Back in the day, buyers would struggle to choose between a truck or a muscle car. Then Ford introduced a hybrid option: the Ford Ranchero. This ute (or coupe utility) was so successful that it soon had a competitor: the Chevrolet El Camino.

Based on the Ford Fairlane, the first generation of Ford Ranchero was produced between 1957 and 1959, and it came either in a standard version designed for workers, or as a custom with more details and options from the Fairlane. The next generations were based on the Falcon and the Torino.

Related: Here's Why Ford Should Bring Back The Ranchero

10 1972 Ford Ranchero Custom

Embodying the real nature of a utility coupe - but with a unique aggressive style - this Ranchero is massively lifted and spaced. Ready for whatever you'll put in front of it, it's equipped with giant General Grabber 35×12.5-inch off-road tires on 15-inch chrome wheels.

Via car-revs-daily.com

The Ranchero body is mounted on the four-wheel-drive Bronco chassis and powered by a 351 cid V8 with automatic transmission, locking hubs, winch, tow package, and a massive bull bar in the front to clear a path.

9 1964 Twin Turbo Charged Ford Ranchero

Via journal.classiccars.com

Nice and low: this 1964 Ranchero's aesthetics is just gorgeous. Custom chrome grille and bumpers enhance the lines of this car, making it look so smooth. Also, a shaved tailgate and custom exhausts make everyone forget this was once just a simple utility coupe.

Via journal.classiccars.com

Something big hides under the hood and bed: There's a John Kaase 600 in.3 Ford Engine at the front and a nice pair of turbos hiding under the bed, making this classic from Kindig It a real game-changer.

8 1970 Ford Ranchero 500 Custom

Darker than your deepest fears, this 1970 Ranchero is equipped with a custom Chevy Long Block engine combined with a Tremec 5 speed transmission, while the custom air intake scoop on the hood lets the beast breathe.

Following the style of the exterior, also the interiors have been reupholstered and enriched with chrome parts. There is no need for fancy options, as the engine revs roar, everybody will grant the driver the title of the unquestioned boss of the neighborhood.

7 1975 Big Block Ford Ranchero

This 1975 Ranchero introduces itself with fine wood paneling along the sides (a feature of the Squire model) and nice chrome bumpers. However, don't be fooled by these elegant features, this Ranchero is not that gentle.

Via autoblog.com

A quick look at the massive rear tires should make you think something is going on. And yes, a huge 604ci V8 engine - specially built by JBA Engines in San Diego, California - puts out 870HP. In addition, there's a 250HP shot coming from the dual nitrous bottles in the bed.

6 1957 Ford Ranchero Packed With A Kistler Engine

At Bonnell’s Rod Shop they have been working on classics, customs, and modified vehicles for a long time. This is a stunningly clean example of the first generation Ford Ranchero.

This very model was built for Paul Kistler from Kistler Engines. And guess what? Yes, it features a Kistler Engine. These guys build all the motors for NASCAR star Tony Stewart, and Sprint car racers.

5 1970 Ford Ranchero GT

This 1970 Ford Ranchero echoes some more higher-end muscle cars: in fact, this ute hides a high-performance Ford Boss 302 V8 engine.

Via custom-trucks-for-sale.com

The original version of the 302 engine was used in the 1969 and 1970 Boss 302 Mustangs and Cougar Eliminators. Without any kind of modification, the original power output of the engine is 290 hp at 5,200 RPM with maximum torque of 290 lb⋅ft (393 N⋅m) at 4300 RPM.

Related: Ford Vs Chevy: Who Made The Best Small Block Engine?

4 1963 Ford Ranchero Two-Tone Custom

With a gorgeous shaved body and firewall, this second-generation Ranchero shows a clean two-tone paint. Ready to shine in the best car shows, this model has been fully rebuilt, featuring a custom air suspension and remote door poppers.

It's also featuring a fully rebuilt 200ci thrift-power straight-six engine combined with a C4 3 speed automatic transmission, this isn't the biggest engine in town, but it's for sure one of the finest examples of light modification.

3 This 1971 Ford Ranchero GT Hides A Surprise

This 1971 Ford Ranchero packs a serious punch! Under that hood lurks a huge 7.0L 429 Cobra Jet big-block engine that's ready to make this ute sound and go like the wildest of the beasts.

Via fastmusclecar.com

The origins of the Boss 429 can be found in Ford's desire to create a car to be used in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, which later became the Grand National Division, with an engine capable of competing with Chrysler's Hemi.

Related: Evolution Of The Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

2 1959 Ford Ranchero 390 Charged

It's just impossible not to be amazed by this 1959 Ranchero: the glossy red paint, the chrome parts, the 20" Chip Foose chrome Nitro wheels and the red and black leather interior with baseball style stitching make this model one of the most superb examples we've ever seen.

Via mecum.com

Well, to give readers an idea of the majesty of the huge big block engine found in this first generation Ranchero, imagine that Ford would use the FE series engines in trucks, buses, and boats, as well as for industrial pumps and other equipment... and yes, last but not least, cars.

1 1979 Ford Ranchero GT 351 Shows Off Its Muscles

Via smclassiccars.com

Pretentious and wild-looking, this Ranchero shows up in its well-preserved original look. The classic five-spoke rims, bright chrome bumpers, and sleek profile give us that muscle car look that will never go out of fashion.

Via smclassiccars.com

With the end of production of the Ford Torino in 1976, the last generation of Rancheros needed a new platform. This problem was solved with the adoption of the platform of the Ford Thunderbird. Classic looking and packed with a Ford 351 modified V8 engine, this is definitely a striped Ranchero everybody would love to have in their garage.

Next: Ford Ranchero VS Chevy El Camino: Which Was The Best Ute?