This 1973 Ford Ranchero 500 is a distinctive combination of classic
Ford muscle and the versatility of a pickup, presented in an
eye-catching white finish with maroon and blue pinstriping that
gives this Ranchero a bold, unmistakable presence. Underneath the
styling is a strong 351 Cleveland V8 backed by a long list of
mechanical upgrades and improvements, including a complete engine
rebuild performed in 2005. With its aggressive stance, muscular
Cleveland power, and beautifully coordinated maroon-and-blue
presentation, this Ranchero is a classic that stands out from the
crowd.
Drivetrain
Power comes from a 351 Cleveland V8 equipped with an Edelbrock 650
CFM four-barrel carburetor, aftermarket Hedman headers, and an
upgraded performance exhaust system with new exhaust pipes and
turbo mufflers. The engine was completely rebuilt in 2005, bored
.040 over and professionally balanced, with new rod and main
bearings, harmonic balancer, flywheel, high-volume oil pump,
Speed-Pro camshaft, valve springs, resurfaced valve seats and
heads, resized connecting rods, a reground crankshaft, new lifters,
and a new timing chain and gears. Additional components include new
engine mounts, a new water pump, Flame-Thrower coil, and PerTronix
Ignitor 11 electronic ignition.
The Ranchero is equipped with power steering and power disc brakes
up front and drums in the rear. In 2003, the owner completed
substantial additional work, including installation of new front
springs and rear shocks, a new master cylinder, rotors and
calipers, helping give this Ranchero a solid foundation both on the
road and under the hood
Exterior
The Ranchero wears a bright white exterior accented by eye-catching
maroon and blue pinstriping, creating a color combination that is
both classic and distinctive. The Ranchero emblem remains proudly
displayed on the side while an aftermarket hood scoop adds a
muscular performance look. The scoop is finished in black and
incorporates signal light indicators, giving the hood a
particularly unique appearance.
The aluminum trim is in good condition, and the back of the bed
gate features the distinctive Ford emblem spanning across the rear.
The pickup bed has been fitted with a durable spray-in-bedliner,
making the Ranchero as practical as it is stylish.
The stance is completed with Eagle Mag wheels wrapped in P235/70R15
BF Goodrich tires up front and P255/70R15 Tires in the rear, giving
the Ranchero a wider, more aggressive appearance from every angle.
A new windshield was also installed in 2003.
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Interior
Inside, this Ranchero continues its striking maroon-on-maroon
theme. The seats have been redone in deep, rich maroon seats with
blue inserts, adding just the right splash of contrasting color
while complementing the exterior pinstriping.
The interior is equipped with a new AM/FM 8-trac audio system
installed in 2003, along with an aftermarket amplifier and
oil-pressure gauges. The headliner is finished in vinyl and remains
in excellent condition. The result is an interior that combines the
nostalgic character of a 1970s Ford with several thoughtful
upgrades for the enjoyment of today's owner.
Summary
The 1973 Ranchero 500 occupies a special place in the Ford lineup,
blending the personality of a muscle car with the usefulness of a
pickup. This example takes that formula a step further with its
powerful rebuilt and .040-over 351 Cleveland, four-barrel Edelbrock
carburetor, headers, upgraded exhaust, electronic ignition, power
steering, power brakes, and a substantial list of mechanical
improvements. Add in the bold white, maroon and, blue exterior,
richly upholstered interior, aggressive Eagle Mag wheels, and
functional pickup bed, and you have a Ranchero that is equal parts
muscle, style, and utility.
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