Vehicle Description
1975 Ford Ranchero 500
The Ford Ranchero is a coupe utility that was produced between 1957
and 1979. Unlike a standard pick up 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. Over its lifespan it was variously
derived from full-sized, compact, and intermediate automobiles sold
by Ford for the North American market. in 1972, a radical change
occurred in the Torino and Ranchero lines. The sleek, pointy look
of the previous year's model was replaced with a larger, heavier
design. The 1973 Ranchero had a redesigned front end to meet new
federal standards for front impact protection. Aside from slight
cosmetic differences, the Ranchero remained basically the same
until the Torino's final year, 1976.
It's not often that you see any of the mid to late 1970's classics
restored back to their showroom glory, let alone a Ford Ranchero.
Most were used as intended then passed on to eager teenagers who
slapped on the best parts they could afford from the local speed
shops and drove them into the ground. For consignment, a lightly
restored and never thrashed on 1975 Ford Ranchero 500. Wearing a
respray in its original color, very groovy 1970's upholstery,
original sales invoice, a Marti report, and even an ownership
history log through the years this Ranchero will be sure to be far
out for years to come.
Exterior
The beneficiary of a restoration sometime post summer 2011 this
Ford just gleams in a nice respray of the factory applied Light
Green and it's holding up well these 10 years later. While the car
was fairly "beaten up" prior to its restoration no rust was
present, and no body filler was used during the redux. Dual
headlights sit outboard of a Vee canted eggcrate grille which
floats in a sea of Light Green that is the header panel and lower
filler. The big chrome NTSB mandated crash bumper sits below with
the only flaw being a slight dimple in the center. Clean correct
brightwork adorns the long slab sided body and include belt molding
trim, correct script emblems and blingy wheel well moldings. This
molding motif follows suit on the inset rear window and the entire
bed is framed in more stainless. Speaking of the bed, a sprayed-in
liner was added during the restoration and is still looking great.
Correct emblemed dog dish caps and beauty rings adorn the wheels
and are wrapped in thin whitewall Hankook rubber. As an added bonus
a set of Ansen Sprint wheels with correct center caps and lugnuts
are included with purchase. Good vibes man!
Interior
With a swing of the long well balanced door we are greeted with a
dark green vinyl door panel with a vertical tuck and roll pattern.
A chrome window crank and door release adorn this panel and a
carpeted lower section brings it all together nicely. Moving inside
we see a recovered split bench seat in vinyl that sprawls from door
to door. Smooth green bolsters frame yellow tuck and roll inserts
and not a tear is to be seen, (you just can't beat 1970's color
choices). The original green two spoke steering wheels fronts a
crack free dash which encompasses a 5 pod gauge cluster in black
plastic framing. We note an aftermarket air shock gauge has been
added to the far right pod. Just below are the heater controls and
a new AM/FM stereo to the left and right respectively. Green deep
pile carpet floods the floor and a tight green headliner hangs
above. Can you dig it?
Drivetrain
Lifting the miles long hood we see the original 351ci Windsor V8 in
2bbl carburetor form. Blue valve covers and a blue air cleaner
assembly stand out in a sea of mild patina and a multitude of
hoses. Bolted to the back of the mill is a C4 3-speed automatic
transmission which sends power back to a Ford 9" 3.00 conventional
geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
A solid steel frame supports factory floor pans all showing just
slight surface rust. Independent coil spring suspension is on the
front and a 4 link with coil springs is on the back to provide the
ride and haul the loads. Power front disc brakes work in
conjunction with rear power drums to bring things safely to a stop.
A new looking dual exhaust system sends spent gasses to the rear of
the car and the Smithy's mufflers give it just the right sound. Air
shocks have been added and are controlled from inside. All buttoned
up and looking good, do you copy?
Drive-Ability
Sliding into the groovy 70's interior a twist of the key brought
the car/truck to life. Performance was adequate, braking was
smooth, and handling was good on our drive. We didn't make any
trips to Lowes so we can't speak to performance with a full load
but who's going to use this Ranchero to haul anyway. The air
conditioning has been converted to R134A and blows ice cold. All
functions were performing swimmingly at the time of our drive, just
keep on truckin'.
A well sorted, lovingly cared for iteration of a truck that is
rarely seen these days. Add in some vital paperwork, a recorded
history of ownership, extra wheels, spare upholstery, the factory
AM radio, and tons of fab 70's charm. With all the plusses and
nearly no minuses this Ranchero 500 won't be idling long in our
hallowed halls, catch my drift?
VIN DECODE
5A47H149452
5-1975
A-Atlanta, GA Assy Plant
47-Ranchero 500
H-351w V8 2bbl 143hp
149452-Sequential Unit Number
DOOR STICKER
BODY 97D-Ranchero 500
COLOR 47-Light Green
TRIM CG-Green Vinyl Bench
TRANS W-C4 3 Speed Automatic
AXLE 6-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
DSO 53-Kansas City
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
