Ford launched the first “gentleman’s” pickup in 1957, a truck based on a car platform (2-door wagon). After selling 45,000 copies in three years, they went in a different direction for 1960 – basing it on the new Falcon compact. That appeared to be a good move as production increased by 50% in 1960. This one, said to be #111 off the assembly line, is in running condition but could use some cosmetic attention. Found in Nampa, Idaho, this Ford is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,500 OBO.
Ford designers determined that the redesigned Fairlane/Galaxie full-size cars would not be suitable as a basis for the Ranchero going forward, the honor fell on the new Falcon in 1960 instead. Ford’s sedan delivery vehicle, the Courier, also moved to that foundation. Just a year later, the F-100 pickup would be all-new with unibody construction just like the Ranchero. So, Ford’s car-based pickup would now be sized and priced smaller than the F-100.
The seller’s truck is one of about 21,000 built in 1960, and production would stay consistent through 1965. Come 1966, the Ranchero would switch platforms again, moving to become an intermediate to compete head-to-head with the Chevelle-based El Camino. This ’60 Ranchero may be a project car that won’t come to fruition with the seller as priorities have changed and they need the coin more than the truck.
At 75,000 miles, this Ranchero has only had two owners. The engine is either a 144 or 170 cubic-inch inline-6 that is paired with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. New parts include the ignition and coil, battery, and starter, along with the generator having been rebuilt (Ford wouldn’t switch to alternators until 1965). We’re not told how well it runs, but we assume it will at least hold its own.
The paint is not original, having been changed from lime green to copper at some point (tell-tale signs under the hood). We’re told it had some rust, such as along the driver’s side rear quarter panel, which has been repaired. So perhaps not a lot more work will be needed to get the body ready for new paint. The interior is two-tone black and white and at least appears to be passable. So maybe you get away with just putting on a new set of tires for now and drive it for a time before resorting to a complete restoration.
This should have a 144. The 170 came along in 1961.
But with either six, a Falcon of any bodystyle couldn’t get out of it’s own way. 0 to 60 in a coupla weeks.
wrong.
We’ve hopped up these motors (very stout bottom end, yes anemic ‘in breath”) very inexpensively and easily. Ignition 1st w/a DSII…
What is the significance of being #111 off the assembly line?
It’s just a cool number.
The assemblers would have had more practice and would produce a vehicle with fewer bugs than they would have with #110. ;)
Tell me about it. My company purchased a 1962 Ford Zephyr Six Mk 3 which was number NINE off the line and it was the second biggest POS that I ever had the misfortune to drive, apart from a 1962 Ford Cortina 1200 that was number ONE off the line. Lest said about that one the better!
At least it’s not #666…
Nothing in life I despise quite as much as the 144 six, especially with “Ford-O-Matic”. It made the VW bus seem like a ‘Vette in comparison.
now THIS one – we turbo
(several hopped up w/6 Keihins no turbo but imagine both).
Fred
That’s funny, I had a couple Falcons with a 144/170 and a fordamatic and they were not so fast.
I did end up with a 63 1/2 Sprint…that was a different story.
Lots of sellers dreamin!
I was asked recently how many cars I’ve owned in the past 50 years of ownership. Actually took pencil to paper and from memory came up with 85.
I was also asked what the best / worse ones were.
Best; 88 Mercedes W124
Worse; 1961 Falcon Ranchero (hands down…)
Owned one of these beasts some years ago. It was a California car yet it was a real rust bucket. There is a tab on the shifter which constantly breaks off and you can’t shift them. No matter what kind of linings you put on the brakes, the brakes don’t stop the thing very well. Before I bid on this one I’d go look at it in person or have a professional car inspector give it a once over. Yeah, you’ll pay a fee but it is better than getting stuck. Oh, and the $8500 FOR GET IT. $2500 and maybe $3000 tops for this one.
Ford Australia had sedan based “utes” (pickups) in 1932.
Australian Falcon utes could be bought with a 351 to GT specifications. It could certainly “get out of its own way”!
Don’t like; don’t buy it. No need to put the guy’s car down.
Being nitpicky, but the Ranchero was Fairlane based in 1967 . 1966 it was still a Falcon
Installing a later 200 cid with a toploader 3 speed or a c4 would wake it up somewhat. You can also get a disc brake conversion now for the 4 lug wheels but I understand that you must use 14 inch rims. Nothing would wake it up like a 289 4 speed, but you must change the rear and front hubs to 5 lug. a lot of work. Also agree that its mucho overpriced, like everything else. Would like to take one of these on- would go well with my 57 ranchero and the wifes’ 65 futura conv!
Cheers
GPC
I love 6 cylinders.
So easy to tune.
I miss my teenage
years 55 and 56 Chevy.s I sold off so many classics and back then kinda makes my sick at the stomach. But we all have stories.
My older brother is still mad at me over a 56 Chevy Belaire 2 door hard top I sold 3 years after I got it from him. If I ever hit the power ball he.ll have the best Nomad ever. But we all know I won.t win so life is life.
so do I – all of them, slanty, Jag, beemer. A fav is the Oz iron head early cross flow.
If i8 was still around those would be my very fav.
The front of the bed on these things has a removable panel. Dust dirt and water collect underneath mine had 6 in of dry mud covering majorly Swiss cheese sheet metal
is it called the (pig’s) trough (2 of em, no?) ina porsche?
I can’t think of a useful purpose for it. I doubt I would fit behind the wheel. I have no clue why I want it, but I do lol. Not for that price though.