Chevrolet and Ford were the key players in the “gentlemen’s pickup” marketplace. Ford got there first in 1957 by creating the Ranchero from a 2-door station wagon. Chevy got on board in 1959 and would generally outsell Ford over the years. This 1971 Ranchero comes with the Special Value Package which consists of bundling several popular options like a vinyl roof. Cosmetically it’s in at least fair condition and the V8 engine has recently been reassembled (rebuilt?). From Urbandale, Iowa, this fancy truck is available here on eBay where only one bid of $5,000 has been cast and the reserve is somewhere between there and $9,250 (Buy It Now price).
Ford built the Ranchero from 1957 to 1979, and it followed three paths. Through 1959, it was a full-size pickup, then from 1960 to 1965 it was based on the compact Falcon, and finally an intermediate from 1966 forward. On the other hand, Chevy only built the El Camino for two years, then gave it a rest until 1964 when it returned as a Chevelle-based mid-size. In 1971, Ranchero’s production totaled nearly 25,000 units. And, according to an earlier review by our own Adam Clarke, more than 3,200 came with the Special Value Package (SVP).
When you checked the box for SVP on the order sheet, you got a Ranchero that was enhanced in its appearance, which included the aforementioned vinyl top, laser stripes, a matte-black hood, and a decked-out set of wheels with trim rings that have long since parted company with the seller’s unit. It’s wearing the kind of “Mag” wheels that were popular back in the 1970s and 1980s. This is a low-mileage vehicle with an odometer reading of just 51,000 miles. This Ford spent most of its life in California which may have contributed to its rust-free condition.
When the seller bought the Ranchero, the previous owner had taken apart the 302 cubic inch V8 (we assume there was a problem). Some upgrades were installed, and then the project came to a halt until the seller bought the truck and put things together again. The Ford comes with factory air conditioning, but that hardware has yet to be added back but comes with the deal. A brand-new set of tires are on each corner and the paint looks good, but not great (check out the right front fender). Somewhere along the way, this Ranchero gained a topper which still sits atop the bed.
I’m a fan of the ’70/’71 Rancheros having had a ’70 GT. This one has potential, and it seems to be a solid example. I’m pretty sure it’s been re-painted, and I must say I don’t care for the white stripes here which don’t look like the original laser stripe of the Special Value Package, especially at the rear of the sides and on the tailgate. I like that it has a small block in it, a good, fairly economical choice for a daily driver. Lots of speed parts available for the 302 if you want to go faster and increase fuel consumption. I’d take a shot at it if I could, I’d love to have a 5th gen Ranchero again.
The Ranchero was based on the Falcon from 1961-1966. The ’66 was unique in that it was a Fairlane with a Falcon front end and interior, as were Falcon wagons.
Russ refers to it as a “gentlemen’s p/u”. I agree. At 67, I’d love to get it road ready & drive occasionally. And that 302 power plant has proven itself over many many years. Nice find! Not exactly a chick magnet but hey….Lol!!!
I had a 71 Ranchero, 250 straight 6, 3sp column shift with that same style shell.
Towed a small boat all over the mountains in Colorado for many years.
It was one of my favorite rides.
That thump you just heard was me, kicking myself in the backside for selling it to a friend who ruined it shortly afterwards.
The right front fender shows a good sign of a nice BUMP, The glass pack mufflers are ready to fall off and it’s pretty worn for only 50 thousand miles. Not sure why a 302 would need REFREDHED ay such low miles. More questions than answer.
Are we looking st cars here? Some pictures show well worn black interior and some pictures show red interior or is just me? Buck Naked
151,000 miles is more believable, red interior that Larry mentions I think is more careless overspray on the right side seat back and did anyone notice it looks as if the dried out vinyl top has been painted?
Finally, a Ranchero with my highly acclaimed topper and not some beastly motor. I feel the topper is the most impartent port[sic] and for some reason, rarely seen. All these car/pickups suffer lack of covered space. Any cargo must be out in the elements, even Fido. Back then, toppers were cheap, like $100 bucks and well worth it. Always get a kick out of Calyfornians, blocks off the heater, but an A/C is available. I bet this truck took gramps on many a fissin’ trip. Great find.
I like it, but cap would go up for sale, and tonneau cover in its place, or leave uncovered, I really like these years of ranchero, and Torino.