Okay, here’s one for our readers from Down Under. This looks like a regular 1972 Ford Falcon XA Ute, a vehicle built in significant numbers. However, many of these classics were beaten into submission by their owners, while others succumbed to rust. Therefore, these are now a rare sight on Australian roads. Look closer at the photos, and the truth reveals itself. This classic wears “Ranchero” badges, confirming that it started life in South Africa. It has returned to Aussie shores and is ready to find a new home. The seller has listed the Ranchero here on eBay in Miranda, New South Wales, Australia. They set their auction to open at A$31,900 but have received no bids.
Ford Australia launched the Falcon XA range in March 1972, although the Ute variant didn’t join the party until October of that year. It enjoyed a relatively short production run before the facelifted XB model emerged in September 1973. Australians have always loved their utes, and these classics sold in very respectable numbers. They found favor with farmers and builders, but hard living and exposure to the elements saw many eventually surrender to abuse or rust. Aussies love their Utes, but the South Africans don’t lag far behind in their passion for these vehicles. Ford had struck a deal to export Aussie Falcons in CKD form to that country, where they were assembled at the company’s Port Elizabeth plant. Those vehicles were never designated as Falcons, borrowing the “Ranchero” badges from the North American line. This classic spent most of its life on its native soil before being privately imported to Australia a few years ago. It looks to have undergone a refurbishment because I can’t find the Burgundy paint shade on any Ford color charts. The bed exhibits the dings and dents that confirm this beauty worked to earn a living, although the overall presentation is quite impressive. The panels are straight, the paint shines, and there is no evidence of rust. This is unsurprising because South Africa’s climate is generally good for classic steel preservation. The trim and glass are excellent, and the Ranchero rides on a set of period-correct aftermarket wheels.
Ranchero buyers in 1973 could choose from four engines to slot under the hood of their new purchase. The 302ci V8 was part of the range, which is what we find powering this classic. It sends its power to the rear wheels via a three-speed C4 automatic transmission. The original owner also selected power front disc brakes, which is a wise decision considering the performance potential wrapped up in this package. A V8 Ute of this type is a surprise packet because its curb weight is several hundred pounds lower than the sedan variant upon which it is based. That V8 would have produced 240hp and 305 ft/lbs of torque when shiny and new, placing a sub-16-second ¼-mile ET within its grasp. There is a trade-off because most of the lost weight is over the rear axle. That can make these classics extremely lively on loose or wet surfaces. The seller indicates this Ranchero is numbers-matching, and while it sports cosmetic enhancements, it is unclear whether the engine features any performance modifications. We receive no information on how this gem runs or drives, but the visual indications are positive.
The interior of this Ranchero fits the mold of most Falcon Utes produced during this era. That means the new owner receives everything trimmed in vinyl, with a bench seat and a column shifter. The two most popular trim shades were Dark Brown or Tan, and this Ranchero features the latter. Finding anything to criticize is virtually impossible because there are no signs of the wear or physical damage you might expect in a workhorse. The wheel has a couple of cracks, but the rest of the trim and plastic is excellent. Someone has installed an aftermarket stereo with speakers in the kick panels. There are some additional switches, but their function is unclear. It is a sure bet that this interior wouldn’t cause the new owner shame if they rocked up to a Cars & Coffee or the legendary Gympie Ute Muster behind the wheel of this classic.
South Africa began receiving the Australian Ford Falcon Ute in CKD form in 1968, assembling and marketing the vehicles as the Ranchero. This practice continued until 1976, and it has proven to be a goldmine for some Australian enthusiasts. The survival rate for South African examples is surprisingly high, which can be attributed to the climate that protects them from rust, their mortal enemy. This is not the first Aussie-designed Ford to land back on Australian soil as a solid and rust-free survivor, and it certainly won’t be the last. However, rising freight costs have made the process quite expensive, so finding one that has already made that journey is an attractive idea. That is the story behind this Ranchero, which is ready for a new home. Would you like to make it yours?
That looks much like an El Camino from the side shots. To find one in this condition from that part of the world is very rare and to say they beat their vehicles into submission is an understatement.
It certainly does have a 68-72 side appearance. It would look even more like an Elco if the bed sides were not so high!
1st.) Complements to Adam Clarke for a Really well researched wright up. Your knowledge of South African Fords, Australian Fords and U.S. Falcons is impressive.
2nd.) What US Ford has the complementary parts needed to convert this to Left-Hand-Drive? A 1966 US Ranchero or a Pinto?
3rd.) DO you all think conversion to match the local customs is needed?
