Back in 1962, the seller’s father-in-law purchased this Ford Ranchero as a new vehicle. After 20 years of storage, the last 10 of them outside, the seller is now selling the car/truck hybrid here on eBay. The buy it now price is only $1,400 but the seller is suggesting that you make an offer even lower than that! It’s located in Mary Esther, Florida.
The second generation of the Ranchero that was offered for the first time in 1960 was considerably smaller and lighter than the original version as it was based on the Falcon. Unfortunately, this particular example has become even both smaller and lighter as there’s not as much metal now as there was when it left the Ford factory. While some patch panels are available and they don’t seem terribly expensive, the rust here is extensive enough that I’m sure you’ll be creating some of your own as well.
If you choose to take this yard find on, the interior will require complete refurbishment. The seller doesn’t give us a VIN or any specifications but that certainly looks like a manual transmission shifter, which probably means the vehicle has a 3-speed, although there was a 4-speed available.
The engine is one of the two Thriftpower inline 6-cylinders, either 170 or 200 cubic inches in size. To no one’s surprise after viewing this picture, we’re told it doesn’t run. I’m not suggesting that this early example of a car-truck should be restored to new, but if you were willing to make a low-ball offer and accept some welding, I do believe that you could make a nice parts runner out of this Ranchero. A shop that used to do a lot of work for me 30 years ago used a similar 3-speed four-door Falcon as it’s parts runner and I would drive it occasionally; it never failed to start or stop when requested. While that sounds like faint praise, it would sit for long periods without being used and certainly didn’t get a lot of attention in between. What do you think of this possible parts runner?
Sadly, IMHO this is too far gone to be anything other than a partial organ & appendage donor. Based on just the photos available it appears the entire lower-& some midline-sections are just a shell or have dissolved into the ground altogether..
Then again, to take a more positive viewpoint, it might make for an interesting flower box!
The rot in this car is Top Shelf. Wow. MAYBE some parts could be of benefit to someone. In the same family since new……how then do you let a car fall into this level of deterioration? Moreover, why? Sorry. I just don’t get stuff like this. Sad.
I thought the two sixes that year were the 144 and 170. As I recall, the 144 would lose in a drag race with a Volkswagen transporter.
That is correct. The 200 wasn’t around until 64. 144 was so underpowered, Ford quickly added the 170 as an option. You could buy an aftermarket Offenhauser 3×1 adaptor to install on the intake. Otherwise, hog out the “log” intake and install a 2v off something else (after machining an adaptor). Some just took a larger 1v off a truck. In the end, the 144 wasn’t good at all stock, unless gas mileage for timing by calendar was a trade you wanted to make. If this were in better shape, I’d suggest swapping in a 200, which would be a bolt in. Hot rodding the 6 is really cool too but again, I’d prefer the 200 over the 144 for that.
I should correct: the 200 was available late in 1963, I do believe.
This vehicle has seen better days . Parts or scrap yard.
Parts car for sure!! Nothing to weld to!!!
63 Comet……
Your comment on the underpower of the engine reminded me of when my father ordered a 1964 Ford Fairlane, new, from the dealer. This car was so basic the only options it had was a radio and heater.
But, back to the engine, he ordered the smallest Falcon engine to be installed in a Fairlane. I was too young to care what the actual hp was, but I really hated that car. Apparently, so did God, as it was involved in 8 accidents in the 4 years we had it.
Couldn’t get out of its own way, Angel?
Buckets and console from a Falcon Futura Sport coupe of the same vintage. Being a unibody I’d say this one best for parts.
There are always plenty of Falcon Rancheros for sale in various conditions , but this one has to be the worst I’ve seen . It looks like they left the windows open on the car as well to help with its decomposition . This is a $100.00 car for somebody who may need a grille and some trim pieces and has to pay 200 – 300 bucks to have a flatbed haul it out of there .
I love the grilles on the 62-63 Falcon and the bucket seat interiors seemed slightly more “upscale” for a low-end compact. Sadly, this one has a whole lotta Swiss cheese for floors and bed liner. Was probably once a really nice lightweight family honey-do hauler.
Ford did offer a 4 speed behind the falcon 6; The Dagenham tranny came from England and had glass gears. Try some funny biz with it and you toasted it. Don’t know of anyone who is making parts for these. Too bad this was left to the elements . parts car
Cheers
GPC
Yep, parts car. Ten years out in the elements, what a shame.
God bless America
This pile was Posted a year or two .