Ford Ranchero 1957 to 1979 - The History, All the Models, & Features

[@davebodi]

I have a bright Red Ford Ranchero GT with Silver Stripes, Q code(351 CJ), 1 of 783 with a 4 speed with Hurst shifter. :) 1972 was the BEST year for Rancheros !

[@brucepeterson3246]

I had a 72 that I upgraded with a 351CJ and C6. Wish I still had it. Do you have any pictures of your 72 posted anywhere?

[@davebodi]

@@brucepeterson3246 No

[@thomaspiini7981]

I wholeheartedly agree with you! Although my garage currently houses a ‘68 El Camino SS396 I think the ‘72 Ranchero is the most beautiful car/truck out there.

[@davebodi]

@@thomaspiini7981 Thanks ! That means alot coming from a Chevy guy. What color is your El Camino ?

[@thomaspiini7981]

@@davebodi Sadly, resale-red. But I’m hoping to put it back to its original blue & black before I die of old age.

[@alvincash3230]

I still miss the 64 Falcon Ranchero I owned in 1982-83. It was terrific. I don't remember why I was stupid enough to sell it.

[@brucepeterson3246]

Thank you for this video. In my immediate family we had a 59, 61, 66, 72, 77 and 79 Ranchero. Loved my 72.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for watching Bruce!

[@davidwood351]

I have a 72 Ranchero now, I had a 70, and 79 in the past. I love them.

[@bsmenot7777]

I owned a '72 GT which had been upgraded with a 460 PI engine by the previous owner, enabling it to tow a multi-horse trailer over long distances. It served me well for several years. Since I had no intention of restoring it, I eventually sold it to someone who did. My main grievance was that, unlike a pickup truck, the bed was integrated with the cab, leading to a few leaks over time that allowed water into the cab area.

[@dougsguitarlounge7927]

I have owned 2 Rancheros a 1968 302 2v automatic. And a 1969 GT Ranchero "S" code Hipo 390 / C6 automatic. Red with black interior. The 69 was a fun car and fast too! I bought the 68 for $ 600.00 in 1991, and the 69 for $ 850.00 in 1992. I sold the 68 for $1100.00 in 94 and the 69 I put a 428cj in her in 94. Sold her in 2003 for $2500.00 to a collector. I still miss that 1969. But had to sell her at the time.

[@leroyherpin2718]

That motor is the holy grail of classic fords it drives the value up big time. I have a 66’ with a 351w bored out 40 over with a 4-speed top loader transmission. Fast enough for Los Angeles

[@glenproctor795]

I have a 67 with 289 t5 ...I love the front end easy 2 drive good gas mileage and sexy looking from every angle...if u don't look back at your car as your walking away then your driving the wrong car...

[@poppysworkbench6508]

I bought my 1970 squire for 400 dollars in 1984 when I came back from a tour in Korea. Just cheap transportation till I found something better. Quickly fell in love and started a restoration. Clobbered by a drunk 18 mounts later and sold the wreck for 250. Best car I ever had!

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for sharing and I'm sorry to hear about your car.

[@rogerwatson5995]

The 70 and 71 Ranchero GT was the Best lookin of them all and one with the 351 Cleveland 4 barrel with the 4 speed and Shaker was Awsome let alone one with the 429 One Awsome play truck Gone but Never Forgot!!!!!!

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

I completely agree with your statement.

[@mechanknuckle]

Great episode. That `78 LTD II Ranchero is a monstrosity. Plush seats and a pickup bed just don't mix.

[@shopwithaaron]

Thx....Had a 72 in gold...302 died but loved 2 big speakers under the bed cover powered by the cd on the center lift. thx!

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you!

[@colorwashcarsandguitars]

Rancheros are some of my favorite vehicles.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelmartin2276]

Love to see a comparison between a Ford pickup and the Ranchero. Testing capabilities, handling and comfort.

[@chocodiledundee1]

Awesome thank you , there is this body shop near where I work sometimes, he’s got all those 72-75 Rancheros and Gran Torinos , some are immaculately pristine a few are projects and even the projects are absolutely perfect bodies without any rust or ding the Ranchero Project got all those parts inside bed tube and cabin it seats outside on the weather near this chicken wire fence on the weather glass door windows are slightly open under rain brakes my heart , this Ranchero in particular is absolutely gorgeous body is laser straight got every single badge and trim mouldings in place !

