Vehicle Description
Dig this fully-restored 1965 Ford Ranchero. With less than 2k miles
on the build, it's got a 302 cubic inch crate V8 and a capable
automatic transmission leading the way, along with air conditioning
to keep the driver comfortable at all times. It's also beautifully
finished with great colors to make it just about the coolest Falcon
hauler we've ever featured here at Streetside. Take a closer
look.
Falcon Rancheros are fairly uncommon. They built plenty of them,
but it appears that most were simply worked to death and thrown
away. Not so with this one, which has been given a second lease on
life thanks to a very comprehensive makeover completed only 4 years
ago. Code YM Silver Blue Metallic and Wimbledon White paint is how
it came from the factory and who are we to argue with that, because
it looks fantastic today. It still presents like a fresh paint job,
and the shine is still great and you can tell by the fit and finish
of the bodywork that someone took their time to get it right. The
white stripe down the flanks accentuates the Falcon's performance
vibe, but none of the sheetmetal or trim was modified or shaved
during the build. Of course, this is a C-code truck that originally
came with a 289 cubic inch V8, but it was swapped out for a crate
302 V8, so the badges on the front fenders definitely belong there.
In back, the bed was painted to match the body, and it's durable
enough to put in some weekend warrior time if you need it to. Shiny
chrome bumpers and lots of stainless make the affordable Ranchero
look a lot more expensive than it is, both when it was new and
today.
The updated interior waiting inside the doors is a definite winner
- it features a hard to find balance of vintage appeal with a
tasteful amount of aftermarket customization added. The bench seat
wears a snug fitting, two-tone blue vinyl cover that's very much in
keeping with the style of this Ranchero's era (it is believed to be
the original seat cover) and has yet to show any major issues from
use - there's also a little bit of interior storage space just
behind it that will likely come in handy. The door panels, as well
as the headliner above, are in fantastic shape, and the plush blue
carpet below provides ample sound deadening and heat protection.
Farther forward, the three-spoke, wood-rimmed steering wheel sits
on a column that, along with the dash area just behind it, has seen
the prepping it needed to leave it with a smooth blue surface that
matches perfectly with the exterior. The instrument panel is neatly
finished and offers aftermarket white-faced gauges that all
function as intended, and entertainment comes from a retro-style
ACC AM/FM/AUX. Just in front of the bench seat, the B&M shifter
sits within easy reach, almost beckoning the driver to slam through
some gears and have a little fun. And perhaps best of all, the A/C
system is R134a powered and blows nice and cold.
The original 289 cubic inch engine is gone, replaced by a strong
running crate 302 V8, augmented with Ford Racing aluminum heads, a
Holley 4-barrel carburetor, and an Edelbrock aluminum intake, all
with less than 2k miles on the clock. No matter, because it runs
great and looks amazing under the hood, from the Ford Racing chrome
air cleaner to the finned valve covers to the BBK headers that feed
the dual exhaust below. A few choice upgrades include the MSD
ignition, chrome alternator, aluminum radiator, and serpentine belt
system, but it all looks right inside the highly detailed engine
bay. It starts easily and runs great, offering smooth torque that's
right for a pickup, but thanks to the C4 automatic transmission
that's been built up with a 2k stall convertor, it's eager to run.
A great-sounding H-pipe dual exhaust system with chambered mufflers
offers a suitably muscular soundtrack, and the presentation
underneath is very clean and tidy. Power steering and power front
disc brakes and a fat front sway bar all but guarantee a
pleasurable drive, and the tubular control arms up front and air
shocks in the back help set the stance of this little car-truck.
American Racing "Old Style" Torque Thrust wheels are a great
complement to the bodywork and wear 195/55/16 blackwall radials
that fill the fenders properly.
A very cool combination of features, this Ranchero should get a lot
of attention everywhere it goes. Call today!
