Ford buyers in the early 1960s had a couple of choices for their light-duty hauling needs. They could have chosen the integrated body (Unibody) pickup, or a Falcon-based Ranchero, such as this beautiful, restored 1963 Ford Deluxe Ranchero. The seller has it posted here on craigslist in Brighton, Colorado, and they’re asking $28,000 or best offer. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Mike F. for the tip!
The seller has this car priced above Hagerty’s #1 Concours-level of $27,600, so it had better be ready to take center stage at Pebble Beach, otherwise it’s too much money. That being said, I can’t imagine a nicer, more eye-catching version of a second-generation Ranchero (first to be based on the Falcon) than this car. A 260 V8, 4-speed manual, and stock-looking appearance with no restomod wheels and stuff like that? Yes, please. This car would have been $1,984 new, which is $21,088 today. What can you get for $21k today?
Sadly, we don’t get to see inside the Rangoon Red bed, but I’m guessing it looks like new. Well done on the dual exhaust, too. I expected them to be sticking straight out the back, and that’s the worst-case scenario for me, but I know a lot of folks like that look. My shins do not like things sticking out like that. Speaking of the Unibody pickup, they were made for model years 1961 until about halfway through 1963. I’d love both a Ranchero and a Unibody truck from the same era.
The second-generation Ranchero was moved to the fresh new Falcon line for the 1960 model year, and they were made until the end of 1965, which was two years into the second-generation Falcon, if that makes any sense. The first-generation Falcon was made from 1959 for the 1960 model year, until the end of 1963.
As expected, the interior looks nice here, but certainly not Concours-level, which should be like it just literally rolled out of the showroom. I believe the shift lever would have been chrome, but hopefully Bob or another Ford expert would know for sure. Or maybe it is chrome and is just reflecting the black carpet? The seller says this is a “66B model Ranchero with the factory 260 Cubic inch displacement mated to the T-10, 4 speed transmission.” The 66B is a Deluxe trim level with some fancy trim, a cigar lighter, dome light, etc. Some brochures don’t list a 260 V8 as being available, but they list a 4-speed manual, and other sources don’t list a 4-speed manual being available. The Falcon Club lists the Ranchero as being available with both a 260 V8 and a 4-speed, so there you go! This is why it’s tough for us to 100% nail down some vehicle info, so please be easy on us if you know something we can’t seem to be able to dig up.
The engine compartment houses a Ford 260-cu.in. OHV V8, which would have had 164 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by the 4-speed manual sending power to the rear wheels, the seller says it runs and drives great, and it sure looks great to me. Any thoughts on this Ranchero?
Sweet Ranchero. Its charm is its basic-ness, though with the 260 and the four-speed it would have a bit more pep than most. I like it with the whitewalls and the 60’s Ford hub caps.
Not commonly seen, especially one this nice. I’m not sure I would want it to be perfect. If it was, it might dampen the fun of the Home Depot run. If the bed is at least in good shape, just bring blankets.
I’ve not seen a Ford 4-speed shifter of this era which wasn’t chrome. I’m thinking this one is just reflecting the black carpet.
Good write-up SG.
This is my favorite generation Ranchero. I’d be very happy with one that looks just like this with a 6 and a 3 speed on the column…….. However……. A nice running 260 V8 burbling under the hood and a 4 speed??? Maybe I’d be willing to make an exception.. Rangoon red with a black interior is a great color combo too. Its funny, I was just looking at used Ford Mavericks, and this is about the same price….. Hmmmm….. Can’t afford either right now……. But this looks like it would be a lot of fun to enjoy and run through the gears. I really like this one.
Agree with Scotty, Bob and Dave, nice little charmer with a rare V8 / 4 spd setup. This is rare for one of these and pretty sure I’ve never seen one setup this way. And what will $20K get you on today’s dealer lots?
This will get you many memorable Saturday morning trips to cars n coffee and Home Depot…turning heads with a couple chirps of rubber along the way!
Now that Cooter mentions it. He’s got a couple of great points. A V8 and a 4 speed is very rare. And to have this as a Cars N Coffee, Home Depot run vehicle would be great. The best part besides running it through the gears with a grin on your face and also popping the hood and pointing out its all factory to all onlookers as well. The more I look at this the more I’m leaning towards something like this than a Maverick ( just kidding……… Or AM I???)
-Dave
You can only dig the manual choke and no power assists. Maybe because i’m old but why am i seing Goldfinger’s henchman here
Nice car, the V8 and 4spd are a plus. These early Ranchero’s and Falcons have their fans, but are they dedicated enough to drop $28,000 on this? You only spend that much if it’s your dream car.
Steve R