Vehicle Description
1976 Ford Ranchero Squire
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 1976 Ford Ranchero Squire. Wearing a
respray in its original color, very groovy applique stick on wood
grain sides, an added cloth roof over the hardtop, a refurbished AC
system and a slew of new and spare parts, this Ranchero will be
sure to be far out for years to come.
Exterior
The beneficiary of a restoration sometime in the past, this Ford
just shows with a respray of white that is starting to show its age
on the lower panels. Notable rust bubbling is seen along with prior
body work on nearly every panels lower sections. Dual headlights
sit outboard of a Vee canted eggcrate grille which floats in a sea
of white that is the header panel and lower filler. The big chrome
NTSB mandated crash bumper sits below with the only flaws being
some staining and a few scuffs. Clean correct burgundy trimmings
adorn the long slab sided body and encircle the newer wood applique
that covers the sides of this ute. This molding motif follows suit
on the inset on the tailgate which is flanked by boomerang shaped
taillights with blacked out trim. Clean brightwork surrounds the
glass and a black cloth add-on top covers the factory steel roof.
Worry not, as I didn't forget about the bed, it is covered with a
black tonneau cover that hides the bed from prying eyes. Flipping
down the tailgate reveals a black painted and gray carpeted bed
that remains in good condition. Chrome laden 15" styled steel
wheels adorn the corners and are wrapped in raised white letter BF
Goodrich rubber. As an added bonus, a pair of replacement door
skins are included with the purchase. Good vibes man!
Interior
With a swing of the long well-balanced door we are greeted with a
saddle vinyl door panel with a vertical tuck and roll pattern. A
chrome window crank and door release adorn this panel and a chrome
mirror joystick and speaker grille brings it all together nicely.
Moving inside we see a pair of Procar bucket seats occupying the
space where a bench once did reside. Smooth black cloth and vinyl
bolster frame black perforated vinyl tuck and roll inserts and not
a tear is to be seen. The original saddle two spoke steering wheels
fronts a crack free dash which encompasses a 5-pod gauge cluster in
nice applique plastic framing. Just below are the heater controls
and a new AM/FM stereo to the left and right respectively. Saddle
colored deep pile carpet floods the floor, and a tight saddle
headliner hangs above. Can you dig it?
Drivetrain
Lifting the miles long hood we see the original 351ci V8 in 2bbl
carburetor form. Blue valve covers and a chrome 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 FMX 3-speed automatic
transmission which sends power back to a Ford 9" 3.00 rear
axle.
Undercarriage
A solid steel frame supports factory floor pans, showing just
slight surface rust on the frame and a mix of surface rust and a
few areas of invasive rust on the flooring. 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 newer looking dual exhaust system sends spent
gasses to exit just in front of the rear tires with Cherrybomb
mufflers to give it just the right sound. You got your ears on good
buddy, do you copy?
Drive-Ability
Sliding into the mix of groovy 70's and modern 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 the local hardware store 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 and even includes the original compressor. All
functions were performing swimmingly at the time of our drive, just
keep on truckin'.
A smartly cared for iteration of a truck that is rarely seen these
days. Add in a snappy cloth roof covering, new A/C components, the
original drivetrain, some extra parts, and tons of fab 70's charm.
With all the plusses and only a few minuses this Ranchero Squire
won't be idling long in our hallowed halls, catch my drift?
VIN DECODE
6A49H131247
6-1976
A-Atlanta, GA Assy Plant
49-Ranchero Squire
H-351ci V8 2bbl 149hp
131247-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.
