This second generation Ford Ranchero is listed for sale here on Craigslist. Located in Burr Oak, Kansas, it is being offered for sale with a clean title. This Ranchero can be yours for $2,800.
The first thing that I notice about this Ford is the general lack of rust. There is some around the lower rear quarter-panels on both sides and there is also some rot in the driver’s side rocker. One thing that concerns me is that the car appears to be sitting close to the ground in a couple of the shots due to flat tires. These have since been inflated, but I would definitely be having a good look at the underside of the car to ensure that it is structurally sound. There doesn’t appear to be any significant rust in the tray which is also a bonus.
The interior of this Ranchero is something of a pleasant surprise. It not only looks to be complete, but it looks like the vast majority of the trim is intact and would potentially be able to be revived with a good clean. The metal-work inside the car could definitely do with a new coat of paint, but the rest looks okay. One thing that has me concerned is the issue in the door-frame where the white and the red paints meet. I’ve been trying to work out whether that’s rust. I certainly hope that it isn’t.
Ran and drove when parked. That may be true but it was also in 1994. I’ve been trying to determine whether this engine is the 144 or the 170ci engine, but I can’t really find a definitive answer on that. It is backed by an automatic transmission. The engine is said to spin freely. These old Ford engines were fairly strong, so it’s quite possible that some careful maintenance will see it burst back into life without any major expenditure. Naturally all hoses and perishable components will need to be checked and replaced as necessary.
These second generation Rancheros are another of those cars that seem to be finding favor with classic car enthusiasts. It wasn’t that many years ago that really cheap ones of around $1,000 were quite easy to find, and a really nice one could be found for around $5,000. Values on these have started to take off, and those that already have one are probably looking pretty good financially. If sitting low to the ground for an extended period hasn’t resulted in some nasty surprises to develop under the car then this Ranchero could be a great investment.
has a 61 Grille. Check real good everywhere for rust. Sure could be a sweet car stock or warmed up. v8 goes in there nicely! Price might be a tad high.
Good luck to the new owner! Good entry level car!!!
Not just the grille, but also fenders, hood, interior appointments, etc.
Either mis-titled or a red flag……….it is a ’61 as built.
U.Bob is correct . we need the VIN plate data to determine what’s valid. i dressed up my ’60 with Frontenac trim + the mechanics are the 6 cyl with a CI head matted to a T5 . it’s a dream to drive if i could ever figure out the steering radius !!! gotta crank it over 10 times just to turn the corner . ha
I’ll take 2 – one silver (swap in the 250 i6, T5), one w/original ‘topper’ all in green (swap 200 i6, C4) both like this ’60 – 63 (B4 the extra chrome, bigger dent-in-the-side).
“…is the 144 or the 170ci …”
count the H2O pump bolts?
freeze plugs? I 4get:
“The Ford Falcon 6 Cyl Performance Handbook” (by Schjeldahl bros)
available frm (among others) Matt at vintage inlines dot com will tell ya how…
Only 20 hr away – I 70!
what used to hinder hopping the I-6 was the integral cast intake. I understand you can now get a head with separate intake, Aussie made I believe. this opens a lot of opportunities for hop up. Personally I like the v8 swap. Hopping the six would be different and cool!!
Good luck to the new owner…love the fanchero!!!
You can hot rod even that cast head-intake. I did: http://www.herbelgarage.wordpress.com
What rust is unseen could be an issue for this Ranchero. What Gaspumpchas said is right.
Adam, think of where Aussie XM-XP Falcons rust, as the American ones rot in exactly the same places…
I had a 64 falcon sprint convertable.one of the best cars ive owned it was a 260 built as a hipo 289 with 4 speed and 411s in the rear.that was a fun car..i never liked the 60 to 63 they always remind me of a used bar of soap with the rounded corners…Thanx guys now you make me miss mine.im gonna go cry now….
The best magicians for the I6 of the Ford Falcon are in Argentina. They raced Falcons during many years.
I so like the lines of these. I built a custom scale model of one in the late 50s. I still have it. The wagon also has good lines. I found a white wagon behind a cemetery about 7 years ago. As it was visible from the road, I wonder if still there. No funds, place or time to take it under my wing.
Sure. Fix it, drive it, use it to get parts or groceries, whatever. Keep it. Watch your invested dollars grow. I have a small pickup; it gets used for everything. I’ll never sell it. They’ll bury me in it.
Love it
Great pruce
Rare.
I am surprised these haven’t taken off in collectability. Seems like the most unique of the Falcons. They were made in Argentine until 1991. I was there last year and plenty still on the road.
For the longest time, I wanted one of these. I never cared for the bigger ones, but just none to be found, and this one is like showroom condition to ones I did find. I eventually gave up, because I’ve had basic 6 cylinder Falcons, which this is, and they aren’t the best cars.( V8 Futuras, different story) Sitting in the grass, the underside is probably toast, and with a unibody, the floor is a big part of it’s structure. I’d pass.
Red valve cover and air cleaner implies 170 CID Special (at least in ’61).