Very Slick & Ready to Go! 351C, Auto, A/C, PS/B w/ Front Disc, Clean In/Out!

Right now, Ford Rancheros are very affordable, but don't expect cars like this black-on-black 1972 Ranchero to remain in the bargain basement for much longer. They look great, have the same V8 muscle as their mid-sized siblings, and with that pickup bed out back, they're hobby cars that can really earn their keep.


The Ranchero always lived in the El Camino's shadow, but when you look at this Torino-based truck/car, you see muscle car DNA throughout. Check out the catfish front end and focus on the aggressive hood scoop, the excellent proportions throughout, and that uniquely designed bed out back. Finished in slick black paint, it certainly has a timeless look that is a lot less dated than many of its contemporaries, especially since there's no faux wood paneling down the sides. Fit and finish are quite nice, with doors that fit well and a shine that looks right on the vintage hauler, yet isn't so perfect that you'll be afraid to take it to Home Depot for your next weekend project. The bed is ready to work thanks to a spray-in bedliner and there's also a black vinyl tonneau cover that snaps on taut and gives this car-truck a slick finish.


From behind the wheel, this Ranchero feels every bit like its Torino GT siblings, and with high-back bucket seats wearing handsome black vinyl with cloth inserts, both of which are split by a center console. The black carpets are plush and in great shape, the black door panels have cool machine-turned center panels, and the dash pad looks equally nice, which shows that this truck has always been well taken care of. Six round dials filled with aftermarket white-face gauges are set inside a machine-turned bezel, and that same bright trim is found down the dash and does a great job lightening things up inside. A modern Kenwood stereo head unit fits in the dash just to the driver's right and provides the entertainment, and there's modest storage behind the seats if you have gear that you'd like to keep out of the elements. Other choice options include cold R134a A/C, power windows, seatbelts, and a Momo steering wheel that adds extra grip for the driver. The big thing here is the overall condition, which is quite impressive for what is considered a driver, and there's an honest feel to the interior (and the whole car) that would be very hard to duplicate at this price point.


Under that scooped hood lives a 351 cubic inch "Cleveland" V8, one of Ford's better performers even in the early '70s. With a new Holley 4-barrel carburetor, the name of the game is torque, and the powerful V8 moves the relatively lightweight Ranchero with genuine authority. The engine bay presents beautifully, with a chrome open-element air cleaner and finned aluminum valve covers set against the black firewall and inner fenders. There are new components and signs of maintenance throughout, including a newer power steering pump, A/C compressor, and a big aluminum radiator up front that keeps the whole show nice and cool. Underneath there's a C4 3-speed automatic transmission and a heavy-duty 9-inch rear end, and it's easy to see that that this car has never been sloshed through the snow, because the underside is in very good condition. The H-pipe dual exhaust system sounds great through the glasspack mufflers, and the deep-set Magnum 500 wheels finish off the killer look of this Ranchero, especially with sporty 235/60/15 front and 295/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A white-letter radials.


So take note if you're looking to get in ahead of a trend, Rancheros are overdue for a price bump. Take this one home and start having fun before everyone else catches on that they're are a ton of fun, too. Call today!