1967 Ford Ranchero
The market for the Ranchero was never huge (the F Series pickups comfortably outsold it every year), but Ford sold enough to justify keeping it in production, as well as making sure there was a Blue Oval alternative to Chev's El Camino. The earliest models were based on the 'Del Rio' (Custom) wagon's 116-inch wheelbase before it shifted to a Falcon platform for 1960. The Ranchero continued to be based on the Falcon until 1966 when, curiously, the platform was moved to the slightly longer wheelbase of the Fairlane - 113-inch, instead of 109.5-inch - but all the Falcon front end sheetmetal was retained. At the rear, the larger ute bed (the platform shift slightly increased load area, but not capacity, which remained at half a ton) was finished with vertical, Fairlane-style taillights, but from the front, the 1966 Ranchero looked little different from a 1965 model. The switch to the Fairlane platform was completed with the 1967 model, when the Fairlane's bonnet, grille, vertically-stacked quad headlights and front guards were added.
The new Ranchero was a much more elegant and impressive looking vehicle than the Falcon-based model, and advertising reflected this, placing the Ranchero in ritzy settings like the country club and marina, rather than the more workaday ranch and building site settings of past models. The Ranchero was being pitched more towards female buyers, too, with Ford even going so far as to send out directives to dealership sales staff on "how to sell trucks to women"!
Reflecting the Ranchero's positioning as a more upmarket machine, options were increased. Previously, the base and 'Custom' model Rancheros were the only variants available. For 1967, the Ranchero could be had in base, '500' or '500/XL' versions. While the base model was sparsely appointed with rubber floor mats and basic trim, the 500 featured a fully carpeted floor, woodgrain appliqué on the Fairlane-sourced instrument panel, an electric clock, different door trim and a choice of colours for the uniquely-upholstered bench seat. On the outside, the 500 added lower body chrome strips (with FAIRLANE on the front guards), special trim on the rear of the cabin, narrow side stripes, chrome trim on the wheelarches and side window surrounds, and full width wheel covers. The 500/XL featured all the 500's extras, but replaced the bench seat with buckets, adding a centre console and floor-shifter for the transmission, as well as an internally-adjustable driver's side mirror, 'vanity box' in the centre console, courtesy lights in the doors and special '500/XL' badge on the grille. Base models carried the 'Ranchero' name on the front guards, encased in a full length trim moulding, but on the 500 and 500/XLs it was a script-style, standalone badge placed toward the rear of the ute bed area.
A 120-hp 200-ci 6-cylinder was the standard engine, but most 500 and 500/XL Ranchero buyers went for the optional 200-hp 289-ci or 315-hp 390-ci V8s. Halfway through the 1967 model year, both V8s were available in higher horsepower versions - 270-hp and 320-hp respectively.
Air conditioning was still an option, as was a push-button radio and antenna, 'Stereo-Sonic' 8-track player, tinted glass, deluxe woodgrain steering wheel and more. For those who planned to actually put their Ranchero to work, a heavy duty suspension package was available, as well as a front brake vacuum booster, heavy duty battery and limited slip diff.
The 500 was the top-selling Ranchero for 1967, clearing just short of 10,000 units. The base model sold on a par with past years, but the XL proved a little too rich for 1967 tastes, with only 1881 sold.
While any Ranchero is a rare sight today, 1967 Rancheros are even rarer as their vertically-stacked headlight front was available for that year only. Arguably the best-looking of the 1960s-era Rancheros, a big part of the 1967 model's appeal, at least in this country, lies in its difference to an equivalent Aussie Falcon ute. The '67 is also relatively easy to up-spec with bigger capacity Ford engines, if you're inclined to make a street ute that's got a lot of 'go' to match the Ranchero's 'show'.
SPECIFICATIONS: 1967 Ford Ranchero - (390-ci V8 equipped)
Engine: 390 ci OHV V8
Bore/stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inch
Compression: 9.5:1
Power/torque:270 hp @ 4400 rpm / 403 lb/ft @ 2600 rpm
Fuel system: two-barrel carburettor
Cooling system: liquid
Electrics: 12 Volt
Transmission: 3-speed manual (optional 4-spd manual, 3-spd auto)
Front brakes: 254 mm drum (optional power assist discs)
Rear brakes: 254 mm drum
Wheels: 14 inch (Fr & Rr)
Tyres:7.75 x 14 inch (Fr & Rr)
Wheelbase: 2870 mm
Length:5077 mm
Width:1897 mm
Weight: 1746 - 2155 kg (depending on load)
0-100kph: 9.5 secs (approx - with 3 spd auto trans)
Top Speed: 180 kph (approx - with 3 spd auto trans)
TRIVIA
The 1967 Rancheros, and all other Fords, introduced a feature that became commonplace in the next decade - the reversible ignition key.
Paint colour options increased with each Ranchero variant for 1967. Base models could be had in 12 different colours; the Ranchero 500 was available in 13 colours; 500/XL buyers had 15 different exterior colours to choose from.
The Ranchero was on its third different platform by 1967, this time sharing dimensions and components with Ford's Fairlane
