Vehicle Description
1979 Ford Ranchero GT
The Ford Ranchero is a coupe utility that was produced by Ford
between 1957 and 1979. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the Ranchero
was adapted from a two door station wagon platform that integrated
the cab and cargo bed into the body. With Torino production ending
after 1976, the 1977 Ranchero was restyled in line with the Ford
LTD II mid sized car line using the same platform as the Torino.
The same three models available since 1968 were still offered and
the Ranchero could be ordered in quite luxurious form. Production
ceased in 1979 with, among the traditional choices, a commemorative
"1979.5" model being available.
For consignment and straight out of 1979, bathed in red, a final
year of production 1979 Ranchero GT. Look out on the road....it's a
LTD II.....No....It's a truck.....No.....it's a Ranchero GT.
Sporting decent paint, a stylish interior and a bed to haul all of
your cargo. With a V8 engine and automatic transmission you'll be
hauling in style.
Exterior
Retaining the 79 LTD II exterior nose, hood and cabin, although
sans the rear seat, this car has fairly straight steel panels and a
nice looking bed showing signs of use. This is all bathed in red,
which is a respray, showing a few faults, inclusions, and rust
bubbling but otherwise very nice. The grill retains its original
beauty with the outboard stacked headlights and corner mounted
cathedral style turn signals. A chrome strip lines from the rear of
the roof and around the bed. A tailgate gives you access and has
FORD badging spelled out in individual chrome letters. At the rear
of the quarter panels are the stacked inset signal/brake/reverse
lights. Magnum 500 wheels are now on all 4 corners and are wrapped
in 225/70R14 Cooper Cobra radial tires.
Interior
Snazzy gray vinyl door panels adorn the large well balanced door. A
faux wooden trim spear separated the top from the bottom of the
panel and just below this is an armrest and integral door release.
A chrome window cranks, and mirror joystick also reside within this
panel. A sprawling gray power vinyl split bench seat floats in a
sea of darker gray carpeting, and both are looking fab. The
original black plastic steering wheel fronts the dash panel, which
is full of instrumentation, part of the GT package including gauges
for volts, amps, a clock and a factory tachometer. A machine turned
finish surrounds these gauges and down below is an AM/FM/Cassette
player. A small storage compartment is behind the seats and a saggy
but tear free headliner is above.
Drivetrain
A 302ci V8 2bbl occupies space in the mammoth engine bay. Ford blue
valve covers top things off along with a chrome air cleaner. The
hoses in this bay all are soft and supple. A C4 3-speed automatic
transmission is on the back and at the tail end is a Ford 9" rear
axle.
Undercarriage
Surface rust is on the frame and suspension components as would be
expected with a car this vintage. Minor invasive rust is forming on
the rear bumper brackets and should be addressed at some point. The
floor pans are rust free and still have their factory undercoating.
Independent coil spring suspension is on the front and for the rear
we see a 4 link with coil springs. Dual exhaust snakes its way
rearward through a pair of turbo style mufflers. Power brakes are
noted with discs in the front and drums on the back.
Drivability
This Ranchero is a quick starter, idles smoothly, runs great,
drives nicely, and cruises comfortably at highway speed. Brakes
were very good, and handling was nice and tight.
A well done version of the Ranchero, with a few faults here and
there, but a rarely seen vehicle. I would even go as far to say
that in all our inventory, this is one of two Rancheros we have and
the only one from the final model year. Well cared for and ready to
drive.
VIN DECODE
9H48F171787
9-1979
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
48-Ranchero GT
F-302ci V8 2bbl 134hp
171787-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.