Although most enthusiasts of American coupe utility models – a vehicle that, unlike a standard truck-based pickup, is adapted from a passenger car platform – have heard about the Chevrolet El Camino, which wasn't the original Ute.
More precisely, Ford was the initiator of the America Ute current with the Ranchero coupe utility produced between 1957 and 1979. The model was adapted from the Blue Oval's then-new 1957 full-sized Ford platform, which spanned the short-wheelbase Custom sedan, two-door Ranch Wagon station wagon, and the practical Courier sedan delivery.
Basically a Courier with an open bed reinforced for loads, the Ford Ranchero had a bespoke rear window and an integrated cab plus cargo box and was inspired by Australian Utes, a term invented in 1934 by Ford Australia's designer Lew Bandt when he modified a two-door coupe with an integrated load bed – a practical model that could be taken to church on Sunday and take the pigs to market on Monday.
The original Ranchero sold well enough in America to launch the coupe utility trend on the market and spawn the better-known Chevy El Camino rival. You shouldn't think it was a flop, though, as the model variously derived from several full-size, compact, or intermediate passenger cars sold by Ford on the North American market during the period were produced in more than 500k units.
Over the years, it evolved quickly to spawn no less than seven generations, and this example seen here is a 1979 Ford Ranchero GT. PC Classic Cars, a Sherman, Texas-based old-school dealership, has this interesting proposal for the enthusiasts of the classic American coupe utility and although it looks rather sassy due to the combination of exterior paints, it's also a potential collector's item since it was produced for the nameplate's final model year.
A seventh-generation unit, the Ranchero GT has an odometer readout of 95,681 miles (but it's "actual mileage cannot be verified") and a "great running" 351W (Windsor) V8 that's not the original engine. The transmission setup is an FMX three-speed automatic, and there are manifolds, a dual exhaust, plus full tailpipes for it. The front disc brakes and the steering are powered, and the factory AC has an upgraded compressor to make sure it blows cold. All these are rather traditional for a Ford of the era, right? Well, things can get a little wacky after that.
Inside, this Ranchero GT has an "MR" code green atmosphere, and on the outside, you will easily stand out in any crowd with the code "46" Dark Jade Metallic paintjob and its accompanying yellow markings. This is the original color, but the car has been repainted to look like this – and there are also fresh 17-inch Torq Thrust alloy wheels shod in 245/45 and 255/50 rear tires. Additional features include the bench seat, powered windows, and manual locks, as well as an Edelbrock carburetor and aftermarket rear air shocks. All in all, it is not a bad treat if you're a fan of Ute models and want to confuse some people staring at your Dark Jade Metallic Ford by making them wonder if that's a Chevy El Camino.
No, it isn't – the fifth generation Chevy El Camino (1978 to 1987) had single headlights during the early model years and horizontally-stacked dual pieces during the latter part of its existence – as opposed to this Ford Ranchero's vertical assembly. Obviously, this Ranchero GT won't pass by unnoticed anywhere – mostly thanks to the quirky combination of colors and the bucket loads of chrome. Last but not least, don't forget it's not going to cost an arm and a leg – the dealership wants just $19,500 for this 1979 Ford Ranchero GT. So, do you like or fancy something else from the Blue Oval?
No worries; the venue has additional ideas for Ford enthusiasts. If you're into restoration or restomod projects, they have in the inventory a 1966 Ford Mustang with the 302 V8 and a three-speed transmission for just $5,500, as you'll have to invest a lot more time and money to bring it afloat. The Ford coupe department continues with a black Fox Body 1992 Ford Mustang GT equipped with the iconic 5.0-liter V8 and a five-speed transmission sporting just 63k miles on the odometer for $35,500. Or you could have a slightly newer 1992 Ford Mustang Cobra packing the supercharged 5.0 and 36k miles for an even lower $28,500.
Do you want something even newer? No problems, there's also a 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 with less than 10k miles on the odometer for $32,500. But enough with the passenger cars – a true pickup truck is a 1966 Ford F-100 LWB with a 289ci engine under the hood and an automatic transmission for $24,500. So, which is your favorite of the bunch?
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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