Classic Ranchero Mixes American Muscle & Pickup Skills: Two Tone Tuesday

By S.J. Bryan - January 21, 2020

1972 Ranchero GT sizzles in red and white, and packs a robust workhorse under the hood.

Now, we might be courting a little controversy in choosing a 1972 Ford Ranchero as our pick for Two Tone Tuesday. Is it technically a truck by definition? Well, most would say no. But in our quest to bring you a variety of cool rigs sporting two tones, we cannot overlook the Ranchero. Part pickup, part car; and 100% kickass Blue Oval.

Long before there were crossovers, there was the Ranchero. Ford first introduced the Ranchero in 1957. Much like the Model T, it was a utility vehicle that was combining the best elements of a car and a truck. Initially it was inspired by meshing together a Courier Sedan Delivery, with a two-door Ranch Wagon station wagon. Then, it was fit with a pickup bed and cab.

Was it an unconventional idea? Definitely. But it worked. And it paid off. Showing off pickup capability in an accessible way allowed Ford to appeal to a wider audience for the F-series. Seven generations of Rancheros came off the line from 1957 to 1979. It changed considerably in its platforms, size, and appearance during that time; but it remained rebel of a ute.

We came across this brawny 1972 Ranchero GT at Streetside Classics in Atlanta. It is a perfect example of the sixth-generation Ranchero, and we absolutely want it.

We love the style: taking its cue from 1960s and early-1970s muscle cars and adding a pickup was a stroke of sheer brilliance. It was really groundbreaking in many ways, and frankly the first street truck. Oh, and sorry Chevy, but the El Camino came after the Ranchero, as GM struggled to catch up to Ford in the utility vehicle market.

Remarkably and beautifully maintained this baby has undergone some restoration. But it is a clean machine: no rust, precise alignment, refreshed interior, power disc brakes, coil springs, and an engine bay you could eat off of. Though, we wouldn’t recommend it.

Under the hood is a 351 Cleveland V8–a staunch small block engine producing about 162 hp. Mated to a 3-speed automatic, it has been updated with a new power steering system. And we could happily roll on the 14″ Magnum wheels with spinner centers and Grand Am Radial G/T tires.

Inside, the interior is almost all stock and original. Upgrades include dash pad, some upholstery, and aftermarket climate control.

Adding to its classic American muscle appeal is the sweet-as-cherry pie red paint with white striping; hugging and complementing the lines.

Remember, this is a Ford, after all. And to that end it is a fully capable and durable pickup.

So, we realize some Ford truck fans might not consider the Ranchero a real truck. We’ve heard the mullet jokes: business in the front, party in the back. Hm, actually, that is true.

But it is hard to deny that the 1972 Ranchero is a head-turner. This muscle car-meets-truck combo is just classic All-American cool…in other words, it is pure Ford.