Ford invented the “car with a bed” in 1957 with the Ranchero, and for Blue Oval fans it’s still a great way to get a cool cruiser that’s still a bit practical. The third generation Rancheros are particularly interesting, having moved from the compact Falcon chassis to the mid-sized Fairlane platform, allowing the use of Ford’s entire arsenal of V8 engines and significantly increasing carrying capacity. 1967 featured one-year-only styling that borrowed the Fairlane’s front end and married it with a full-sized bed, giving it idea proportions. The all-new look featured stacked headlights, upscale Fairlane trim, and clean lines that still look great today. Add in a larger, more luxurious, more comfortable interior, and you get a truck/car that does everything well.

This handsome Electric Red 1967 Ranchero 500 is a lifetime California car that started life with a 200 cubic inch six-cylinder. Now before you knock it, bear in mind that 6-cylinder cars typically led easy lives and were not often raced or abused, and as a result this Ranchero feels tight and solid going down the road. That California sheetmetal shows extremely well and was refinished about five years ago in a late-model Ford color called Electric Red, which was popular on Mustangs a few years ago. It was originally code V Burnt Amber, so a color change isn’t surprising and it looks fantastic today. Panel fit is quite good and the bed doesn’t look like it has ever had to work for a living. There’s one tiny rust repair that’s all but invisible under the freshly-applied spray-in bedliner, which makes for a low-maintenance work surface. You’ll also note cool little cargo lights that are controlled by a switch under the dash. And since it’s based on the Fairlane, there’s lots of chrome and stainless trim to give it an upscale appearance, all of which is in great shape. Nice chrome bumpers, unique belt moldings, and the chrome trim around the perimeter of the bed also help with the unique 1967 Ranchero look.

The interior, which was originally code 4U Parchment vinyl, has been upgraded to black vinyl and cloth on the stock bench seat. New carpets, reproduction door panels, and a fresh dash pad all make it feel crisp and clean inside, and the upscale Fairlane 500 trim shows off a lot of brightwork on the dashboard. The steering wheel has what might be the last horn ring ever installed on a production car and the gauges cover the basics with a wide speedometer, a rectangular gas gauge, and a clock on the right. Auxiliary gauges for temperature, oil pressure, and voltage have been added under the dash and the heater controls are neatly camouflaged under the factory AM radio (which is sadly not operational). From behind the wheel it’s impossible to tell that there’s a pickup bed out back and with lots of sound insulation to go with the car’s upscale vibe so it’s cool and quiet inside.

The original 200 cubic inch inline-6 is long gone, replaced by a strong-running 302 cubic inch V8 that’s a much better partner for the Fairlane. Fully rebuilt with a mild cam and a 4-barrel carburetor, it makes the slick truck/car feel quick around town and capable on the highway. It’s nicely detailed with finned Ford Motorsports valve covers, bright red MSD ignition components, and ultra-clean inner fenders befitting its California history. There’s also a V8-sized radiator up front, a brand new power steering system, and a great-sounding dual exhaust system with just a little bark to it.

The torquey 302 is backed by Ford’s tough Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission which was recently rebuilt, and a 9-inch rear end with 3.25 gears inside so it’s comfortable on the highway. You can see plenty of evidence of clean California living underneath, where it is a little dirty but not at all rusty and you can still see the original red oxide primer on the floors. Front disc brakes are a nice plus, there are new components in the front end, fresh shocks (including helper springs on the rear shocks), and because this was destined to be someone’s wife’s car the hardware is nicely dialed-in. Chrome wheels with baby moon hubcaps are a traditional look and carry recent 215/70/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials all around.

This car also comes with some nice paperwork, including an original owner’s manual and warranty booklet in their original folder, as well as a Deluxe Marti Report. There’s also a full-sized spare tire and a car cover included.

The Ranchero fills a unique niche in the automotive world, offering an ideal blend of fun and practicality. It feels like a real car when you’re driving, but nothing else has a trunk that can carry this much. From a time when pickup trucks were crude, the Ranchero was comfortable and quick, and with the unique look it always stands out in a crowd. With super clean bodywork, a strong-running V8, and a few upgrades, this one is ready to enjoy, no questions asked. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.