1961 Ford Falcon Ranchero

When Ford released its compact Ford Falcon line of cars in 1960, it immediately supplied an open-bed pickup body and called it the Ford Falcon Ranchero. At the same time, it began dropping this body style and name from its lineup of full-size cars. The 1960-1963 Ford Falcon Ranchero was more practical than its diminutive looks suggested. Its 800-pound payload was 100 pounds more than that of the much larger Chevrolet El Camino. Power wasn't in the V8 El Camino's class, however: the Falcon's sole engine at first was a 144ci six rated at 90bhp.

Look! Up in the sky, it's a car!...No wait it's a truck!, no it's a Ranchero… so it's both! Now for consignment and your viewing pleasure, a 1961 Ford Falcon Ranchero. With an 800 pound payload capacity, nice teal paint, a little bit of wear and tear but nothing out of the ordinary battle scars for a nearly 60 year old vehicle. 15-inch Keystone Classic wheels to add a bit of bling to the team, and a snappy interior with a strong running engine all looking real nice under the hood. A pickup that will pick you up available for pickup right here plucked out of our halls at Classic Auto Mall.

Exterior
Bathed in teal, straight steel panels make up this rust-free car/truck. A few scars in the form of scratches, some paint faults where white shows through, and slightly dimpled bumpers, this is a worker bee for sure. An outwardly formed Vee for the vertical ribbed grille, and the single headlight with an “eyelike '' bezel complete with tear duct all imbedded in an oval design for the front. On back of the bed are the ubiquitous round taillights Ford used on virtually every car in the late 50's and early 60's. A small fin is above, and a working tailgate revealing a full metal jacketed bed where you can put your 800 lbs of stuff. Chrome brite-work and trimmings look good, and the cattle head badge is adorning the center of the rear tailgate. Moooooo!

Interior
Swing the doors and reveal the tan metal painted door uppers and lowers all rust free, with a tuck and roll cream vinyl panel in the center. Scanning inside, we note a large bench seat stretching from door to door. This has a split back which reveals some storage behind it and presents in cream tuck and roll vinyl with plenty of piping trim. The original “spaceship inspired style” dash with speedo and plenty of rectangular gauges and lights below and the original steering wheel, all with tan dash front, and chromed and ribbed bezels. A trio of aftermarket gauges keeps you abreast of all the interior motor happenings and these float above some newer square patterned carpet. Also seen are plenty of bakelite ribbed white knobs for all the functions needed in any weather conditions. Above is a tight cream colored headliner.

Drivetrain
A nicely done 289ci V8 is within the engine bay, and all is very clean and looking good under the hood (hey that rhymes..I'm a poet and don't know it, but my feet show it, there Longfellows…but I digress!). A 4-barrel Holley carburetor is topping the V8 and an AOD 4-speed automatic with overdrive transmission is on back. A Ford 3.50 Trac-Loc rear is on this car/truck.

Undercarriage
Some surface rust is seen as well as a few spots of invasive rust on the back of the floorpans just in front of the mufflers. Some repairs are also seen underneath, with a small panel inserted into the floorpan on the driver's side, and a repair on the driver's side toe kick showing some slathered on putty and a new floorpan welded in insert. Independent coil springs and leaf springs are the suspension, drum brakes all around, and a Flowmaster exhaust is now installed.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter and ran like a champ on the test track. Snappy acceleration with the 4-barrel Holley, and rear ratio, smooth automatic shifting, and a fine cruiser at highway speed, although the wind tends to buffet this smaller vehicle. Stopping was good, and all functions were working as they should.

A fine example of the Ranchero from 1961, good paint, excellent interior and a good combination in color to boot. A car that can double as a hay hauler during the week and a churchgoer on Sunday, all the while maintaining its total classic looks.

VIN DECODE
1R27U152715
1-1961
R-San Jose, CA Assy Plant
27-Ranchero
U-170ci I6
152715-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY TAG
BODY 66A-Ranchero
COLOR M-Corinthian White
TRIM 54-Brown/Beige
DATE 12D-April 12th
TRANS 1-3 Speed Manual
AXLE J-3.50 TracLoc

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.