The Ford Ranchero is a coupe utility that was produced by Ford between 1957 and 1979. Ford is estimated to bring them back in 2017. Unlike a pickup truck, the Ranchero was adapted from a two-door station wagon platform that integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body. A total of 508,355 units were produced during the model's production run. It was adapted from full-sized, compact, and intermediate automobiles sold by Ford for the North American market.
In 1960, the Ranchero became much smaller, based on Ford's compact Falcon, specifically the two-door sedan delivery variant. The popularity of small, economical cars like the Volkswagen Beetle perpetuated a shift in thinking among the three largest American manufacturers; 1959 had the introduction of the 1960 Falcon along with the 1960 Chevrolet Corvair and Plymouth Valiant. A pickup version of the Volkswagen Bus and a van based on the Chevrolet Corvair were offered, as well. The economic recession of the late 1950s also certainly played a role. Ford believed the market wanted a more practical vehicle, one much smaller, lighter, and cheaper than a full-sized pickup truck, and indeed the Ranchero sold well in this incarnation. Now marketed in print as the "Falcon Ranchero", the new vehicle's standard power plant was an economical 144 cu in (2.4 L) straight-6. In 1961, the 170 cu in (2.8 L) straight-6 was offered, and in 1963, the optional 260 cu in (4.3 L) V8 was offered in addition to the 144 and 170. The two-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission (offered between 1960 and 1963) or three-speed C4 Cruise-O-Matic could be ordered as could a three-speed manual transmission. The Ranchero had an 800-lb load capacity.
The Ranchero evolved along with the Falcon in 1964, becoming just a little larger along with its parent and using the same basic body style for 1964 and 1965. In 1966, the 289 cu in (4.7 L) V8 replaced the discontinued 260 and an alternator replaced the generator in all Ford cars.
Our ’66 Ford Falcon Ranchero offered here, presents well with the Sahara Beige exterior. When you look down the sides of the ’66 you can see that all the gaps are correct and that it makes a good driver quality car. As you walk around the car and check out the bed, you can see the Ranchero has been well preserved and maintained. The 302-cubic inch V8 engine was upgraded from the original 289-cubic inch V8 and is paired with the C4 automatic transmission.
Slip inside the ’66 and the visual presentation is also carried out inside with the Sahara Beige trim and the parchment vinyl bucket seats and brown carpeting. While you are sitting behind the steering wheel, which is a 3-spoke wheel, you can see the correct dash layout of the speedometer, and correct gauges. The radio has been removed. When you turn the key to fire up the engine, it starts and runs very smoothly. As you drive down the road many heads will turn seeing this classic drive to the next car show or even to the drive-in diner to show off to your friends. The ’66 is priced to sell and won’t be here long. Call or email us with any questions!
