Despite the massive success it enjoyed during its production period, the Ford classic remains somewhat of an underrated gem.

As for the Ford Ranchero, it made its debut way back in 1957 and was a popular vehicle with those consumers who I indeed said, “wanted a car but needed a truck” or, vice versa, “wanted a truck but needed a car.” The Ranchero design lasted right on through its final year of production in 1979.

1957 Ford Ranchero Custom. Photos courtesy Mecum Auctions. Early Ford Rancheros have inched up in value in the past few years, and current valuation guides put the price of a concours-quality ’57 Ranchero Custom between $35,600 and $52,500.

Data based on 33 auction sales. note: The images shown are representations of the 1959 Ford Ranchero and not necessarily vehicles that have been bought or sold at auction….Ford Models.

**Figure based on a stock 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero valued at $10,700 with OH rates with $100/300K liability/UM/UIM limits. Actual costs vary depending on the coverage selected, vehicle condition, state and other factors.

The 10 Best Ford Ranchero Models of All Time

• 1957 Ford Ranchero. The 1957 Ford Ranchero was released for sale to the public in December of 1956.
• 1959 Ford Ranchero.
• 1963 Ford Ranchero.
• 1967 Ford Fairlane Ranchero.
• 1969 Ford Ranchero GT 428 Cobra Jet.
• 1970 Ford Ranchero GT.
• 1972 Ford Ranchero.
• 1976 Ford Ranchero.

After the 1984 model year, El Camino production was moved to Mexico, and in 1987, the El Camino was discontinued thanks to outstanding sales of the Chevrolet S-10 pickup.

GM can’t bring back a family sedan version of the El Camino. That’s not the right demographic. This car witnessed its glory days during the late ’60s when it got a much-needed overhaul. With an impressive 450 horsepower, the ’68 El Camino definitely became a muscle-car contender.

In 1971 GMC began producing the Sprint, their version of the Chevrolet El Camino. This light-duty pickup truck was identical to the El Camino except for the name, and the chassis for both cars was based on the Chevrolet Chevelle station wagon/4-door sedan wheelbase.

1972

Although General Motors banned racing activities in 1963 and wasn’t officially endorsing the performance car market, they introduced the most memorable classic muscle cars ever. In fact, GM built the first proper muscle car back in 1949 almost by chance.

**Figure based on a stock 1977 Chevrolet El Camino valued at $10,400 with OH rates with $100/300K liability/UM/UIM limits. Actual costs vary depending on the coverage selected, vehicle condition, state and other factors.

Data based on 46 auction sales. note: The images shown are representations of the 1984 Chevrolet El Camino and not necessarily vehicles that have been bought or sold at auction….Chevrolet Models.

Data based on 65 auction sales. note: The images shown are representations of the 1985 Chevrolet El Camino and not necessarily vehicles that have been bought or sold at auction….Chevrolet Models.

Data based on 58 auction sales. note: The images shown are representations of the 1986 Chevrolet El Camino and not necessarily vehicles that have been bought or sold at auction….Chevrolet Models.

Data based on 29 auction sales. note: The images shown are representations of the 1980 Chevrolet El Camino and not necessarily vehicles that have been bought or sold at auction….Chevrolet Models.

A three-speed manual transmission comes standard, while a three-speed automatic transmission is an option.