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Sounds like you might want to stop by and make an inquiry...

[@charliepatterson9321]

I bought a 79 gt in the early 90s for $1,500 . Long blocked it a year later and added a good intake and exhaust . Rebuilt the transmission a year after the engine . I drove it for 30 years . Had to sell it when I became disabled 8 years ago . I still dream about that vehicle . It's always the vehicle I'm driving when I dream . I rolled the odometer 5 times and it still ran strong with no issues when I sold it .

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@monibstar]

nice thank u for explaining 🙂 about Ford Ranchero

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you for watching my video. It is appreciated!

[@monibstar]

@TonysFordsandMustangs ur most welcome and thank u so much for telling about a cool car

[@C7Zaol]

In 1967 Ford only built 171 Rancheros with the 390 4v Thunderbird engine and 4-speed toploader transmission. I have one and it is a 500XL with AC. Muscle and comfort all in one package with a pickup bed.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Sounds Awesome! I have always been a fan of the stacked headlight cars.

[@mistert7958]

My uncle had one of these. Red w/white top. Ate up rear tires!

[@timmccreery6597]

I owned a 68 Ranchero when I was in college- Fairlane based- it had the 270 hp 390- but I hotrodded it by rebuilding the motor with CJ heads, an 060 over bore, a Sig Erson hydraulic cam, a bigger Holley 750 cfm carb, Hooker headers and turbo mufflers. I never really got it sorted out since I didn't really know what I was doing... It was constantly bending push rods and rockers and became a royal pain whn I needed a good reliable car- I traded it for a rebuilt 63 Facon 2door Wagon

[@RowdysGarageTV]

Thanks for this informative video, it reminded me I've got a 66/67 Ranchero project to finish at some point and enjoy cruizin around in.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you for watching and I'm glad to be of service to you and your project!

[@sombra6153]

I had a Revell model of a 57 with a 312 and those lake pipe. I got some of my first bootleg driving hours in a 62. The floor boards were gone and would have been akin to the Flintmobile except for a disk, as in from a farming implement was laid over the hole and covered by the floor mat. Had a six cylinder two speed auto. I don’t remember what motor, but probably was a 170. Good times.

[@catbangs276]

When I was a kid my dad gave me $600 cash to buy a 1965 Ranchero that was at a small used car dealer in LA. He saw it on Sunday but dealer was closed. My dad went to work on Monday morning and I bicycled to the dealership with a wad of cash in my pocket. The dealer said he'd be happy to sell me the car but I wasn't old enough to drive or sign a contract. I told him not to sell the car and I would return with my dad after 5pm but before 6pm. My dad was so happy with that car and he drove it for years.

[@Wally56S]

The Torino name did not replace the Fairlane name in 1968. The Torino designated the new highest trim level. The Fairlane name was dropped finally after 1970; the Falcon name was applied to some base Torino/Fairlanes, but it too was dropped in mid-1970. The Fairlane name persisted in Australia and some other overseas markets. I currently have a '64 and '71 Rancheros and owned a '69 Fairlane 500.

[@j_prince_67]

Wanna give me one I have a 67 rn and wouldn’t mind another 😂

[@leroyherpin2718]

I’ll keep my one-off year 66’

[@crash2332000]

Very good....informative video!!!! I absolutely love the Ranchero. I prefer .77 - '79, but any '70's model is great!!!!

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks you for the kind words and for watching!

[@WhiteMouse77]

The 1973 facelift model re-equipped with Aussie's last gen Falcon XR6 EcoLPi and other moder components from 2016 would be fantastic restomod!

[@stevenrobertson9583]

I had a 72 Ranchero with a very fast Boss 302, Grand Torino station wagon, a 79 Mustang Coupe with a in line very fast 6 cylinder and a 96 Mustang GT and a 2001 F-150 4 door that I still have. But my daily driver is a 2013 Jeep Wangler OM package

[@rev68]

The first Maverick I see I'm going to tell them "Nice Ranchero."

