1979 Ford Ranchero Classic car
The Ford Ranchero was produced from 1957 through 1979. These were unique vehicles - they were part car and part pickup truck. In total, there were 508,355 examples constructed during its production lifespan.
The Ford Ranchero constructed from 1957 through 1959 was built atop a full-size Ford Fairlane platform. They were offered in two trim levels initially. There was a Basic and Custom model. The basic trim levels were intended for traditional pickup truck buyers while the custom trim levels were offered with accessories found on the Fairlane including two-tone paint and steel bodyside moldings.
The Ranchero, in both basic and custom trims, were offered with a variety of engines. The engines offered were the same offered on the Fairlane.
In 1960 the Ranchero decreased in size, now being placed on top of the Ford Falcon platform. This made the vehicle lighter and less expensive than its predecessor and most full-size pickup trucks. Under the hood was a 2.4-liter straight-six cylinder engine as standard. A year later, the engine was changed to a 170 cubic-inch unit. In 1963, a 260 cubic-inch V8 unit was offered.
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1966 was the final year the Ranchero was built on the Falcon platform. The following year, dramatic changes occurred for the Ranchero. This was a one-year styling and featured such styling cues as stacked headlights. Power was from a variety of engines including a straight-six unit all the way up to a big-block V8 which produced over 310 horsepower. the Ranchero was offered in multiple trim levels including the 500, 500/XL, GT, and GT-A. The GT-A was an automatic transmission of the GT.
Beginning in 1968, the Ranchero grew in size and it was given new styling. The body became angular and kept pace with the bold and dramatic styling of the time. The front of the grille was upright and easily recognizable. Safety requirements and government regulations were continuing to enforce new safety features on automobiles. As a result, the Ranchero now had wraparound front side marker lamps which were used as side reflectors and parking lights. When the headlights were on, the marker lights followed suite.
The interior featured a four-pod instrument cluster which gave information about the coolant temperature, oil pressure, charging system, and warning lights. The more expensive trim levels had a tachometer while instead of a clock.
1979 Ford Ranchero Stylish American car
Engine options ranged from a six-cylinder unit all the way up to a V8 unit. Horsepower changed from year to year. A 428 Cobra Jet V8 engine was one of the more exciting option offered, which offered significant increases in horsepower over the standard engine.
Optional equipment included air conditioning, bucket seats, front disc brakes, hood scoop, AM/FM radio, optional wheels, and vinyl top. The hood scoop was standard on the GT trim vehicles.
In 1969, Ford offered the Rio Grand, a special order and very rare option on the Ranchero. It carried many of the features of the GT but offered in unique colors such as the Wimbledon white, Poppy Red, or Calypso Coral. There were around 900 examples of the Rio Grand produced. These high-performance option on the Rancher added scoops, side stripes, vinyl top, bed rails, and unique wheel centers.
Styling changed slightly in 1969 and again in 1970. There were three models available.