I have an Australian 1965 Falcon XP 2DR Coupe here in the States..
It is a “project”.
QUESTION: Should I change to Left Hand Drive?
Correction: 1965 Falcon XP 2DR Hard Top
Looks like a nice UTE for a mailman riding on the right side of a mailbox.
I am thinking moving this over to the other side would be expensive due to parts and more custom made.
I wish it had the 72 US grille
GLWS 😉
Why do you wish it had a US grille ? It’s an Australian car mate.
Its not hard to wonder why Ward. I say why stop with just the grill! 😂
Whoa-ho-ho, isn’t this interesting. Sweet looking rig for those brave enough to drive from the curb side. I understand that utes are kind of regional but we liked them for a good couple decades until small pickups with extended cabs took over. This is so much of what most of us really need but I’m not going down that rabbit hole for now.
YOUR curb side perhaps uncle Sam. Not ours ;-)
I had one of these here in California. It was a fun car in light green metallic and had the “Super Roo” decal package and a hipo V8.
Lovely looking Ranchero. If only this version was offered here in the USA.
It would’ve fallen on its face in terms of sales. We enjoyed superior designs my friend. Rest assured.
disagree some (more); agree some (esp on this 1 altho a gord guy).
Kind of looks like the under pinning of the Ute minus the covered tear part of the one featured in MadMax
Like all of the Aussie Holden designs it has the appearance of being a crossed design of the much more preferable state side cars of the time. I find each of these Australian cars completely boring and what seems, to me anyway, a very lack luster effort to mimic the American designs. I say so being completely aware of the rabid following these cars have and the astonishing prices some of them command. Yawn, next please.
Holden is GM. Chrysler, Ford and GM’s overseas operations were independent of our domestic programs. Designs had some family resemblance and shared some components but ended there. Stricter regulations were just a starting point.
To be fair, in the late 1970s, the Australian industry switched from mimicking US designs to copying German designs so there was progress of a kind.
My friend, back in the day when drivers like Allan Moffat were racing these at Bathurst, and his team were taking first AND second place, I assure you, the XA/XB/XC and even the the earlier XY series two door coupes were scary fast and as good looking as any US car I’ve ever seen. Fast enough to send uncle Sam to the Dunny to change his Y-fronts. And we were NOT trying to imitate anybody. Google Falcon XC GTO. It’s as pretty as any US MOPAR.
Again, opinions they tend to very.
I never said they were poor performers. I’ve yet to see a single “X” whatever that holds a candle to ANY of the big 3 designs that was produced in the same era.
The Falcon you mentioned isn’t even in the same league as any Mopar of the era. Lol For starters Google 1968/69/70 Charger R/T and that conversation is immediately over.
Good day.
Harry, the conversation is not over yet mate. ;-)
As someone else here stated, you guys in the US hobbled your V8s when the OPEC crisis hit and their hp output was crippled soon after with emissions stuff and that effectively killed them. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth MOPARs from the mid 60s to the early 70s (I’ve watched every ep of Graveyard Cars since the get go) and I would have a Charger or Challenger tomorrow if I were in the US.
Re taste, yes I agree, it’s all a case of what you see on the roads as a kid growing up. BTW, we also had our own Chrysler charger down under. Take a look at the Charger 770 SE E55.
I love our Aussie V8s but I can also love your MOPARs. You can have you cake and eat it too and I would not slag off at your MOPARs even though you seem to do that to ours. I guess that attitude is just part of being American.
And from your comments on this post, you seem to have problems knowing which is GM is which is Ford. Lol
NOW the conversation is over. Cheers
I have no problems identifying one maker from another. Seems you folks have come to enjoy a very diluted version of the cars we enjoyed here in the USA. That’s all I can say
Attitude, not at all just another opinion. Take it or leave it.
Pursue your joy old man. Life is short and if you find happiness then you’re blessed.
Is it just me or does the tailgate and tail lights look an awful lot like the rear end of a Pinto wagon?
Yes, they’re a bit of a hodge podge of parts and cues from more familiar cars. I think GM raided the parts bins from every auto maker and put some of they’re second rate designers to work down under! 😂
Hey whatever…one mans junk, you know the rest.
“I have no problems identifying one maker from another”
“I think GM raided the parts bins from every auto maker and put some of they’re second rate designers to work down under! ”
Pardon my laughter and the laughter of most Ford lovers here.
GM owns Holden Ward!!! 😂
Enjoy the turd sandwich!
Harry, do you really think that at 62, I don’t know that ?? But they do not own Ford and the ute in question here is a bloody FORD.
