The idea of a car based truck just never took hold like true pick-ups did. For thirty plus years off and on, manufacturer’s from the US and abroad took a stab at something different. From GMC Sprints to Subaru Brats, VW Rabbit Trucks to Dodge Rampages, and even the little Falcon gave it a shot. Find this 1962 Ford Falcon Ranchero here on craigslist outside San Francisco, California.
Every time I spot a Falcon Ranchero, all I can picture is Oddjob from Goldfinger. That poor Lincoln Continental, crushed into a cube, loaded into the bed of his little truck. I imagine there were some mods made to that uni-body to be able to haul that 5,000+ pound cube and all those gold bars. I don’t think I would attempt that same task with this daily driver.
Being a west coast vehicle, rust doesn’t seem to be creeping out of every corner and crevice. Though the paint is sunburned and chalky, it goes with the vibe that this truck truly is original. Not sure if a tonneau cover was a Ford accessory, but it looks period correct with its unique embossing. Unless a lot of holes were drilled to make it fit, I’d be tempted to remove it, making the bed more usable and cleaning up the overall lines of the truck.
Inside, this Falcon Ranchero was about as basic as a car/truck could get. Metal dash, bench seat, three on the tree. It looks well worn but still clean and usable. A few items aren’t working that should be corrected. Speedometer cable is missing, gauges are out to lunch, clutch needs work, and the fuel sending unit is bad. Thankfully the engine bay has plenty of room for repairs and an inline-6 from Ford is super simple to work on. This could be the perfect classic car, pickup, er…
I remember Goldfinger and how cool Oddjob’s job was…until…
But if you look closely during the crusher scene, A LOT of stuff (eng, trans, etc.) is suddenly missing…
I mean now, those parts are routinely removed beforehand anyway,,,
If the crushed Lincoln had all of its innards that Ranchero would not be able to move. A 64 Lincoln weighs what…… 5000 lbs. Payload on the Ranchero is like 800 lbs.
This car has potential, but is overpriced, $2,000-$3,000 would be more realistic considering it needs a clutch and the gauges don’t work.
Steve R
he writes ‘bed cover is orig.” Never saw/knew there was 1.
Luv the early ’round bodies’ (pre extra chrome’n changes to that long panel/crease from frnt to rear fender). Motor is a good’n I’d keep it, may B a disc change up frnt, T5 add too? I’d pay $2 -3K…
The “ute” (which this is) is popular in many parts of the world particularly in Australia and New Zealand. It’s a shame it didn’t catch on in North America…
Origin of the term ute, ‘Utility Vehicle’, originally designed in Australia in 1934 approx. for a farmer to go to town for supplies, etc. and take the missus and kids to church in comfort on Sundays, (the kids and the dog piled in the back). (End of lesson)!
It looks really solid . All the stuff it needs is easy compared to rust repair . Make an offer and drive it away !
Bed cover is super cool. Very rare. I have an original cover on my 1964 Ranchero. Mine is much flatter & keeps thieves and the elements out of the bed.
“…Origin of the term ute…”
many lessons round the worl on car based p/u (starting in the 30s I believe) right here on BF.
Nice. Realy a good looking car. That style i yammy :-))
In Australia where the coupe utilty was originated the car based monoque vehicle is a big hit and has been since 1934 when Lewis Bandt working for ford Australia designed the first coupe based combination unfortunately from this year there will no Aussie utes produced so we have to buy imported pickups instead
That is an early two wheel drive Bronco.
Jus kiddin