1972 Ford Ranchero

The example on sale here with Bonhams|Cars Online is a 1972 Ford Ranchero, from the first year of the 6th generation of the coupe utility. It was registered in the UK in September 2018 and was acquired by the current owner in September 2023.

The 6th generation Ranchero featured a heavily revised body which gave it a more muscular look. The biggest style change was to the front end which was given a new oval egg crate style grill. This 1972 example has been repainted red and presents in solid condition.

Most coupe utility’s lived a very hard life but this Ranchero appears to have been spared that. There are some dings and marks here and there as one would expect for a 53 years old workhorse. However it is very straight with a small amount of bubbling on the rear drivers side wheel arch. There is an area of rust starting on the inside edge of the passenger door, which is shown in the photos. 

The red paint is a little faded in places and the owner has said it polishes up very well. He adds that his plan was to allow the paint to naturally fade and wear, then clear coat it to really give it that genuine used truck like patina.

Elsewhere the all important rear bed is in very good shape. There are a couple of small dings but it is not beat up and does not look like it has been abused at all. There are some small rust bubbles in the rear corners, which are shown in the photos. However these appear to be minor. The rear tailgate is also in good shape and opens and closes as it should.

Elsewhere the chrome and stainless trim is all there. Some marks and small dings are present but it is complete and in nice clean shape. A weekend with some metal polish will likely work wonders.

The Ranchero wears a set of Ion alloys with white letter out Cooper Cobra Radial GT tyres. These really work on the utility coupe, giving it an extra muscular look.

As one would expect for a work car/truck the Ranchero’s interior is simple and basic. The wide bench seat shows a little wear and fade to the red colour but there are no rips or tears. The door cards are also red and are in good condition.

The current owner has upgraded the steering wheel to a wood rim one from a Mustang and the original larger Ranchero wheel comes with the car.

Underneath the dash pad protector, the dashboard is in very good shape with no cracks are splits visible.

Controls for factory AC are present which is nice to see on an entry level work vehicle. The AC equipment in the engine bay is long gone, but with the original factory controls present, it would be a fun project to install a new AC system.

The owner has informed us that he thinks the radio is causing a battery drain when the battery is left connected up, so recommends looking into this.

Under the hood resides the renown Ford 351 5.8 litre V8 engine, which appeared in a wide range of models for many years. With 150BHP the 6th generation Ranchero has plenty of torque for hauling loads, or just cruising. 

The owner informs up that the engine has recently been treated to a new water pump and thermostat and was last serviced in December.

He adds that the Ranchero is fitted with a cherry bomb exhaust which makes it quite rowdy, which he feels suits the look of the coupe utility. And he goes on to say that it drives well and is surprisingly quick.

Little history comes with the Ranchero which is a shame but its overall condition suggests it was looked after when it was State side. The current owner tells us he acquired it from the widow of a local gentleman who unfortunately passed away not long after acquiring his dream car.

“More than a car, more than a truck” and “a double-duty beauty” were the marketing slogans used by Ford to describe the Ranchero from 1957-79. Over 508,355 models were sold over a 22 year production run. Its best years were in 1972-73 when 40,334 and 45,741 were sold. Which makes the 6th generation one of the most successful Ranchero’s. 

This 1972 Ford Ranchero is being offered by sale by the current owner, along with his 1964 Buick Riviera, which is also being offered here with Bonhams|Cars Online. With a busy work and family life the owner has decided to sell both vehicles, which aren’t getting the use they deserve. Both are icons of the American automotive industry and make a wonderful V8 powered package. 

We think the Ranchero presents a fantastic canvas to work with. Either use it as is and enjoy or take it further. We think a patina style would suit this Ranchero. What would you do with this slice of Americana?

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £10,000 - £15,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Hastings, East Sussex. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.