One-Of-A-Kind! 1961 Ford Ranchero Rat Rod
When Ford introduced its new compact (the Falcon) in 1960, they shifted the Ranchero utility coupe to that smaller platform. And the Ranchero would remain a Falcon derivative through 1965. The seller (or a predecessor) took a well-used ’61 Ranchero and created this one-of-a-kind rat rod you see here – using as many Ford components as possible. Located near Boise, Idaho, this crowd-pleaser is available here on craigslist for $9,500 OBO. Thanks, Kendra, for turning up this unusual FOMOCO tip for us!
If the builder’s goal was to attract attention, this unique vehicle likely gets its share of it. The project started by taking a Ranchero down to a shell and its frame (or what was left of it, according to the seller). To build what you see here, the junkyards must have been scoured to find what you see here, which includes seats from a 1980s Mustang, a hood and fenders from a 1940s truck, bumpers from a 1975 Bronco, and the tailgate from a 1959 Ranch Wagon.
But it didn’t stop there. They also took a 1980s 460 cubic inch V8 engine (Lincoln?) and squeezed it under the hood along with a C6 automatic transmission from the same donor. An extra-wide Sterling rear end was used with a limited slip differential. As a result, we assume this Ford moves as fast as it looks. Besides recycled parts, some of the new stuff includes headers and Flowmaster exhaust, a custom driveshaft, and a new fuel delivery system.
The interior suggests that the driver should expect some torque as a racing harness has been added to the seats. And some cool stickers have been placed that help tell the story, such as “no shooting” or “Sheriff’s line, do not cross”, plus “Illegal’ license plates. We assume that when you go to the DMV to get a new title, it will still show that you’re driving a 1961 Ford Ranchero. The seller is not opposed to considering interesting trades, so you’d better be ready to impress with what you’ve got!
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Comments
The main thing I like about it is the 1950 Ford truck hood. Cool idea and good job to the builder!
With 67 F100 hood side emblems
this one FLIES across the boundary between “too bad to take seriously” and “so bad it’s good”, I can’t not love it.
Looks like crazy stupid fun. I think it’s pretty cool.
That’s a lot to take in. Is that a come-along serving as a parking brake?
Nice catch. I went back to see that
It’s not the rat rod we need, it’s the rat rod we deserve
Sorry but I just don’t get it…
Drop the tools and step away from the MIG welder slowly, you’re under arrest for crimes against autos.
Sir you make me proud to be an Idahoan. Classic hold my beer! Watch this! Love it or hate it it’s one of a kind. If conservative styling is what you hold dear you might want to have the family cover their eyes as you lead them in the other direction.
Where to start…?
This ride would fit in at a Mad Max movie!! Very unique but I was very impressed with the engineering and stuffing a 460 / C6 in that vehicle. It probably came with straight 6 cylinder. A lot of cutting and planning had to go into this. And to make everything work under the hood. The front suspension must have been the challenge. I wonder how it is on the highway? I know it has 4.10s .. so with tall tires doing 65mph it must tac between 2,700 and 3,300. The seller noted loud and smelly .. I get the loud but what about the smelly? Does it leak oil? Gas fumes get into the cab? It’s a wild looking ride.. . Going down the road it probably scare old people and make children cry!!😂 Good luck to the next owner.. 🐻🇺🇸
And you people thought the Corvette wide body was ugly…I rest my case.
Aye aye aye… I hear Ricky Ricardo screaming in Spanish
No 460 Lincolns in the 80s, so it has to be from an F250. I just wonder how many shoehorns and Schlitz it took to wedge it there. Definitely unique
Kevin Wernick I agree.. 81 Ford F150 makes 245hp .. imagine if they got a 70-71 Lincoln 460? That’s 365hp… I would think flooring it from a stop. Parts might fly off!! 😂
I like it, I love it, I want some more of it…and all Blue Oval, too!
Great build good enough to “un Rat” and put a good paint job on. Creativity isn’t dead yet.
These were unibody construction. I wanna see pics of the underside.
Looking at the interior shots and bracing underhood, seems like this could be effectively a custom-fabbed backbone frame with the remains of a Falcon/Ranchero shell hung on it.
Kill it with fire.
Spud gun.
You people are really to harsh This is called a HOT ROD I like it, would I build it NO but look at it . I think it is just great. Anyon can restore a car, after all it has been built once, , your are just replacing the bad parts. But a hot rod isan expression of you. Well done, a little ruff but I like it
I wonder if this will get as many comments as the T-bird with the Chevy engine??????
Let’s not discuss the T-Bird with the orange engine, I just now got my blood pressure halfway back to normal
The golden glow of bourbon set against the luxury of natural wood inlays conveys the elegance typically enjoyed only by Bentley and Rolls Royce owners, while the driver-side mounted semi-automatic streetsweeper guarantees miles of unobstructed motoring.
I think Johnny Cash said it best, “I built it one piece at a time, and it didn’t cost me a dime”…….
To each their own.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I love it when people get creative but not too wild with these builds! It’s not perfect by ANY stretch of the imagination but like someone else said, a LOT of time and creativity went into this as far as getting everything to fit. If you have ever been next to a ’61 Falcon you know these are not big cars and to be able to fit everything and it works? Outstanding! Love it!
who knows maybe it was this guys first time customizing and it might have been a cool idea if the guy would have taken his time to put the thing together right but oh no he just slapped everything on and called it quiets the gaps are big enough to drive a car through and I don’t know how safe it would be to drive when ya start replacing sheet metal with wood no talent needed there, I’m all for creativity but take the time to do it right!!
As long as it was done properly/safely, I like it!
That must’ve been doing some serious speed at the point of impact! Accident seems to have involved atleast 3 trucks.
It’s an abomination.
Come on the builder is definitely a Ford guy and somehow got all these pieces together I think? Has to have some sort of subframe and put the engine and transmission in from the bottom. Just changing the plugs and wires will take a couple of days!
Reminds me of my teen years when I would take collected parts of model kits and build my own ‘custom’.
So are the new chevrolet pickups
while these are not my “cuppa tea”. this is by far the best one we’ve seen here in a coon’s age.
well done! and he’s not trying to recoup every penny he put into it in time and parts!
This car reminds of the Seinfeld episode where the portrait of Kramer hung in an art gallery. One observer said “it’s hideous but yet i cant look away, I must have it “
gross!
Viva El Puerco!
This is a “Crowd-Pleaser”? Not sure I would want to be in that crowd!
It’s a 49 50 51 52 53 54 automobile it’s a 55 56 57 58 59 60 automobile it’s a 61 62…..
If this was at a car show, there would be a crowd, I also would walk over to see it.
Hmmm… No words.
I wonder if it runs well enough to make it to the crusher on its own … horrendous!
Ghastly.
Most of you posters don’t realize individuality! At least it’s not some GM by-product!
The license plate is correct. Anybody caught driving this abomination should be arrested!
Half year later the seller has relisted on Boise Idaho Craigslist, “divorce-priced at $6,500 OBO – full or partial trades considered – whatcha got?”
Hey don’t shoot, I’m just the messenger.
-Kendra