A couple of weeks ago, I wrote this post about a ’70 and ’71 Ford Ranchero. Today, we have the follow-on version in the form of a ’76 Ranchero GT bathed in a very 70’s olive green finish that is date reinforced with an add-on white camper shell. It’s in surprisingly nice condition but the listing is thin – fortunately, there are a lot of included images. We can thank Larry D for finding this Reno, Nevada-domiciled Ute. It’s available, here on eBay for a classified ad price of $15,000. There is a make an offer option too.
As stated in the ’70/’71 Ranchero post, I’m not a fan of this generation, just as I’m not the ’73-’77 El Camino. The Feds were in full regulatory mode back then and a certain malaise (I didn’t coin the term) set in that had an inverse auto industry impact (big heavy bumpers and little power). Ranchero production was fair in ’76, amounting to about 16K units spread across three trim levels, Squire, GT (as our subject vehicle), and the 500. The GT’s volume came in just under 5K copies.
So, what’s included in the GT trim level? A color-keyed side stripe and racing mirrors, trim rings, G70 white letter tires, GT grille, stainless pedal trim, and an instrument panel badge. All Rancheros were V8 powered but the GT designation didn’t specify a specific engine. This Ranchero still shows probably how it did in ’76, except for the finish fade and camper addition. There are no signs of dents or rust and the body appears to be straight and normally aligned.
Power is provided by a 152 net HP, 351 CI V8 engine which drives the rear wheels courtesy of a three-speed automatic transmission. The seller adds, “This California car is in its stock form and runs and drives excellent“. Judging from the underhood compartment, I’d say that this Ranchero has seen more action than its 20K recorded miles but, that said, the engine room appears to be complete and no obvious issues spring forward.
White vinyl upholstery is the order of the day inside and it looks to be in fine shape – it’s nice and clean with no indication of rips. There is a dash topper in place which is probably covering a split dash pad, but maybe not, it would be worth an inquiry. An auxiliary oil pressure gauge has been added, always a good move and a CB radio will let the new owner, if so inclined, relive the days of “breaker, breaker“. The only notable demerit is one for the flaking finish on the underside of the camper cap, some scraping and a coat of paint should provide a quick fix.
There you have it, this is about as ’70s a vehicle from the ’70s that I have encountered in a while. No doubt about it, this Ranchero is in Spic & Span condition and if one wants to relive that era, in a very functional vehicle no less, here’s a great chance, right?
Lose the top.
The B pillar has just enough room for a Starsky stripe. Paint her red and stripe away.
Lose the cap of course.
no
If you’re going to put a canopy on it then just buy the station wagon and leave the back seat down
know these hubcaps well. same ones were on our F100 truck dad got new in 1973. Albeit they weren’t chrome.
A butt ugly front end, which was a big disappointment after the 70,71 and 72 models.Don’t know what they were thinking but someone shoulda been shot!.
Douglas W. Toms was the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Director in ’72 when the regulation was issued to have 5 mph front bumpers by ’74. That’s your guy.
My dad had one of these when I was driving age….WITH the white cap on the back. You think some cars today have blind spots? Try driving that thing with that cap on it.