Ford created the “gentlemen’s pickup” in 1957 and Chevrolet soon followed. The truck would enjoy an uninterrupted 23-year run through 1979 and – at one time or another – it was a full-size and a compact in addition to the mid-size like the seller’s 1972 edition. This pickup hasn’t run in 20 years and looks rough, but it has what appears to be a desirable drivetrain, the Q-code Cobra Jet 351 cubic inch V8. This somewhat complete project is in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is available here on craigslist for $5,500. Another barn find brought to us by T.J.!
From 1966 forward, the Ranchero would be based on the Fairlane (and later Torino) platform. Its fifth generation would be built from 1972 to 1976. Sales of the Ranchero would often come in behind the Chevy El Camino and the 1972 model year was no exception at 40,000 copies vs. 63,000. The sportier GT saw 12,600 units that year, with 2,550 of those being built with the 351 “Cleveland” engine that could still be tuned in 4-V Cobra Jet form.
The seller has owned this GT for more than 20 years and it was running back in the day. But inactivity has resulted in a stuck engine that the seller believes can be rebuilt. The rarity of this truck/drivetrain is its biggest selling point as the body is rusty and what little we see of the interior doesn’t look promising either. The pickup has a 9-inch rear end, but the posi-traction also needs some work. The seller thinks the drivetrain alone is worth the asking price, but that will be determined, as always, by the buyer.
My gosh, it looks like they pulled it from the bottom of a lake! And ONLY $5500, 😆
You got that right Blue. Looks like a crime scene before the coroner takes the body away.
Never heard of a 351 cobra jet. There was the Windsor, Cleveland and the modified 351. Oh yeah the rare 351 Boss. Maybe someone knows something about this, but I am at a loss.
I was thinking it was caught in a mudslide.
4 barrel open chamber heads 4 bolt mains was the CJ I believe
351 CJ was a thing. ford designated it Q-Code. Lots of low end torque and with the 4v.. a fairly high revving engine like the Cleveland. I had both engines in my 72 Gran Torino Sport the 351C.. my 72 Ranchero GT the Q code 351 CJ.
Is he including the fencing in the purchase price? That’d be a deal breaker!
I was thinking the fencing should be erected around what’s left of the vehicle as a safety measure.
It has the right original build to be desirable again someday. Today it needs someone’s life’s work to bring it back. A shame that it got this way, however as a project, it will give back some return.
Normally, I would call out “somewhat complete” as an oxymoron. A car is either complete or not complete, there is no in-between. However, in this case, I get it. “Somewhat complete” as in “yeah, it’s complete, but does that really matter here?”
I had a 72 Mustang with the Q code CJ 351. It was a screamer! And it was a very well balanced engine. Smooth as can be from the factory and when you revved it up to 5-6000 rpm you knew you had some serious power under foot.
Considering it is a non runner and the condition of this one, and what it would cost to restore it , the decimal point should be moved two places to the left.
Add said he is asking the $5500 because he FEELS like the locked up slipping rear end is worth that. Well I FEEL like my truck is worth a million dollars but reality says different
and the body is PROBABLY RUSTY …? I think he could tell whether it is or isnt
I see a good parts car for a Torino GT, for $2500ish.
is this item available.
Rodentis Infestis.
Somebody is missing a boat anchor.
Is it April 1 already?
I was told Q code for a 1972 Ranchero has a 429 4V, Is that not true?
It was the hottest Ford engine that year. 248 horsepower, which was significantly more than even the 460. With a 4-speed, it could carry a Torino Sport to 60 in 6.9 seconds and complete the quarter mile in about 15.5 seconds. That wouldn’t be considered very fast today but for a 1972 car, it was quick.
I love the fact that the seller is pointing out that it is a North Dakota car and not a Minnesota car. Yeah like North Dakota’s like Arizona or something. Makes me laugh
That is a hard $5,500 (to see).