1978 Ford Ranchero Squire

The Ford Ranchero is a coupe utility that was produced by Ford between 1957 and 1979. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the Ranchero was adapted from a two door station wagon platform that integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body. With Torino production ending after 1976, the 1977 Ranchero was restyled in line with the Ford LTD II mid sized car line using the same platform as the Torino. The same three models available since 1968 were still offered and the Ranchero could be ordered in quite luxurious form. Production ceased in 1979 with, among the traditional choices, a commemorative "1979.5" model being available.

For consignment and straight out of 1978, bathed in dark red, a Squire version of the 1978 Ford Ranchero. Look out on the road....it's a LTD II.....No....It's a truck.....No.....it's a station wagon.....it's a Ranchero Squire! Sporting decent paint, a stylish interior and a bed to haul all of your cargo. With a V8 engine and automatic transmission you'll be hauling in style.

Exterior
Retaining the LTD II exterior nose, hood and cabin, although sans the rear seat, this car has fairly straight steel panels and a nice looking bed showing little signs of use. This is all bathed in Dark Russet Metallic, which is a respray, showing few faults, thanks in part to being given a Rusty Jones rustproofing when new, we see a few inclusions, and a very small spot of rust bubbling but otherwise very nice. The grill retains its original beauty with the outboard stacked headlights and corner mounted cathedral style turn signals. A chrome strip lines from the rear of the clean red vinyl colored roof and around the bed and on the side is the pièce de résistance. That being a full-length woodgrain applique running the pointed front fenders to the rounded rear bedside. This is giving an accenting highlight with light colored "wood" plastic acting as an encircling trimline. A tailgate gives you access and has FORD badging spelled out in individual chrome letters within more wood applique. Covering the bed is a red vinyl snap on style tonneau cover. At the rear of the quarter panels are the stacked inset signal/brake/reverse lights. Magnum 500 wheels are now on all 4 corners and are wrapped in nearly new in 225/70R14 General radial tires.

Interior
Snazzy dark red vinyl door panels adorn the large well balanced door. A faux wooden trim spear separates the top from the bottom of the panel and just below this is an armrest and integral door release. A chrome window cranks, and mirror joystick also reside within this panel. A sprawling dark and light red cloth split bench with a fold-down armrest floats in a sea clean red carpeting, and both are looking fab. The original red plastic steering wheel fronts the dash panel and is wrapped in red leatherette and shows with a worn horn pad. This red padded crack free dash is full of instrumentation, part of the optional GT or Squire packages, including gauges for volts, amps, a clock and a factory tachometer. A wood applique finish surrounds these gauges and down below is an AM/FM/Cassette player. A small storage compartment is behind the seats and a saggy but tear free headliner is above.

Drivetrain
A 351ci Windsor V8 fed by a 2bbl carburetor occupies space in the mammoth engine bay. This mill was recently tuned up and chrome valve covers top things off along with a polished air cleaner. The hoses in this bay all are soft and supple. A C4 3-speed automatic transmission is on the back and at the tail end is a Ford 9" rear axle.

Undercarriage
Surface rust is on the untreated components as would be expected with a car this vintage. Otherwise, it's a calm sea of patina and factory rustproofing. The floor pans are rust free thanks in part to the undercoating. Independent coil spring suspension is on the front and for the rear we see a 4 link with coil springs. New shocks have recently been installed as well as a new pinion seal. Dual exhaust snakes its way rearward through a pair of turbo style mufflers. Power brakes are noted with discs in the front and drums on the back.

Drivability
This Ranchero is a quick starter, idles smoothly, runs great, drives nicely, and cruises comfortably at highway speed. Brakes were very good, and handling was nice and tight.

A well done version of the Ranchero, with a few faults here and there, but a rarely seen vehicle with a pile of NOS parts. This is one of three Rancheros we have in inventory and the only one sporting woodgrain. Well cared for and ready to drive.

VIN DECODE
8H49H164639
8-1978
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
49-Ranchero Squire
H-351ci V8 2bbl 149hp
164639-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.