Vehicle Description
Remember when you'd see super-clean Ford Rangers like this all over
the place? If you wanted a solid pickup but not something quite as
large as a full-size truck, you couldn't do much better than a
dialed-in 1992 Ford Ranger like this. Ford has recently
reintroduced the model, and although the new generation isn't
exactly a 'compact' pickup anymore (they're now considered
mid-sized trucks), the very sight of the model back on the road has
stirred quite a bit of nostalgia in the industry. S-10s are
becoming more collectable each day, and Rangers are catching up as
well, but fortunately you can still get one for a heck of a deal.
With a fresh two-tone paint job that's incredibly slick, a stock
A/C interior, and a lively 3.0L and 5-speed manual drivetrain, this
'Texas Ranger' is a terrific example of a modern classic on its way
back to the top.
If you're in the market for an '80s-'90s truck, the first thing you
typically have to worry about is the paint job. Back in those days,
American automakers were more concerned with value than quality and
the resulting paint jobs found on most Ford and GM trucks left much
to be desired, even when they were new. Thankfully, there's nothing
of the sort to worry about on this Ford, as it was recently treated
to a rather expensive paint job - a slick Raven Black over Pearl
White finish that gives this boxy beauty a new lease on life. Blue
double-lined pinstripes split up the colors and act as a perfect
line of demarcation between the contrasting shades, and the 'Ford'
lettering on the tailgate was finished in the same Blue to match.
It's a top driver-quality finish, about as nice as you'll ever find
on a truck at this price point and from this vintage, with a
smooth, lustrous finish in both shades. The dark black paint up top
means business, while the pearl flake inside the white below takes
the truck to whole other level, meaning this 'Texas Ranger' is a
proper, grown-up's hauler. The bodywork underneath is straight, the
gaps are precise, and the panels are set right, while the Vehicle
History Report proves it's never been abused or in a wreck. That
means the restorers had a very clean canvas to start with, and they
executed the restoration almost flawlessly on this high-end driver.
Factory bumpers fore and aft are clean end caps, and the chin
spoiler and blacked-out grille up front add a little aggression to
the curb appeal. All the glass in the cab is crystal clear, the
lenses look brand new, and the custom 'Texas Ranger' fore and aft
really turn things up to 11. And if you still want to use this
Ranger as a pickup, the painted bed out back is more than capable,
although it's so darn clean you'll think twice before loading it up
with anything remotely dirty.
Stock is the name of the game inside, where original and NOS pieces
combine for a very inviting cabin. The split-bench seat works much
like a pair of high-back bucket seats stuck together, upholstered
in period-correct (and likely original) cloth materials with
typical early-'90s patterns. The seat has a couple imperfections
and some minor signs of use, but it is very comfortable and
features a fold down arm rest in the center, while the carpet below
looks practically new. Stock door panels at the flanks match the
original dash, and the factory set of gauges ahead of the original
steering wheel are working as they should. Options include cold air
conditioning, tilt wheel, shoulder seatbelts, and an upgraded JVC
AM/FM/CD/AUX that provides the entertainment. Other than the
stereo, the only deviation from stock is that supercool shift knob
atop the 5-speed manual shifter, a custom piece made from epoxy
resin in a spiderweb design. The blue headliner up top matches the
carpets below, insulating the cabin from the elements, while the
rear window glass slides open for those times when A/C isn't
needed.
Ford's 3.0 liter V6 was a real workhorse in these compact pickups,
German-built and sturdy as can be, especially in the post-1989
blocks that featured a vastly improved cylinder head design. As is
common with the 3.0L (and the closely-related Big Brother 4.0L) and
most Ford fuel injection systems of the period, it's a little
grumpy when it's cold and it's not a very refined motor, but
old-school guys love it's reliable crudeness, knowing that the
extra noise this V6 might make just means it's working hard. The
engine bay is quite stock and very clean, so you know it has never
spent time in the winter weather of Northern states (in fact, this
is a lifelong OK and TX truck) and someone obviously has been
looking after this truck for the past few decades. There's plenty
of torque on tap for the relatively lightweight little truck and it
should continue to run pretty much indefinitely if you take care of
it. A 5-speed manual transmission is the right choice with the
burly V6, making this a truck that will cruise through traffic or
climb a trail equally well, and it's always a lot of fun behind the
wheel. The independent front end, power steering, and power front
disc brakes all give it surprisingly good road manners and the
custom exhaust system offers a fun soundtrack. Upgraded 17-inch
Ranger wheels work well with the rest of the sporty look and
they're equipped with 245/45/17 blackwall radials.
Nicely restored and preserved, this Ranger is merely at the
beginning of its ascension up the ladder of modern classic
collectables. Fun to drive, great-looking, and up for any task, get
in the game while it's still very affordable to. Call today!