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

I think it would appropriate!

[@dennyporter2447]

I really liked the 60s Ranchero based off the Falcon platform. I never owned one though.. funny you mentioned the new Maverick as the Ranchero.. I have a 2022 Maverick hybrid..

[@rustyrollo9110]

Great video Tony, just saw your livestream of a few days ago, I’ll also be at Track Attack June 20, 21st, planning on driving my Mach 1 down from Toronto, see you there.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you and I'm not sure what I'm driving just yet but I will be there.

[@tonyarmour5746]

Great video, on the rancheros...I've a 1969..302 2v..in Wimbledon white..with black GT stripe..just getting an Engine rebuild, with a holley 4 barrel carburettor..hopefully be back on the road for June 2024....

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you Tony! Best of luck with your Ranchero!

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

I've built the AMT Coca Cola 60 Falcon Ranchero 1/25 scale model kit... Came out pretty decent I think...

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-2025]

I recently looked at the prices and selection of models. 😮 Wow how's things have changed!

[@safetymikeengland]

good job.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you! It is appreciated!

[@packard5682]

I had a 1968 with the 302 in it and it was a nice driving truck but had some serious rust. I am now looking at another 68 and it has the same motor in it but is an Arizona truck and has no rust in it at all. It has the floor mounted automatic but there is no console and am wondering if that was an option?

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for watching and yes the console was an option unless it was a GT

[@tedecker3792]

Would love an early Falcon Ranchero, crate v8, automatic, air, etc. total sleeper.

[@tedszweb5268]

I had a 1969 Rio Grande with the 351 & a 4 speed. Taking off in 1st gear it’s front end would pop right off the ground.

[@mikeingeorgia1]

That’s a decent weight capacity it can haul, and the bed would be pretty low to the ground, making it easy to load. There’s definitely good utility value there

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@scottgerber4261]

Great video! you didn't mention the Rio Grande edition for 69 only! limited production at 816.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks you and that video took forever to put together. I love Ranchero's but I had no idea of the number of models that were produced. Sorry I tried to get them all.

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-2025]

New subscriber after watching a few of your episodes. Back in 1986 or 1987 there's a beautiful Ford ranchero. You know the bug eye ugly thing. That's how they were viewed back then. Send out in front of a salvage yard red-and-white $200 and I could drive it home loaded with every option and it had a v-8 always assumed it was a 292 could have been 312. Do NOT remember. So I did the more sensible thing bought the 1980 Impala builder next to it. Still have it. We put 100K+ miles on it. I really did like to ranchero back then. Now I wonder what it would be like to still have it?

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks you very much for subscribing! That's the best compliment one can pay to a creator. With a channel name such as yours I felt I needed to do likewise. :)

[@MrGiovanni1968]

I soooo miss my 72 Ranchero GT equipped wirh 429 Cobra Jet

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

I can understand why. Thanks for watching!

[@MrGiovanni1968]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs, you should understand that i am a crazy Italian who lives in Germany.I had a very crazy dream ,my dream was it to have a 1972 Ranchero ProTourer,so i went with the Garage owner here in Germany to US .We went to ArtMorrisson Enterprises near Seattle,ordered a so called MaxG Chassis based on Corvette C6,with C6 Suspension, Front brakes ( rear from Chevy Tahoe,Currie Enterprises race axle,and much more ,i also but a Chevy 5,3Ltr Vortec V8 ,but Unfortunately i get long term sick ,so my project died forever !!, I'm sure ,there's no 2nd Chance to start again with a project like that.I am just an European Truckdriver and projects like that cost much money

[@kameamecars]

Great video. And great channel. Where can we find the “800lb load capacity”?? Is it in the standard falcon owners manual?

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you! I get a majority of my information comes from the sale literature that Ford Motor Co put out for that model year.

[@komradkolonel]

I liked the Ranchero over the El Camino. I just like the look of the Ford better. If only Ford could have dropped the 300 straight 6 in the Ranchero. I'm not sure it would have fit because the 300 was kind of a tall engine. Of course it fit perfectly in the F-100 but comparing the Ranchero to the F series is comparing apples to oranges. But I'm sure somebody out there had to have done a 250 to 300 engine swap.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

The El Camino came after the Ranchero was a hit. Just like the Camaro came after the Mustang.

