The Ford Ranchero debuted in 1957 as a utility vehicle or “Ute”. That translates to a pickup based on a 2-door station wagon. It was modestly successful, yet Ford transferred it from a full-size to compact platform with the debut of the Falcon in 1960. The seller offers a pair of them from 1962 and 1963, one as a rough-looking runner and the other as a parts car. Located near Newport, Oregon, this duo is available here on craigslist as a package deal for $2,000.
Ford’s decision to reposition the Ranchero to a smaller package played off in terms of sales. From 1957 through 1959, they sold nearly 46,000 Rancheros. During 1960 to 1962, the number grew by 37% to almost 63,000 copies. But that picture is clouded by the lack of competition. Chevrolet fielded the comparable El Camino in 1958 and 1959, but not again until 1964 when the mid-size Chevelle was launched. Both of the seller’s Rancheros have Falcon underpinnings, which would go on to serve the Mustang in 1965 and Maverick in 1970.
While neither of the seller’s trucks looks like runners, we’re told the ’62 is mobile though the bed is full of all sorts of stuff. It comes with an inline-6 engine (144 or 170 cubic inches?) and a 4-speed manual transmission (a 3-speed would have been the order of the day when new). Besides that, it runs (but how well?) and we assume the body may be okay though it sports many colors of paint in places.
The 1963 version is a parts vehicle that is short on doors, at a minimum. Perhaps there’s enough left here to help rebuild the other one. Lots of parts will come with the deal (such as?) along with a 260 cubic inch Ford V8 that the seller was going to put in the “good” pickup but never did. For the asking price, it appears you’d be getting a lot, and you’ll probably need two flatbeds to make the transfer happen. Thanks to “Kendra” for this 2-for-1 tip!
Is that a rear axle ⚙️ in the bed… Does it come along as part of this Ranchero 🐎 pkg too
I’m sorry, but which one’s the “rough” one?
For 2K, these two are a great find & if it were closer to the east coast, I’d be heading for the location, there is a lot to work with.
Newport is a coastal town you will definitely want to inspect in person and get it on a lift to check for frame rot but otherwise not bad for the money
Too bad Oregon is on the west coast! Nice project right there, at a decent enough buy in. V-8 with a 4spd, I’m good. Though I’d go looking for a running 302 to drop in. Would make a great daily runner. Or as they are often referred to, parts chaser. Clean it up as you go.
Much more interested in this pair than the over restored red rimmed beige wagon.
The 4 speed would be a Dagenham. Quite rare and fairly valuable. Unfortunately the common 3 speed manual is rumored to be “made of glass” and is subject to failure, at least partially because of the nonsynchro low gear- unfortunately, the Dagenham is no more robust. Neither one would last a nanosecond behind even the diminutive 260 V8. The rest of the running gear and suspension is also not up to the challenge. 6 cylinder Falcon/Comet 6 cylinder cars are totally different animals than the V8 versions- same as early Mustangs.
Looks like a good collection for $2k- many decisions lay ahead.
I remember reading in an engine swap book years ago that the Dagenham 4-speed was “not, repeat not, a high performance transmission.”
I’d go with a 302 also, preferably a later model roller motor, then try and find a T5 from a Mustang and install them as a package.
Steve R
Wasn’t aware of the fragility & rarity of that existing 4spd. A late model 5 spd would make sense, 3 pedals are already in place. I was aware of the need to beef up the overall package as far as suspension and running gear.
Overall still a nice project at a reasonable cost. Albeit on the wrong coast!
I like someada guys ideas. Always dreamed of one in full-on SCCA livery,
200 or 250 (3.3/4.1) with this head:
https://www.vintageinlines.com/product-page/deposit-only-aluminum-head-package
efi/turboed, lowered, shelby drop, discs, suspension, 17s, etc, etc. BUT sleeper style. B sompin fun to run round the neighborhood’n make some noise…
chrlsful
That vintageinlines head will be a force to reckoned with! If it does ever get cast.
If I didn’t already have too many projects going, I would be on my way. I have always loved the Falcon Rancheros .