Ford scored a pair of firsts with its Ranchero. The first “first” is obvious: They came to market two years ahead of their arch nemesis, Chevrolet, and its El Camino. Their second first was their decision, starting in the ’60 model year, to downsize their Ute to the compact Falcon platform. Chevrolet’s response was to ultimately drop the matter entirely and not return to the half-car/half-truck marketplace until ’64. Today’s subject vehicle, courtesy of Ted, is a 1961 Ranchero that looks like it has seen better days. Some customization has been attempted with what I’d call, uneven results. Follow along if you will, St Marys, Ohio is home to this mashup and it’s available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $2,600.
So, is it a car or is it a truck? In ’61, Ford advertised the Ranchero in its truck brochure and made no mention of it in the Falcon foldout. What was Ford’s reason for the ’60 downsizing? It’s hard to say, some think it melded in with the compact car craze (VW, Falcon, Valiant, Corvair, Rambler) while others have suggested that Ford wanted a bigger differentiation between the Ranchero and the standard-sized pickup truck. Whatever the reason, Ford moved almost 21K Rancheros in ’61, a volume that was flat with the 1960 inaugural year output.
This Ranchero literally looks like it has been rattle canned blue – note the overspray and uneven application. The previously mentioned “custom” touches are the removal of both bumpers as well as evidence of their attaching points. The badging and trim have been given the bum’s rush too. The seller claims, “Pretty solid car” but then adds, “Floor pans need replaced” so I guess the definition of “solid” is open to interpretation. I will say that the cargo bed seems to be solid and that’s good to know as trouble, in the form of rust-through, often manifests itself deep in the bed’s corners.
The interior isn’t really worth a discussion as it seems more like a dumping ground for detritus. These are minimalist interior environments to start with – and that’s helpful when it comes to refurbishment time but…
Under the hood is an inline-six-cylinder engine, either an 85 gross HP, 144 CI unit, or a larger 101 gross HP, 170 CI powerplant – which is not identified, and neither is its operating capability. A three-on-the-tree shifter is how gear changes are made but I question the transmission’s effectiveness when there’s a drive shaft sitting in the cargo bed.
OK, so now it’s what to do with it time. Well, it is inexpensive, so that’s a plus. Beyond that, I don’t know, short of a complete and total redo – and then there are multiple directions one could take this compact ute. Assuming that you were interested, what way would you go with this ’61 Ford Ranchero project?
Is it a car or truck? Neither. It’s an ute
Or in this case, a pile of scrap metal.
In the past 50+ years or vehicle ownership, I lost count of the number after 100…BUT I definitely remember the worst one, a 61 Ranchero with the 6/auto that barely beat walking. I managed to trade it for a Kawasaki 400 that got me to work for quite a while.
Sorry, but this one should be given to a 14 year old gear head that can learn how to wrench on it
Junk
$2399.00 the much .
What can you do with a case of rattle-can blue?
Almost bought one of these, luckily I sobered up before wrote the check. As for this “beauty”, scrap the car and save the wheels/tires. Only thing of value, that and maybe the right taillight for sentimental value.
I can’t be alone in thinking this is a great deal. I have always loved the falcon ranchero and here is a cheap entry. I’m in. “Needs replaced.” Needs educated. Needs TO BE replaced. Needs replacing. Needs replacement. Sorry, pet peeve. I’ll go lie down now.
1 man’s junk is this man’s treasure… $500 &
i make a scca rig w/parts I’ve already selected…
(some even collected)
While Ford may have marketed the Ranchero in ’57, t’was not a “first”. Studebaker and Hudson both offered car/trucks with limited success in the 30s. It was a very select market that wanted one, as most just went with a pickup. I actually wanted one of these until I actually drove one. It was a poor vehicle, and unless hauling compacted Lincolns, it has little actual worth.
These things had massive rear springs and plenty of power as evidenced by the scene in “Goldfinger” where they crush a complete Lincoln Continental, 1 gangster and his gold into a cube and drop into a Ranchero and it drives down the road with nary a sag.
Don’t think there were any mods to that, right?
Bit rusty underneath, but an attractive little pickup to my aging eyes. I’d pay $260 any day.
I’m in agreement w/ PaulG this would make some 14yr old gear head a proper introduction to learn as you go motering! For 68yr old me? Solid pass.
What happens when new small trucks start at $30,000? What happens when classic, rotted out Mustang’s and Charger’s are asking $20,000? You get guys like this, asking $2600 for a $260 Ranchero. We did this to ourselves.