Vehicle Description
1978 Ford Ranchero Squire
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 1978, bathed in dark red, a
Squire version of the 1978 Ford Ranchero. Look out on the
road....it's a LTD II.....No....It's a truck.....No.....it's a
station wagon.....it's a Ranchero Squire! 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 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 little signs of use. This is all bathed in Dark
Russet Metallic, which is a respray, showing few faults, thanks in
part to being given a Rusty Jones rustproofing when new, we see a
few inclusions, and a very small spot of 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 clean red vinyl
colored roof and around the bed and on the side is the piece de
resistance. That being a full-length woodgrain applique running the
pointed front fenders to the rounded rear bedside. This is giving
an accenting highlight with light colored "wood" plastic acting as
an encircling trimline. A tailgate gives you access and has FORD
badging spelled out in individual chrome letters within more wood
applique. Covering the bed is a red vinyl snap on style tonneau
cover. 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 nearly new in 225/70R14 General radial
tires.
Interior
Snazzy dark red vinyl door panels adorn the large well balanced
door. A faux wooden trim spear separates 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 dark and light red cloth split bench
with a fold-down armrest floats in a sea clean red carpeting, and
both are looking fab. The original red plastic steering wheel
fronts the dash panel and is wrapped in red leatherette and shows
with a worn horn pad. This red padded crack free dash is full of
instrumentation, part of the optional GT or Squire packages,
including gauges for volts, amps, a clock and a factory tachometer.
A wood applique 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 351ci Windsor V8 fed by a 2bbl carburetor occupies space in the
mammoth engine bay. This mill was recently tuned up and chrome
valve covers top things off along with a polished 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 untreated components as would be expected
with a car this vintage. Otherwise, it's a calm sea of patina and
factory rustproofing. The floor pans are rust free thanks in part
to the undercoating. Independent coil spring suspension is on the
front and for the rear we see a 4 link with coil springs. New
shocks have recently been installed as well as a new pinion seal.
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 with a pile of NOS parts. This is
one of three Rancheros we have in inventory and the only one
sporting woodgrain. Well cared for and ready to drive.
VIN DECODE
8H49H164639
8-1978
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
49-Ranchero Squire
H-351ci V8 2bbl 149hp
164639-Sequential Unit Number
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.
