Normally, I wouldn’t show a lot of interest in a generic looking 1972 Ford Ranchero GT. It seems that the styling, at least compared to the ’70-’71 version is polarizing, some love it but many don’t. Regardless, I’m always intrigued by the Ranchero and Chevy’s El Camino. The Ranchero disappeared 44 years ago and the Camino gave it up in 1987, 36 years ago. Both were so common at one time but have now, become a distant memory. This one, however, has an attention-getting trait so I thought that I’d dive in and give it a look-see. It’s located in Santa Cruz, California and is available
First up, this listing is one of the better craigslist listings that I have encountered – good job Mr. Seller! Anyway, the exterior of this lifelong California resident is pretty unadorned though the wire wheels are very unRanchero-like. The finish is fair, it has been detailed with blue pinstriping, though the paint is peeling off on the hood. The included Marti report indicates that this Ford originally wore a Bright Yellow paint job and the only place where any of it can be detected is on the interior, horizontal body panel, behind the seats. The passenger side fender leg and the tailgate are sprouting some pretty notable rust and the seller mentions that the floors are also so affected. It has been parked for twenty years so some of the damage may have occurred in slumber, especially if the storage arrangement was damp, leaky, etc.
Inside, we find a black vinyl and velour upholstered interior, laid over bucket seats, not separated by a center console, and looking like a reupholstery job. The pattern appears to be original but the material is likely a non-original redo. The seats and the carpet are worn and the dash pad may be sprouting a crack, but all-in, in all, it’s not in bad shape. This is an A/C-equipped Ranchero but the intact unit’s operational capability is not disclosed.
The big news is under the hood where a “factory” original 429 CI V8 engine is holding court. The seller tells us that it’s the original “numbers matching” piece, though curiously, the Marti report’s engine details are not visible. The seller mentions that the carburetor is non-original but the rest of it is as Ford intended. We’re told that the engine has “amazing power” but with only 208 net HP being generated by a 7.0 liter V8, the amazement factor gets dampened a bit. A C6 automatic transmission and a nine-inch differential round out the powertrain. The seller considers this to be a rare Ranchero even though it is one of 40K knocked out in ’72 – Ranchero’s second-highest production year. The rarity factor, however, is probably genuine as I imagine few were equipped with this powerplant though I can’t chase down that exact number.
When you look at the asking prices being bandied about for a similar ’72 Chevy El Camino, this Ranchero’s $7,450 ask seems reasonable. It’s mostly an unremarkable car, but the engine changes things up a bit and the needed work doesn’t initially appear to be that extensive. The seller suggests, “This truck would be an excellent choice for someone who wants a unique vehicle for weekend honey-dos, cruises, or outdoor adventures. It would also be a great truck to promote a business since it will certainly get attention and be remembered“. I would have to agree, how about you?
