You’re right, that grille isn’t a factory Ford Ranger GT piece that would have been on this truck when it rolled off the assembly line. You’re also right that I’d be sourcing an original-style grille on day one after getting this one home if I were a buyer. I love the look of this mildly customized 1988 Ford Ranger GT, though, and it’s posted here on craigslist in Winchester, Virginia and the seller is asking $6,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Mitchell G. for the tip!
The first-generation Ford Ranger is so small compared to the new Ford Ranger that it’s almost laughable, or cryable. The new “small” Ranger is a whopping three feet longer than this Ranger GT and a bit over a foot wider. Uuuuf, that’s big, or maybe this truck is just small. We often see comments about truck companies not selling small trucks anymore and I agree, I’d love to see something more this size for sale again in this country. The GT was eventually available with a long-bed Ranger
Mid-1986 saw the introduction of the Ranger GT for the 1987 model year, and they were offered until the end of 1989. The seller says this GT had some mild customization in 1993 and was repainted, but the door jams and bed interior still wear their original factory paint. The first-gen Ranger was made from 1982 for the 1983 model year until the end of 1992 and the GT was marketed as a sport pickup, although they were only available on a rear-wheel drive chassis and had one engine choice, a V6.
Three body colors were offered, red, blue, and white as seen here, and this one has a tan interior that appears in almost perfect condition. About as loaded as a Ranger got in this era, this one has power brakes, power steering, power windows, cruise control, a sliding rear window, and air-conditioning. The seller is the third owner and they say the odometer shows 33,000 miles but it has to be 133,000. You can see that this one has an automatic transmission, but a five-speed manual would have been available.
The engine could use some detailing to get this truck back in shape for show duty again, and it’s a Ford (Cologne) 2.9-liter OHV V6 with 140 horsepower which runs through the four-speed A4LD automatic to the rear wheels. The seller says it runs and drives “excellent” and I believe it. Have any of you seen or, better yet, owned a Ford Ranger GT?
Good job Scotty. If I ever saw a Ranger GT, it was a long time ago. I agree, the grille is really odd-looking. To me, the cladding seems to clash with the Ranger’s basic, simple styling. Or maybe, it’s the white-all-over look; perhaps some stripes would help. In any case, these were tough little trucks.
This is a unique Ranger Scotty. Ive never seen A Ranger GT before. The steering wheel looks like it was lifted from a Mustang. Its in good shape from what the photos show. The 2.9 V6 has enough oomph to comfortably keep up with traffic too. And I agree with you and Bob, that grill needs to go back to stock.
If I remember right, this era Ranger had a 2.9L V6 in the 2WD, and a 2.8L V6 for a 4WD.
Those Red/Blue Power Window switches were one of Fords “Better Ideas”. I understand why, but feel they are a little whimsical. Just like that grille…
2.9 replaced the 2.8 in an effort to correct some design defects which caused early cylinder head failure.
I had a 86′ Ranger 4cyl,5-speed a great litte truck and ended buying 3 more over the years.93′,98′ and 03′.
Just read the Craigslist ad…. interesting. Great looking truck, once you get rid of that grill. But ….. 133,333 miles is a bunch and things start to break long before this point. I doubt that every part has been repaired or replaced and while I have been looking for a good condition “small” truck, the mileage scares the bejesus out of me.
Needs a 302 in the worst way, which is the best way.
Here’s one that I’ve never seen or heard of before. I was well aware of all of the sporty versions of standard cars / trucks, but this one escaped me.
Interesting offering and I can see them selling at least 3K of them without a problem.
Thanks Scotty / Mitchell G.!
Built Ford tough, with GM stuff…referring to the hood and side ornaments of course.
There was a guy that worked at the service station (remember those?) in the neighborhood i grew up in that had one. I used to see it out there and I always wondered what powered it. I hoped it was a 5.0, but alas, it is a humble V6. His was all white like this, and it looked so good with those flares. I had a red ’92, 4 cylinder, 5 speed that I drove 1200 miles to the Atlantic Ocean in 2000. I had to keep it at full song in 3rd gear to get up hills in Pennsylvania. I still miss that truck, and shouldn’t have traded it in on an FD RX7.
I like it! 4K tops….delivered to western NY!
I remember one of these things running around the city where I spent my teen years I didn’t know that this ugly thing was done at the factory in the 80s body kits were popular and there were some pretty wild creations change out the grill and put a 4.6 with a 5speed in it. That would make it plenty fast enough to get you in trouble but still be enjoyable to drive.
I bought a brand new ’87 Ranger from a fairly big dealer. Since I was buying a loaded 2wd XLT, you’d think they would have mentioned the GT to me. I never knew this truck existed. Most likely, they just wanted to move the iron they had on the lot. I’d have bought this Ranger GT without a thought.
I have had 90 since 2001. 189k and no drive train problems.
Love it or hate it , that grille screams 80s aftermarket. Always liked the Rangers. Was disappointed when it came back as a big truck