The Falcon was redesigned and changed generations for the 1964 model year but the Ranchero, which was based on the Falcon at that time, stayed in its lane until the 1966 model year. That’s info that most of you already knew but I always thought it was unusual that Ford didn’t start a new generation with this Ranchero redesign. This 1964 Ford Ranchero can be found here on craigslist in Selma, California, just southeast of Fresno, and the seller is asking $6,995. Thanks to T.J. for sending in this tip! Here is the original listing.
I’m a huge fan of the first-generation Falcon, the rounded version made from 1960 to 1963. The same with the early second-generation Ranchero made from 1960 through 1963. For some reason, Ford kept the redesigned Ranchero within the second-generation category until 1966 when the third-gen Rancheros came out. Then in 1967, also in the third-generation, the Ranchero changed again with Fairlane sheet metal – at least the front clip – but they still used the Falcon platform overall and were known as the Fairlane Ranchero. I need a drink.
This particular Ranchero looks like a solid, really fun project car. The seller says that it has been sitting for about a decade but, as almost always, it ran when it was parked. There are a few dings and small dents and some scrapes and the paint has seen better days. Thankfully, Selma, CA is a very dry area with under a foot of rain annually and it’s inland so hopefully rust isn’t a big issue. The body looks great to me, I’d clean it up and keep it as is, at least for now.
The interior is appropriately dirty and the X-marks-the-spot spider lug wrench on the seat comes with the car I’m guessing. Almost every part and piece for redoing the interior of this Falcon/Ranchero is available in the aftermarket world so it shouldn’t be a problem for the next owner to get everything working and pick away at the restoration as they have time. You know, between Zoom meetings and watching Dragnet. Or maybe that’s just me.
The big thing with this car is that it has a 289 cubic-inch V8 engine! I know! It should have up to 270 horsepower depending on which model it is and that’s a very healthy amount of power for this vehicle. A 4-speed manual would have been great but this one has a three-speed column-shifted Cruise-O-Matic automatic, not exactly the stuff of dreams, but as long as it works ok there’s nothing wrong with that. This car isn’t currently running due to sitting for so long but I have a feeling that 94% of Barn Finds readers could have it running and driving in a couple of weekends or less. Hagerty is at $8,300 for a #4 fair condition car and $17,900 for a #3 good condition car so there’s some room here. I sure love this car, are there any other early Ranchero fans out there?
I like these early rancheros well enough and would like them even more if they were actually 270hp…..
Oddjob,,
Howard A …. Only one word. You always write a book in the comment section. 😂😂
Happy Easter Howard, and Barn Find friends !!!
Hi Hoss, yeah, I figured that would be a welcome relief for some. That movie was so universal, just the one word describes the guy Oddjob, and the scene that was BURNED into a 9 year old kids head. In case for some reason, and it’s entirely possible, some don’t know, here it is, btw, the Lincoln did not have a motor or transmission, and at over 4,000 pounds withOUT those things, it would have easily overwhelmed the Ranchero, I think had a 1/2 ton rating.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0H0C6FNO5U
Howard is right again.
Watch Howard’s video closely and we can see through the grill of the Lincoln. There is no engine in it.
The Ranchero and Sedan Delivery were sold as 1/4 ton trucks.
In Florida they carried the “A” truck license plate that was cheaper than the usual “B” truck license plate for the 1/2 ton pickups.
I didn’t even think of that, Howard – excellent movie!
https://bestmoviecars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/1964-Ford-Falcon-Ranchero.jpg
Happy Easter, all!
I would resto-mod this little truck and use it as a daily driver. It’s just a handy size for around town. Doesn’t most Mustang stuff fit these ?
The Mustang is a Falcon underneath
The grille and taillights say that’s a 1965, not a 1964.
Rick, I see two different 1964 grilles, one that’s concave and one piece all the way across and one that’s convex and split in the middle.
The taillights are basically the same in 1964 and 1965, aren’t they? What’s the difference between a 1965 Ranchero compared to 1964 as far as that goes? It would be great to lock in the differences, thanks for the help!
The ’64 grille was concave all the way across with no ornamentation at all. The ’65 protruded and had a split in the center with an ornament.
The taillights on the ’64 didn’t have the cross found on the ’65.
One of these with only a few thousand miles sold on Bring a Trailer for 92K when two bidders went at it.
Holy Crap
Yeah, while they were in between corporate merger meetings. Suits have ruined the classic car hobby and real estate for everyone.
and here’ nother one for the 250 2v iron head from Oz. Rather that 4.1L in it. Even with the alloy head currently bein made.
Scotty’s got it, I like the ’round bodied’ better aw well. I however (see head swaps above) imagine it in full SCCA livery. R&R steer, lowered, shelby drop frnt end, 5 lug discs all round, etc.
“…thought it was unusual…”
may B ford thought of it as a truck & U no they all ways train in updates.
Here’s a good chero, turquose one in 3rd get thumbnail: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Ranchero
love any stacked headlights (merc caliente was 1st: https://www.flickr.com/photos/myoldpostcards/6527846041c
271, Scotty? (hi-po) Not likely.
B-man, “up to” 270 horsepower, who knows what this one has. Probably much less than that but a guy can dream…
D code 210hp
1965 was first year for 289 in a Falcon, NOT 1965, it was in the 1963 Fairlane.
K code 289 in a 1965 Mustang claimed 271 HP
It was Not available in the Falcon except when Ford of Canada released 4 or them for racing.
This Ranchero has 1965 taillights, see the chrome.
This Ranchero has 1965 deluxe dash trim.
This Ranchero has 1965 split grill, 1964 was not split.
Ask seller the VIN. Ford VIN start a letter for the decade then a number for the year. C5 is a 1965, D5 is a 1975, E5 is a 1985.
Check the title VIN with the car’s VIN under the hood, in that notched out place along the top inner edge of the driver side front fender, see the notch?
Scotty, seller says he has the title, ask for the VIN.
1965 was first year for 289 in a Falcon, NOT 1964
The 1963 Falcon V8 was 260 CID
The 1964 Falcon V8 was also 260 CID
A 1965 Falcon Sport Coupe (hardtop) 289 CID and 4 speed
add an aftermarket 4bbl intake and a Holley, and that makes a difference!!!
Might be something fishy about the title here?
Cruise-O-Matic automatic didn’t have 3 pedals.
Bet it’s 3 speed stick
The seller does not mention any transmission.
Scotty proclaimed it a “three-speed column-shifted Cruise-O-Matic automatic” with three pedals!!
1963 Falcon ad proclaimed “Throw away your boring bar!”, when announcing the mid year inclusion of the 289. How times have changed.
In 1970 I had a 2 Dr 1964 2 Dr falcon great looking car but the worst designed engine compartment in auto history shock towers were terrible wore out had to change them front end junk tie rod everything wore out prematurely it was a great looking car but a total junk designed car !!! Reason I never bought another Ford
This forgotten half pickup is begging to be restomodded
There are so many possibilities for upgrades on this
The aftermarket parts are plentiful and relatively cheap
Many moons ago , i had an s10 2 door with the small cab and found it way too small , so this one isn’t for me !
Yolo