[@parkependleton6453]

I loved this video, thanks. However I respectfully disagree that the unibody front wheel drive Maverick replaces the body on frame rear wheel drive Ranchero from the past.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for watching and I see the maverick as a modern day equivalent. I don't believe we will ever see a body on frame car again. The Maverick is as close as we will get.

[@yohannesivewright5021]

In my opinion the 3rd to the 5th generation is when the ute was in its best look

[@schwarzerune3125]

Great. I own a Ranchero GT from 1979. There are quite a few here in Germany. I'm just about to fix the low oil pressure problem when the car is hot. While driving uphill the pressure rises...in idle you can barely see it on the cluster. Maybe a high volume oil pump and a oil pressure lane to the back of the engine where the oil sending unit is located? Do u guys have any experience with that?

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for watching! Low oil pressure could be multiple items. Anything from a bad gaskets, to bad Main bearings. It's something you are going to have to really dig into but first things first. Check the gauge with another you know to be accurate before you dig into anything.

[@steveconnolly7129]

Hello,i have a 79 gt,just got it looking right,im missing a front turn lens,left one,i wonder if the front facia changed on the ute,the parts are so hard to find here in usa,very few pieces and parts,and expensive too,remember no nuet drops it tears upthe driveline🌍

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@steveconnolly7129 I believe the LTDII parts might work as well.

[@steveconnolly7129]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs the ltd ll is the car model,i might do some molding and make a clear lens,because the parts are so scarce not many around

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@steveconnolly7129 The only parts you see vendors selling at shows anymore are those that are not reproduced in mass. This would be a limited market but for those that need them I think they expect to pay decent $$. best of luck

[@jaysdetailing2627]

I have my great grandfather's 75 ranchero he used to drive it all the way from San Jose, Ca to Mexico back in the day. I want to put a brand new chassis and install a Coyote engine in it.

[@WellStudied]

1960, Ford ruins a really cool ride. I rebuilt a 72 Ranchero with 351 Cleveland, and a 69 SS Chevy El Camino with a 327, 3/4 cam, headers, 4 banger... Omfg, why did l ever sell that car! A few years back l saw it, still on the road and Canary Yellow! I had it a deep maroon with bright red undercoat with a mild flake... Man, l loved that car.

[@johnking6252]

Had a 72 with the 400 pkg. , only car I have ever gotten a speeding ticket for over 100mph. I swear I didn't think I was going that fast 🙄👍

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

They were smooth riding cars! Thanks for watching!

[@OrangeBoss-ww8eb]

I had 20 yrs ago 79 gt rachero 351 W had tach factory

[@generolmatt4]

I would love a 1968 or 1969 ranchero. They look great. The maverick looks good but I still like how low to the ground the ranchero is and having a V8. New trucks are too high for me.

[@Bossrich6287]

I know where's there is a 59 Ford ranchero sitting right now.

[@billsmith1770]

66 fairlane front clip would fit 66 ranchero . i saw one once .

[@robertramirez1019]

Not a ford guy at all BUT I have an opportunity for a gen 3 ranchero gt great condition for 3k and Im down for it love classic rides 32yo driving a classic haha

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

That sounds like a great deal!

[@HurtingFourHelp]

Please, you forgot, there were 70 1/2 Ford Falcon (Torino), I have one!!😊

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

I didn't forget. Those cars are covered in the Torino video. Thanks for watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWG2cpmcjsRljsk

[@craigmcpherson6972]

Nothing of Ford Australia where the (coupe utility) body type owes its origin circa 1930s??? Make no mistake, I loved the video and thank you for it - just since we're talking history is all I'm saying...

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

That's the issue with me being located on the other side of the planet. I don't know much about Ford Australia. I am learning a lot thanks to commenters such as yourself. Thanks for watching!

[@ferdfirtz]

If we day that body on frame is a truck aren't old cars trucks?

[@stevenderks8688]

Actually they are coming out with a new rancho, they got in the making. SUV still.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for the update. I'm not sure about everyone else but All SUV's look the same to me. They could make the Maverick a 2 door with a longer bed and have a Ranchero but that's too easy...

