Update – Shortly after lowering the price, this Ranchero sold!
Update – Severin has decided to lower his asking price for this Ranchero! He’s now asking $2,750, which seems like a killer deal to me! Be sure to email him if you’re interested in giving it a good home.
We recently featured one of Severin’s other projects, an MGC GT. Well here is the next one of his projects that needs a new home. This Brougham Ranchero needs work, but it has a 460 V8 and Severin has already gone through the brakes and fuel system. Well, I’ll just let him tell you more about it below! If you’d like to give this luxury Ranchero a good home, you can drop him an email here. He’s asking $3k for it and it’s located in Weyauwega, Wisconsin.
From Severin – 1978 Ford Ranchero GT Brougham, it now has a 460 with A/C. I have the Marti report… Serial Number 8H48S121956 and the other numbers decode to: Built for model year 1978 at Lorain as a Ranchero GT with the 6.6L 400-2V V8. Engine Serial Number of this Ford was scheduled for production at Lorain in October 18, 1977. The paint decodes to Russet Metallic with Russet Vinyl Split Bench Seat.
It also came with the 3.00 Conventional Rear Axle, C-6 Automatic Transmission, Air Conditioner. It was equipped with the following features: H70X14 Belted Tires w/Raised White Letters, Convenience Group, Bumper Protection Group, Selectaire, Brougham Decor Group,Appearance Protection Group, Tinted Glass, Magnum 500 Wheels with Trim Rings, Trailer Tow Package – Class III.
I retrieved it out of Nebraska… it was a barn find, hauled it back to Wisconsin. I’ve gone through the entire brake system, fuel system, tuned it, replaced the rag joint in the steering column… it actually steers in the general direction you point it in. It had an ambitious yet unfortunate repaint years ago after what looks like a light smack on the rear bumper. Very solid car though.
The Brougham interior is in excellent condition, and despite a couple cleanings, still is a little “barny”.I have too many projects, and have developed a general dislike of Fords. You need this and I don’t.
I know it isn’t original, but this sure seems like a whole lot of fun for the money! The 400 cui V8 was probably more than enough engine for this Ranchero, but if a 460 will fit, I say why not! Just imagine the burnouts you could do in it and with the Brougham interior, you’d be able to do them in absolute comfort.
After looking it over, I don’t see any rust holes, although you never know what you might find hiding under the respray. I’d just treat the surface rust so it doesn’t progress and just drive this beast! Not only would it be fun, but it’s actually practical.
It might not have a massive amount of hauling capacity, but think how nice it would be to be able to just throw parts, appliances or really any other kind of junk you might need to move into the bed and just go. You’d have more than enough power with the 460 and you’ll be more than comfortable in that interior! I won’t lie, if this one were closer, I’d already be on my way to pick it up.
Again, our thanks to Severin for listing his projects here on Barn Finds! If you happen to give one of his projects a new home, we sure would love to hear more about it.
I think the only thing ‘practical’ about this is using the trailer hitch to tow around a spare tank of gasoline for that thirsty 460.
This was asking $2,450 in May of 2015, here on BF.
I went to Nebraska to bring this one home. I replaced the entire brake system, master and wheel cylinder, calipers, rotors, drums, shoes, and proportioning valve. I cleaned the fuel system, tuned it… new cap, plugs, wires, and installed a new battery.
I’m no marketing genius, but if I were selling a Ford I think I would avoid saying “and have developed a general dislike of Fords.”
Truth in advertising.
(And I am a marketing genius.)
Definitely not many of these around anymore. If you need a light duty pickup as a spare vehicle this would be cool choice.
Personally I’d go for an ’80s GMC Caballeros Diablo and put a Buick Grand National intercooled turbo 3.8 motor in it.
I actually like these better than the El Camino. This would be a plush ride. I do agree that it’ll be a thirsty ride. How many feet per gallon you think it gets?
These are a tough sell….like my last year last month built one owner I bought to re-sale. Yes you don’t see them often unlike my brothers just bought one owner 1985 El Camino…..you see that body style like all the time.
Who says you got to keep that big gas hog motor on there I’d pull motor and trans and replace with a 302ci. And an overdrive trans. I’d re gear the rear axle to 3.75’s. I’d then do a repaint and use it as a daily driver. The 460 and the c6 I’d sell I’m sure there are still a few guys out there looking for these.
I liked the early Falcon Ranchero’s and into the early 70’s, but these were getting pretty big. The proportions looked wrong on these. Big long hood, big back, and this little tiny space as a cab. Which, without a rear cap, which I thought improved the truck ,visually and functionally, was a big problem, no covered space for stuff. I agree with Mark, lose the 460, them days are over. While gas is relatively cheap now, make no mistake, there will be some hiccup overseas, and gas will be $4/ gallon again. Still, a very nice truck.
Burnouts? No weight over the back wheels; gobs of 460 power…grandma would accidently be doing burnouts just crawling away from a light.
Photos don’t do justice to the protons and the wild contours of the headlights& leading edge of the front fenders of these. I love seeing these at car shows, over the top design of bygone times. Would make a great little part time hauler as suggested! LD71 :😄
Seriously tempted.
Only thing stopping me is cost to ship it
Let’s have a picnick….on the front of that bumper! Seriously. Love the mid 70’s for the I-beam, deck style bumpers! Man, if those things clip ya’…
Well – I just bought this nice toy {>.<}
I have a 79 GT Ranchero, I have had for at least 10 years and it had been parked for about 20 years when I bought it. I put fresh Gas in it and a hot battery and poured gas in the Carb and drove it on the trailer and brought it home. I drove it up and drown you drive way for a few miles and it ran and shifted fine, but after 10 more years of sitting the fuel pump no longer pumps enough fuel too stay running. I have been thinking of selling it as I have way too many projects to finish in my life time. Thinking about posting it on here.
Still have her Harold?
Yes I still have HER, Haven’t started it I a good while at first I poured gas in the Carb an fired it up once or twice a year but haven’t in about 4 years now and some leaves set in the bed and rust a couple of hole it it so that needs repaired now Would take $1700. for it, But I really want to find time to restore it, just not sure I ever will since I’m not getting any younger.
Send me an email, I can send you a contact number :-)
scarey4wd@aol.com 🤗