YOU are the one who introduced GM into this post and others here have already handed it to you.
I am truly beginning to thing you have a few kangaroos loose in the top paddock there cubby.
(ps) don’t step on those turds.
One word, WOW
hahaha. A South African Ford Ranchero for $32k?? Good Lord. Hey, guys. I have a Mexican ’75 AMC Gremlin for the amazing price of $29,000. Sucker says what?
Best you check out the prices the XA/XB and XC series are getting in Australia before you comment any further. This is as rare as rocking horse faeces and any Australian will happily pay the money for it. Price is dictated by rarity in this case.
Australia must produce garbage vehicles. No respectable American car enthusiast would even glance at this when there are classic Elco’s available. Merely Ford’s substandard counterpart.
Hey Stacy, you clearly have a very poor understanding of what makes a car valuable. And to say that Australian cars are garbage simply highlights your ignorance. Have a good brother,
Thank you Stacy! My sentiments exactly!
Although, I can’t testify to build quality and durability. The looks of these cars are a total snooze fest. 😴🥱
Pay no mind to nay sayers. I personally loved the looks of certain GM aka Holden and Ford, mostly the Falcon variety and Mopar cars you Aussies had in the 60s and 70s. Were that I was wealthy I’d keep a few transport ships busy awhile and deprive you good people there of several desirable vehicles. For me right hand drive in America is no issue. I drove a mail delivery Jeep Cherokee with right hand drive. Simple. Just mentally adjust accordingly. Good on you for setting some straight.
Cool looking car but I don’t care for RHD myself
To the men down under: pay no attention to the jealous Americans. You were fortunate enough to have Utes for a long time; a lot longer than here. I would be proud to have a GTS Maloo.
Hell ACZ, you would have to get up early to insult an Australian. We have skin thicker than a Kakadu Croc and we know the value of our cars. Lol
And it’s a fairly well recognized fact that Australia invented the ute. This from ChatGPT:
“Australia: The most well-known claim to the invention of the ute comes from Australia. In the 1930s, a Ford designer named Lewis Bandt is often credited with creating the first Australian “coupe utility” or “ute.” The story goes that he designed a vehicle that combined the comfort of a car with the practicality of a truck to meet the needs of farmers. This design was introduced in 1934 with the Ford Coupe Utility.
You’re welcome uncle Sam. ;-)
g’day mate!!!!!
Back at ya Neil. ;-)
Jealous 😀 no.
Odd that you’d find the lack of appreciation of a car as a potential insult. Much too sensitive.
There was nothing substandard made in Australia,if anything one should be envious.They never had a mailaise era,smog restrictions.the cars were still making the horsepower that we only wish we could still get here.240hp in 1972 from a 302?not here you couldn’t.Even the 351c was available through 1982 over there….
That 240 HP is optimistic. A 2 bbl carby and peashooter exhaust. A Holden 308 of the era had 240 HP from a 4bbl.
Both values are Gross HP.
Still sporting Sth Africa’s tacked on front reflectors. Cynical me wonders if the reflector factory wasn’t owned by a cabinet minister.
What’s shown under the hood is a Cleveland variant. Not a 302.
The Australian made Clevelands were available as 302s and 351s. For production line rationalization the Australian-built ones were a mix and match in that all used the 2V heads, even when fitted with a 4 barrel carb. After 1976 they were subject to tougher anti-smog rules.
Thank you. I learned something new today. 😊
I understood that Pontiac was to import the UTE from Australia and rebadge it.
I think I’ve ever seen two here at shows.
Australians don’t drive on the wrong side of the road, they drive on the opposite side of the road!
Very cool find and yes rare. A real enthusiast would appreciate what this vehicle is and just as it is.
Holden of Australia (General Motors) also built a Ute.
When shipped to the US an Denver company converts them to
Left Hand Utes
DO you all think conversion to match the local customs is needed?
I have an Australian 1965 Falcon XP 2DR Coupe here in the States..
It is a “project”.
QUESTION: Should I change to Left Hand Drive?
T. Mann, I spent a month in New Zealand and drove all over, but even after a month I was not completely comfortable driving on the opposite side of the road. If you got too relaxed you would suddenly find yourself on the wrong side of the road, or in the wrong lane. I think if you were driving in the states and had both left and right hand driving cars it could be a bit of a challenge for a while .
I manage. I drive my LHD Buick here in Aus, and managed to drive LHD in Canada, Europe and 46 states of the USA.
It’s not as big a deal as some might think.