Gentlemen’s Pickup: 1972 Ford Ranchero GT

The Ranchero was Ford’s pickup version of the Chevrolet El Camino. For most of their joint lives, they were mid-sized offerings, and their roots lie with 2-door station wagons (in the beginning). This 1972 edition of the Ranchero is the GT model, which implied style and performance (in some cases). It has some rust here and there, and the V8 engine needs some carburetor work. Located in Snohomish, Washington, this “gentlemen’s pickup” is available here on craigslist for $4,900. If you guessed this tip was from Tony Primo, you’d be right!

All Ranchero GTs came with a V8 engine, and this one has a 351 cubic inch (Cleveland or Windsor?) with a 2-barrel carburetor. Just like the Torino it was based on, the Ranchero received a redesign in 1972 (which ran through 1976). By then, the Ranchero had been around for 15 years, first as a full-size (1957 to 1959), then as a compact/Falcon (1960 to 1965). It finished its run in 1979 as a mid-size (though the Chevy El Camino remained on the payroll through 1987).

Of the more than 40,000 Rancheros produced in 1972, nearly a third of them (12,600) came with GT badging. That mirrored the Torino lineup, as that car also had a GT model in previous years. This was a decently equipped Ford when new, with options including an automatic transmission, power steering and front disc brakes, and air conditioning (does it still work?). This GT has seen its share of real estate at 135,000 miles and counting.

There is some corrosion in the doors and rear quarters panels. And surface rust in the bed. So, some time will be needed in the body shop to correct these ills and to add new green paint. It should be a good runner once you rebuild the carburetor and take care of a few “minor” things that the buyer will have to learn about upon inspection. The seller prefers cash, as no trades will be entertained.