What’s this? Some obscure Ford concept testing out the idea of a plush personal-use pickup years before that became fashionable? A forgotten experiment dreamed up by an ambitious young Lee Iacocca? Not at all, as I understand. From what I can gather, this was instead a far more grassroots creation: a one-off custom built by an enthusiastic hand. Ever wondered what a Mercury version of Ford’s Ranchero might have looked like?
As is often the case with these old photos, they showed up in a forum with more questions than answers, but at least a couple of them went up to provide some clues. The “Merchero” clearly belonged to a Hot Rodder and seems to have served as support truck carrying spares, tools, and whatever was needed for track days. And one can safely assume, providing better accommodations than your usual pickup of the day.
Also, from this view, I guess the “Merchero” started life as a Mercury wagon. In ’57 these came with either a 312 or 368CID V8 from factory, but somehow I doubt that the drivetrain on the “Merchero” is in stock condition.
Whatever its origin, this “Merchero” anticipated the “car like” future of utility transport. The Big M’s brochure claimed the 1957 Mercurys were “Dream Car Design”, a concept the owner of the “Merchero” clearly took to heart and decided to turn into reality.
Not that today’s ’57 was the only attempt to create a Ranchero from a Big M product. Some others have gone the double-cab route, sort of.
Our “Merchero” also carries Quadri-Beam (in brochure speak) headlights, a novelty for ’57 in the states where they were allowed. Now, about the roof, no idea where it comes from. The windows seem to be the rear ones from the 4-door hardtop… I could go on wondering, but I’m sure there will be better guesses in the comments section.
That Merchero must have been really uncomfortable to drive given the forward slope of the roof and rear window. Can’t imagine driving all stooped over. The 4 door versions would allow “normal” driving position. But love the idea and creativity.
Unusual, and appears to have been well done. Rich–where did you come across these photos? Now I wonder if the car survived all these years. The basics are there with this “Merchero”–today it would needs a few fine-tuning tweaks and a new paintjob so it could be shown as a “what if” from the factory! I recall seeing one or two `59 Buicks fitted with the `59 El Camino roof on a wagon body–and it worked! There was one `59 Catalina El-Camino built by Pontiac which has been restored and is gorgeous! It’s a shame the bean-counters of the day shot the idea down.
I spotted this 1960 Mercury Ranchero in San Louis Potosi Mexico in May 1992.
Very interesting. In 1957, Mercury made a ‘2-door hardtop’ station wagon which would get you pretty close to car in the photos.
I also recall seeing a couple of custom-made Edsel-cheros. Here’s a link to a 1959 model:
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/this-1959-edsel-villager-pickup-is-a-one-of-none-alternative-to-the-ford-ranchero-226288.html
Here’s a feature from a 1958 issue of Hot Rod magazine about a Texas body shop owner (and hot rodder) who made several Mercheros… even named it that. They’re all a bit different, but given the Hot Rod connection, I wonder if the one in your photos here came from the same shop?
Frameless, window glass. The “Ranchero” of the mid/late “70’s” had this feature.
The use of common platforms allows for easy what if builds. There are a number of Pontiac GTO and Buick Grand National El Caminos because the chassis is shred so front sheet metal, badges and engines can be easily swapped over. A Mercury Ranchero should be a similar task for the most part, and more bolt on than cut off. FWIW I’ve seen some XJ Jeep Cherokees cut down into crew cab pickups, like a mini Avalanche
Just wanted to mention that I’m aware that Canadian Mercury dealers sold a rebadged version of the Ford Ranchero as a “Meteor Ranchero” for the 1957 and 1958 model years. Some sources say they also sold some for the 1959 model year, but that appears to be doubtful. The very rare Meteor Ranchero had very minor trim differences from the Ford version.
Cool “factoid”.
Very nice ! .
I recently encountered an old man driving an “Edchero”,it was very well done but likely 40 years old and so had many scratches and dings, it still ran sweetly .
-Nate
Seen in North Hollywood
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