1957 E code Ranchero

Hello everyone! I just acquired a 1957 Ranchero with the serial E7RF185526. This car has been in my family for many years. My uncle bought it out of California at least 30 years ago. My father bought it from him several years back and I recently got it from him. After talking to a gentleman that was very familiar with the fairlane/ranchero line in Charlotte at the auto fair, I found out that the e code is supposedly a rare option on these cars. It is everything it's suppose to be with the 312 with 2x4 carb setup.

I'm just wanting to know any info on this thing that I can find out. Not planning on selling because of the history but it would be nice to know what I have for conversation at the car shows.

 

Thanks for the welcome. I know all the basic info that one can obtain from a serial decode. I'm more interested in the rarity of the e code itself. Is it the unicorn that everyone says it is or is it just a neat old car? No one that i talk to seems to know much about it and so far my internet searches have left me empty handed.

I do know by the serial that the car was born raven black on the exterior and is now red/white two tone. The interior is correct with red/white as well. I have pictures but are too large to post here and havent had the spare time to learn how to downsize them for this forum.

 

Is there any way of finding out how many e codes were produced in the ranchero 66B lineup? The one guy that i have talked to that seems the most knowledgeable said the 312 w/ 2 4bar wasnt offered on the ranchero in any of the literature to the salesmen. You could get it as a special order only. Therefore not very many were produced. Does this sound accurate to anyone?

 

Dad is off trail riding so I can't ask him right now. Pretty dogone rare in my mind. More of them are out there but they be hidden in private stashes. There is a group of guys who think 57's are better than sliced bread and they have a great forum you can check into. Good guys all of them ! ( http://57fordsforever.com ) Or you might get some insight from Mike Osburn over in Oxford, AL. 256-831-4779 Kingsport ? Do you know Ron Hurd ?

 

I know that track well Hillbilly. My daughter races JR Dragsters there. Not familiar with Mr. Hurd that I can recall. Thanks for all the info. I'll check out 57fordsforever.

 

Let me know what you think

 

Do we think those tea-pot carbs are stock? Thought Ford had gotten past that type by 1957.

 

I was told it was a special order only in 57 other than on the t-bird.

 

I know BB, but it seems that late 57 production got a different intake that took two 600 cfm Holleys. One of those tea-pots will buy a lot of Holley setups today. 58's went all Holley. About decided I like the low line trim as much as the ones decked out in Fairlane garb. If that paint is good I wouldn't touch it. Could have had red, white, and black interior. Or all of any color irrespective of what exterior color was chosen. Needs the vacume booster fuel pump with the two hard lines going back across the driver's side of the intake to the wiper motor. That one is kinda' a mix of options, like something Dad would have ordered. Would look sweet sitting on a set of Torque Thrust rims but don't dare toss the originals. Valve covers need the ThunderbirdV8 decals. If it hasn't had hardened valves and seats installed check the valve lash often if you drive it hard.

 

So is the fuel pump correct or not?

 

Yes Sir ! In all honesty though I think I would cheat a bit and install an electric wiper motor and conventional fuel pump. So much nicer if you accidently got caught out in the rain. That's another possibly ordered option that show judges flinch at but don't count off points for because it really is a safety improvment.