There’s no denying that Ford’s Ranchero beat the Chevrolet El Camino to market by two years. While both vehicles have a collectible cachet about themselves, the El Camino, as with GM’s other A-body models, is the one with the ascendant market value these days – in some cases, stratospherically so. And for that reason, I posit that the Ranchero may be the better buy, at least from an initial entry point. Take this 1972 example, for instance. It has undergone some nice enhancements, is in sound shape, looks great, and is reasonably priced. How reasonable, you ask? Check it out for yourself. It’s located in Pasadena, California, and is available here on craigslist for $12,500.
Ford’s midsize Torino and its Ranchero companion underwent a big styling and structural redo for the ’72 model year. Some loved it, some didn’t, but it’s all subjective, as styling, in particular, usually is. The buying public, however, was generally positive with over 40K taking one home in ’72, besting the previous year’s version by about 15K units (63%). Trim levels included Ranchero 500, Ranchero Squire (faux wood slathered flanks), and Ranchero GT (our subject), the sporty edition. A further word about trim levels, the listing references this truck as Ranchero “500”, but the VIN disagrees. The “48” code (third and fourth digit) indicates a GT, whereas a “47” is the correct code for the 500.
This ute’s finish looks a lot like Grabber Blue and presents beautifully. Whether it’s original or not is not stated, but my guess is that it’s a repaint. There’s no fade, no indication of rust, collision damage, or parking lot mayhem. The inside of the tailgate is a little banged up, but that’s to be expected; this Ranchero probably worked for a living at one time. While I’m not an ardent fan of Cragar S/S wheels, I’d suggest that they’re the perfect complement for this car/truck mashup.
Most of the listing goes into great detail regarding the engine modifications. In a nutshell, it’s a 351 Cleveland (H-code) that likely started life as a standard 161 net HP version. It was rebuilt 15K miles ago with the usual performance suspects (cam, carburetor, intake manifold, distributor, etc.). Even the heads have been replaced with Edelbrock pieces, but the seller provides no details regarding running and driving characteristics. Gear-related duties are handled by a rebuilt C-4 three-speed automatic transmission.
One thing that I have gleaned from the many BF comments that I review is the desire (requirement?) for A/C in an old ride. While it didn’t rise high on the gotta’ have list twenty years ago, it sure does today. Fortunately, this Ranchero is in step with what appears to be the original system upgraded with a newer Sanden-style compressor, outfitted to use R134 refrigerant. Now that we’re inside, we find a mostly original (though not photographed well) environment. The blue vinyl upholstery is claimed to be original and shows well, while the original tiller has been replaced with a smaller aftermarket piece, and engine gauges have been added to the dash’s underside.
Verdict? Looks great and probably performs just as well or better. How about that price? At $12,500, what do you think, priced right (I do) or not quite?
Not even close to Grabber Blue. This finish is a different shade of blue and metallic. Grabber Blue was not.
I’d need the paint code, assuming it’s original to know for sure, but based on the swatch that I found, Grabber (code 3F) seemed to be the closest. There was a Medium Blue Poly available too (code 3D) but that seems to be darker than this finish.
JO
The price is definitely fair/good.
Less expensive, yes. Better buy, not necessarily. El Camino’s are more expensive because the demand is much higher. They have more aftermarket support, especially in terms restoration parts. Rancheros are nice in their own right, I’ve had both Rancheros and El Camino’s, they both serve a purpose. But an El Camino are definitely easier to own if it’s a project.
Steve R
For all the work that has been done , along with being a caly car I have no criticism about this gem at all. Couldn’t care less about the shade of blue,straighten out the plug wires and go !
I always liked the jet aircraft inspired intake Ranchero & the the 351 C was a real good small block I remember mustangs & yes a ute like this one doing smokey burnouts & fast passes nice rig !
Either buy made-to-fit plug wires or trim those. I’m not normally OCD, but just wow!
I like the color (blue is my favorite) and the 351 is no slouch, especially with the aftermarket internal and external upgrades. If I had one nit to pick that is keeping this car from my personal perfect choice, it would be the lack of period correct factory bucket seats and a console. Factory bucket seats and a console might be getting hard to find these days, but that would check the last box on my list! If it wasn’t on the left coast, I’d be shopping right now, but the shipping can get pricey. This one is in much better shape than a red one I saw for sale in Hemmings Motor News for about the same money, as that one was missing most of its interior and had non-factory bucket seats fitted. GLWTS!
Here’s a link to the one I saw in Hemmings:
https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1972-ford-ranchero-620795
The asking price on this one is $12,500. The highest offer so far is $10,900.
72 one year only nose is my favorite Ranchero, I had a beat one years ago but it’s long gone. $12500 is a good price for this one looks very clean, lots of expensive work already done. The shot of the tailgate lowered shows this one was worked in the past with all those dents still a nice one that I would consider if I had the cash.
Oh man this makes my heart hurt. I had a 72 that looked almost exactly like this. It wasn’t the GT, had the 2bbl 351C and it wore Keystone Klassics but same color and black interior.
I loved that truck but had to sell it. Broke my heart…but I’ve bought cars from guys in similar circumstances so can’t cry too much!
Once upon a time I had a pos 73 Ranchero. I did lots of work including a micky mouse engine rebuild of a 351 C 4 barrel. It had a Motorcraft Carburetor . It also had an FMX trans that someone must have put a shift kit as it really shifted Harder. It was also in need lots of GOOD BODY and paint work. It was also a bench seat that never comfortable. When I sold it was good to sell. The only thing i really liked was power. That was with a lousy rebuild, i can only imagine how fast with a good performance rebuild. Rancheros and ElCaminos are also not good hauling pieces.
I had one in ’76 and it was one of my favorites- mine was metallic blue with silver inset and slightly raked in the front. The ’72 front end was the best looking of all.
Not a Ford guy but this Ford is clean and the price is good. I agree with other comments about how messy the spark plug wires are! It is a factory A/C car!