[@stevenderks8688]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs the video is called, The all new Ford Rancho 2024 wows every body. Looks like they did something in 2023 also.

[@stevenderks8688]

They got a two door car looking one coming out in 2024, just look up Ford stuns the internet with its new Rancho.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@stevenderks8688 Thank you I am on it!

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@stevenderks8688 I'm not sure that's a thing or IF it's click bait for a few youtuber's. I will dig a bit more.

[@johnrobinson5156]

Business up front, Party in the back!

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

That should have been included in Ford's advertising

[@djmtndew]

Nope business in the back, the party's up front in this case.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@djmtndew Depends on your needs I guess. At the Drive Inn not so much :)

[@djmtndew]

@Tony's Fords and Mustangs lol you got that right. I wonder if they check under tonneau covers when you roll through the gate, there's room for 6-7 people in a Ranchero if they don't. At two bucks, 50 cents from everyone in the car and you got a double feature- plus a tub of popcorn, and the rest of your party supplies, were either in the space behind the seat, or stacked between legs in the bed. Drinks, and stuff too.. lol

[@davequinlan3020]

Ford ended the Ranchero in 1979, yet the Chevrolet El Camino soldiered on until 1988 I believe.

[@jackiejoy7276]

🤗 great"video, I have a 59'352,3sp, I got it satin black"w/w, lake pipes, slammed"😎to the ground"!😡 as far" as I put it😏 someday" ???"I'm going to chop'😳2" inches"🤔 and suicide the doors"??🤔 some"😏SAY' it"already ( looks custom") from Factory"!! 🤗 I smile"" and (SAY YES "IT IS,🤔 IT USED TO""😏 be a 2dr station wagon""!!!!🤗😎💥💯🔥🏄👣🙉🙈🙊dig"your channel"!!;😎

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you for sharing and for the kind words!

[@maliwilliams7262]

Had a 72 Customized 302..Sigh....

[@JoeSmith-ez3zg]

New ford is nothing like the Rancheros. No Ranchero had 4 doors and a tiny bed.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Nothing is like it was but the Maverick is a car based pickup so in that sense it's similar.

[@RattlesnakeJake1195]

I would’ve liked to of heard the car run and not the music

[@boxcarthehusky420]

We did not come full circle, the maverick is nowhere near a Ranchero. Coupe utilities need to come back.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

I don't disagree but you can hardly buy a coupe anymore. Sometimes you have to take what you can get.

[@boxcarthehusky420]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs that's not really the point but I don't want to argue.

[@danielcapalbo5293]

Yeah, I prefer the coupe over the sedan

[@douglorimer5985]

I was told that the Ranchero was started by the Australians, by cutting the roof off there wagons,then ford picked it uup.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

That's possible. I couldn't tell you that part of the story.

[@P_RO_]

An Australian car (I think it was a Holden) was sold as a "Coupe Utility" back in the late 30's. Car frame, car front, pickup bed in back. First of it;s kind, all others are copies. I've seen various cars 'converted' but the neatest was a ford Festiva which the owner badged as a "Festero". Hardly room in back for a week's family groceries but looked cool as heck.

[@Jack908r]

I can never not think 'Canyonyero' when I hear about this car. The Simpsons ruined me.

[@leroyherpin2718]

HA!!! My friend sings that song every time I drive my ranchero to work 😂😂😂

[@ferdfirtz]

If body frame is a truck aren't isn't a Ford Crown Victoria a truck

[@waynefontaine5533]

Why was the optional Supercharged '57 Ranchero omitted? It's a rare vehicle but a kick-ass torque monster in its day...

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

If a vehicle has very low production number I typically do not include it in a historical look back. In this case I wasn't aware that was an option. Thanks for sharing and I'll look into it.

[@rdmineer1]

Did Australians invent it first?

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

I have to say no on the inventing part. They certainly embraced it. The 34 Ford pickup would be the first UTE to be sold in Australia

[@michaelmartin2276]

The Ranchero look fantastic until the 1972 year, the LTD version looks horrible ! IMHO

[@kc0lif]

maverick nothing like ranchero.