1973 Ford Ranchero 500
The Ford Ranchero is a coupe utility that was produced between 1957 and 1979. Unlike a standard pickup the Ranchero was adapted from a two-door station wagon platform that integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body. A total of 508,355 units were produced during the model's production run. Over its lifespan it was variously derived from full-sized, compact, and intermediate automobiles sold by Ford for the North American market. In 1972, a radical change occurred in the Torino and Ranchero lines. The sleek, pointy look of the previous year's model was replaced with a larger, heavier design. The 1973 Ranchero had a redesigned front end to meet new federal standards for front impact protection. Aside from slight cosmetic differences, the Ranchero remained basically the same until the Torino's final year, 1976.
It's not often that you see any of the mid to late 1970's classics restored back to their showroom glory, let alone a Ford Ranchero. Most were used as intended then passed on to eager teenagers who slapped on the best parts they could afford from the local speed shops and drove them into the ground. For consignment, a lightly restored and never thrashed on 1973 Ford Ranchero 500. Wearing a respray in its original color, very groovy 1970's upholstery, original dealership brochures, a 351ci Cleveland V8, and even a factory 4-speed manual transmission. This Ranchero will be sure to be far out for years to come.
Exterior
The beneficiary of a repaint 2 years ago, this Ford just gleams in a nice respray of the factory applied Bright Green Gold and it's holding up well these years later. Just a few areas of imperfections and body filler that was used during the redux is showing through. Dual headlights sit outboard of a Vee canted eggcrate grille which floats in a sea of Bright Green Gold that is the header panel and lower filler. The big chrome NTSB mandated crash bumper sits below with the only flaws being some light staining on the lower sections. A long gloss black hood complete with hood pins and a Cobra-Jet style scoop leads back to the raked back windshield and black vinyl top. Clean correct brightwork adorns the long slab sided body including the door handles and the correct script emblems and how can we forget the black rocker stripe to break up the space between the wheel wells. This shiny motif follows suit on the inset rear window and the entire bed is framed in more stainless. Speaking of the bed, it's still the consignor stated factory applied paint lurking underneath the black rubber mat. FORD lettering in block style covers the tailgate, as does Ranchero in chrome script and an added GT badge. Crescent style segmented tail lights flank this gate and contour to the bodylines perfectly. Correct Magnum 500 chrome wheels in 15-inch format are shod in staggered width Cooper Cobra raised white letter radials. Good vibes man!
Interior
With a swing of the long well balanced door we are greeted with a dark green vinyl door panel with a central knitted vinyl pattern. A smooth upper vinyl section in green is dressed with chrome delineation strips and a touch of class is added with the embossed olive branches. A chrome window crank and door release adorn this panel and a carpeted lower section brings it all together nicely. Moving inside we see the factory split bench seat in vinyl that sprawls from door to door. Smooth green bolsters frame multi-hued green knitted vinyl tuck and roll inserts and not a tear is to be seen, (you just can't beat 1970's color choices). The original green three spoke rim blow and Shelby dressed steering wheel fronts a crack free dash which encompasses the 2 main gauges and a 5 pod gauge cluster in burl applique plastic framing. Just below are the heater controls and a later model Ford AM/FM/Cassette stereo to the left and right respectively. Green medium loop pile carpet floods the floors and the factory wood knobbed shifter grows from the hump. A tight dark green headliner hangs above. Can you dig it?
Drivetrain
Lifting the miles long hood we see the original 351ci Cleveland V8 in blue blocked form. Blue valve covers and a blue air cleaner assembly stand out in a sea of mild patina and a multitude of hoses. Lurking under the air cleaner is a Holley 4-barrel carburetor and an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold. Bolted to the back of the mill is the correct Toploader 4-speed manual transmission which sends power back to a Ford 9" 3.25 conventional geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
A solid steel frame supports factory floor pans with the frame showing just slight surface rust. Independent coil spring suspension is on the front and a 4 link with coil springs is on the back to provide the ride and haul the loads. Power front disc brakes work in conjunction with rear power drums to bring things safely to a stop. A new looking dual exhaust system sends spent gasses to the rear of the car and the Flowmaster mufflers give it just the right sound. All buttoned up and looking good, do you copy?
Drive-Ability
Sliding into the groovy 70's interior a twist of the key brought the car/truck to life. Performance was adequate, braking was smooth, and handling was good on our drive. We didn't make any trips to Lowes so we can't speak to performance with a full load but who's going to use this Ranchero to haul anyway. All functions were performing swimmingly at the time of our drive, just keep on truckin'.
A well sorted, lovingly cared for iteration of a truck that is rarely seen these days. Add in some vital paperwork, a powerful V8, 4-speed manual and tons of fab 70's charm. With all the plusses and nearly no minuses this Ranchero 500 won't be idling long in our Hallowed Halls, catch my drift?
3A47Q163003
3-1973
A-Atlanta, GA Assy Plant
47-Ranchero 500
Q-351ci Cleveland V8 4bbl
163003-Sequential Unit Number
DOOR STICKER
BODY 97D-Ranchero 500
PAINT 4B-Bright Green Gold
TRIM NR-Medium Green
TRANS 5-4 Speed Manual
AXLE 9-Ford 9" 3.25
DSO 14-Pittsburgh
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
