Falcon Rancheros are just plain cool! Although the Mustang was based on an updated 1964 Falcon, many parts still fit, which means you can do just about anything with one of these little trucklets. These didn’t come with a V8 until 1963, but they easily accept one.
The owner of this one has done some good things, as a V8 is installed, along with front disc brakes and new springs and shocks front and rear. The car originally has a “three on the tree” column-shifted, three-speed transmission, but now wears a floor-shift four-speed. The column shifter would be cool for its unusual nature, but the four-speed and floor shifter will be much better for performance driving.
Why do we beg readers to save this one? The seller says he or she was going to make this a tribute to the early Shelby Mustangs. We love Shelby Mustangs and we love Rancheros, To each his own, but we don’t think the two should meet. This would be awesome looking mostly stock and would have good sleeper value with its upgraded engine and suspension (although the rumble would probably be obvious!). This needs a lot of work, but a lot of work has already been done and it’s ready for you to make your own decisions on how to finish it out.
Click for Craigslist ad
North Hollywood, CA, USA
$2,500
Many don’t realize that the Ranchero came before the El Camino. It was much larger at first, though, as it was downsized for 1960. This one looks pretty straight. The camper shell should probably go, though.
The owner has been storing it without front wheels to prevent theft. That’s North Hollywood for you. Would your HOA let you do that?
The disc brake set up is rusty, but present. These had drums all around from the factory.
New springs and shocks!
Yes, front wheels and tires are included. White walls (still wearing protective blue film) will work perfectly with our sleeper idea! They were a strange choice for a Shelby tribute…
Four-speed shifter is visible here and the wood Mustang wheel is a nice touch. This is all we can see of the interior, so we know it at least needs carpet.
Here’s the engine – it’s not clear whether it’s a 260, 289, 302 or even a 351; but it’s definitely some sort of Windsor. We’ll bet it’s a 289 or 302.
Look ma, no valve covers! As seen in the previous image, they are included, however.
Ad text:
1960 Ford Ranchero.
It is an Ugly Betty, but it won’t take much to make it a real beauty.
Here’s what I’ve done to my 1960 Ford Ranchero.
Front end:
Replaced front springs with 1″ lowering for a 65 mustang. Most parts are for a 65 Mustang except for Falcon specific items.
1 1/8″ sway bar
tie rods,
center linkage (falcon)
idler arms
ball joints
control arms
Cobra style valve covers
Steering wheel (wooden)
65 mustang steering column, got rid of the three-on-the tree column
KYB shocks front and rear.
new leaf springs in the rear
1972 Comet spindles with disc brakes- 5 lug
9″ rear end
Dual brake master
Brake lines (partial finished)
Monte Carlo bar
Export brace
3 core aluminium radiator
White wall tires
14″ wheels
My goal for this project was to build a tribute to the 1965 Shelby Cobra Mustang.
I have to sell my project due to lack of full tome employment and we’re moving across the country.
The front wheels off the car to prevent theft.
