351-4V Cobra Jet! 1972 Ford Ranchero 500
Full disclosure, Ford Rancheros, such as this 1972 example, don’t capture my imagination the way that Chevy’s El Camino does. That said, I took one look at this Cottageville, South Carolina domiciled 1972 Ranchero and thought Hmmm, I like it! It kinda leaps right off of the page and hits you with a, “Hey, what about me?” invitation. OK, I’ll bite, let’s look her over. This Ranchero is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $6,600, reserve not yet met.
Specifically, this Ranchero is a “Ranchero 500” which places it at the bottom of Ford’s ’72 ute heap with the Ranchero GT and Squire models perched above it. The recent cream/white color is not one would associate with a hotrod but then again, it’s not original either (it was originally Gran Torino green). It does present really well and the combination of this Ford’s bland finish contrasts perfectly with the blacked-out hood and grill. Fortunately, the cargo bed has been protectively coated and can actually be used for its intended purpose. The seller suggests that there are some small matters that need attention but all-in-all, this Ranchero is good to go.
The VIN claims this truck to be a genuine Q-code or a 248 net HP, 351-4V “Cleveland” engine (there is a Marti report included). And if that’s the selling point, you’d think there would be an engine image included but noooo, nothing to see. Anyway, the motor has been modified with headers and a side-exit Thrush exhaust system. The seller suggests, ” It has the original 351-4V Cobra Jet motor that sounds mean and ready to tear down the streets…” A C-6, three-speed automatic transmission gets the Clevand’s go to the 3.25 geared rear axle. Supposedly, to coax more oomph from under the hood the previous owner removed the A/C compressor. Seems if that were really an issue it would have made more sense just to remove the belt. The listing’s wording carefully states, “showing 33,578 miles” which is probably all it is – an odometer reading.
It’s good to see, for the sake of consistency, that the interior is crammed with at least one box-o-stuff so a prospective buyer can’t get a good glimpse of what’s going on in there. The original green vinyl bench seat has been given the heave-ho and there is what now looks like a tan fabric bench seat in place – it is believed to have originated from a Ford Ranger – who knows, you can’t tell. Other noted issues are missing door panels and cloudy instrument panel gauges. The environment may be basically OK, but it’s hard to know with any certainty.
OK, so I’m not as enthralled as I was when I first spied this Ranchero. The no-engine image and the mess that is inside just takes a lot of steam out of any interest. Still, this Ranchero does show, externally, really well and I don’t want to be too judgemental. What do you think, worth a closer look?
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Comments
Nice lines on the 72 ranch. Front end looks especially sharp.
Those are Ranger buckets. Seems to have a Squire tailgate on it.
I agree, Jim. Very poor presentation.
I think it’s just a two-tone job on the tailgate. If you look closely, the contour of the right edge matches the taillamp. The left edge, however, doesn’t quite match the arc of the taillamp.
I thought the same thing at first glance, but after reading this comment I held a straight edge up to my screen, and the line is just above both taillights, evenly. Must be a weird camera angle
I think the tailgate is missing the top molding so it doesn’t align with the bedsides or the inside gate trim panel.
Looks like it could be fun
Owned a 72 with a 302V8. Was asking quite a lot of that engine. The Ranchero weighed in excess of 2 tons. Had the heaviest tailgate I’ve ever encountered. Doors were way long as well. But it was a styling ride and suited my purpose until I needed a real truck.
Mine had a 6, so I get you! Try opening that door when on its side!
It would appear the back glass is missing, or is it a trick of the light? Where the hell would you find another?
Looks like a trick of the light. As for the back glass, it may take some time, but there would likely be one sitting in some warehouse covered in about 3″ of dust. A used one is another option.
Had a 78 gt with sliding door back glass, after hurricane Andrew wiped us out it was All I could sell. I think it was aftermarket piece.
The side exhaust and the nice Cleveland are all it’s got going. A lot of work here.
Which came first, the Ranchero or Canyonero?
https://youtu.be/j5_QTO-NJOw
Pretty darn close. But remember, the Ranchero started life using a Falcon body/chassis, ’61 or so. I believe this one is using the Torino body/chassis. I am not nuts about the old green dash with the cream exterior.
Had this vehicle with a 351-2V putting out 163 gut wrenching horsepower.
Painted it iridescent blue with Cragars. Wide, long, low – and those lines!
Got smoked by a Suzuki Swift but I still loved it.
An old friend bought one of these back in the late 80’s. It had been rode hard and put up wet to many times and barely had enough power to move out of its own tracks. He was in the lawn service business and most of his customers were in a large trailer park in S.W. Miami, Florida so he didn’t have to go very fast. One day he decided to have the oil changed, they put in a high detergent oil which immediately caused several oil leaks. He never put more than a gallon or two of gas at a time in the vehicle. I don’t know what ever happened to him or the Ford as I left that area soon after. I’m hoping it went well for both.
God bless America
$7,800 now and reserve still not met. No engine photos (again).
I had a POS 73 with the same motor and an FMX transmixer. When I got it needed an engine rebuild. Even with a lousy rebuild it was very fast. I don’t know how much faster it would be if knew about engine rebuilds that I know such blueprinting and balancing, and we aren’t going with a bigger cam.
I like it.paint looks to be Wimbledon White with added Cobra markings,could be a nice cruiser with little work.
I’m liking the tow mater in the background!
Auction ended and it has already been relisted:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/334333685107?ViewItem=&item=334333685107&vxp=mtr
Amazing that a mainstream manufacturer could produce such an ugly car.
Makes some of the ‘specials’ we see on here look elegant.
Awkward angles, little pimple of a cab, too much overhang.
Oh dear.