For Sale: 1992 Ford Ranger in Ft Worth, Texas

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!