Vehicle Description
Right now, Ford Rancheros are outrageously affordable, but don't
expect cars like this 1976 Ranchero to remain in the bargain
basement for much longer. They look great, have the same V8 muscle
as their mid-sized siblings, and with that pickup bed out back,
they're hobby cars that can really earn their keep.
The Ranchero always lived in the El Camino's shadow, but when you
look at this Torino-based truck/car, you see muscle car DNA
throughout. Finished in spectacular Copper Metallic paint, it
certainly has a timeless look that is a lot less dated than many of
its contemporaries, and in the right light it just seems to glow.
Fit and finish are quite nice, with doors that fit well and a shine
that looks right on the vintage hauler, and we have to admit that
it's nice enough that you might hesitate to take it to Home Depot
for your next weekend project. The Torino DNA is evident everywhere
you look, from the handsome front and to the beautifully sculpted
quarters, which really give it a muscular look. Most of the emblems
and badges have been shaved, so it looks quite clean, and the
airbrush work on the hood is pretty impressive. The bed is ready to
work thanks to a heavy-duty mat, but there's more pretty copper
paint back there, too, so you know no corners were cut in the paint
department.
From behind the wheel, this Ranchero feels every bit like its
Torino GT siblings, and with a split bench seat wearing handsome
black cloth, it has a bucket seat feel with 3-across seating. The
carpets, door panels, and dash pad look equally nice, and all of it
is neatly restored, suggesting that someone has always cared for
this car. Five round dials look give the dash a racy look and
they've cleverly installed a VDO tachometer in the slot normally
reserved for the clock. A trio of auxiliary gauges hang underneath
in their own woodgrained panel, a nice touch. A Pioneer
AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit fits in the dash just to the
driver's right, and there's modest storage behind the seats if you
have gear that you'd like to keep out of sight. The spare tire is
also back there and it wears its own fitted cover.
Under that scooped hood lives a stout 429 cubic inch V8, one of
Ford's better performers even in the early '70s. With a 4-barrel
Edelbrock carburetor, the name of the game is torque, and the big
block V8 moves the relatively lightweight Ranchero with genuine
authority. It's dressed up with Ford Racing valve covers, an
Edelbrock air cleaner, and a chrome radiator shroud, plus cool
custom wire wraps that echo the tiger theme. It was rebuilt about
1000 miles ago, so it runs superbly and the modifications weren't
extensive, so it's still very streetable and user-friendly.
Underneath there's a C6 3-speed automatic transmission and a
heavy-duty 9-inch rear end, and it's easy to see that that this car
has never lived in the rust belt, because the underside is in very
good condition. The dual exhaust system uses glasspack-style
mufflers for a spectacular soundtrack and classic chrome wheels
with baby moon hubcaps offer a traditional performance look.
Staggered 225/70/15 front and 275/60/15 rear blackwall radials add
just a bit of rake to this cool hauler.
So take note if you're looking to get in ahead of a trend,
Rancheros are over-due for a price bump. Take this one home and
start having fun before everyone else catches on that they're are a
ton of fun, too. Call today!