In a one-time world of utes, usually dominated by Chevrolet’s El Camino, it’s always nice to find a Ford Ranchero GT, especially one like this 1971 shaker hood-equipped example. The engine has had some mo-jo laid on it and it seems as if this car/truck mash-up is ready for some heavy hauling. Found in Tacoma, Washington, this Ranchero GT is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $6,100 with fourteen bids tendered so far. There is a BIN price of $11,500 too.
Ford got the styling right on the virtually identical ’70-’71 Ranchero. From ’72, through to the model end in ’79, the styling, subjectively speaking, was bulky and a lot less enticing. Now, this example looks pretty good but the seller admonishes, “hideaways are not working, rear has rust and the paint is bad (and) has some bubbles, cracks but this is a great project to start with…” Hmmm, could make nighttime driving a real crapshoot. Regardless, the Raven Black finish, accentuated with chrome Magnum 500 wheels, certainly looks strong.
Underside images show some pan separation and panel patching – it looks a bit shaky, actually. The cargo bed, however, has held up well and appears to have been coated with a spray-in bed liner.
In its second year as Ford’s go-to 351 CI V8, the Cleveland variant was good for 285 gross HP. This example has experienced a .030″ overbore and is now claimed to generate 360 HP but there is no elaboration on what’s behind the 75 HP jump – the overbore certainly isn’t the singular source of this new found power. Anyway, we’re told that “it runs really good” and the C6 automatic transmission “shifts good“. A nine-inch, limited-slip differential puts the go to the ground.
This GT is sporting bucket seats and a center console and has an interior that according to the seller, “ is nice has new carpet new seats and a dash pad headliner is new but the very back is sagging needs little attention“. Sagging headliners are a nuisance, I have a 2011 Accord that is afflicted with the same problem – and if you’re tall, you’ll feel like stalactites are closing in on you. I wouldn’t say that the interior is stellar, there are loose wires, missing steering wheel column trim, a discolored instrument panel, and a seat back that is dislodging itself, but all in all, it’s pretty fair and needs just a minor bit of attention. This is an A/C equipped Ranchero but some of its “parts” are missing.
The seller concludes with, “this is a great project to start with the running gear is all there…” That’s a fair enough assessment, what do you think, good bones or lurking problems?
G.T. or G.T.A lol
It’s rough but , I like it . I hope it gets restored .
The key information on this car if it’s a original vehicle optioned with the Shaker intake assembly? The supplied picture of the title information documents the car as a 1971 “M” code 351 4V Cleveland engine optioned vehicle. It has the potential to be a nice car despite the rust and missing A/C equipment.
I was wondering the same thing .
It say original shaker, original to that Ranchero? Still one of the best looking Ranchero’s in my book and especially with hideaways! I would be purchasing it if the rust problem.
I had a rust free 71 Ranchero GT 3 owner example about 38 years ago. Sweet vehicle, but at the time I was younger and just didn’t need it. Sorry I let it go. Don’t know it’s whereabouts now. Was triple green with vinyl bench seat and 351/2V.
The rust issue must mean it’s from elsewhere. We generally don’t have rust issues here in the NW corner outside minor surface rust from sitting outside unattended for a long time.
Had one in Western PA in the mid-late 70’s. Rusted beyond reasonable help in 8yrs. It just dissolved…. Alas..it was a great car with cool lines. Wish I had another one. But not with rust!
P.S. When I went to trade it in at a dealer, the drivers door literally….fell off in the parking lot when my Dad opened it.
This Ranchero would look great next to my El Camino!! Love the lines of this Ford.