Did Ford make a Falcon Ranchero?
Yes. Ford produced a Ranchero based on the Falcon platform beginning with the 1960 model year, creating a car-based pickup that rode on the Falcon underpinnings and continued through several generations before moving to a larger Torino-derived chassis later in the 1960s.
Ranchero is Ford’s name for its car-based pickup line, a response to growing interest in practical, utility-oriented coupes. The Falcon, introduced in 1960 as Ford’s compact car, provided the mechanical basis for a lighter, more economical Ranchero that still offered bed space and payload. While Ford had already offered earlier Ranchero models on other platforms, the Falcon-era Ranchero is the version most closely associated with the Falcon family in the 1960s. This lineage sits alongside rival concepts such as the Chevrolet El Camino and helped define the civil utility segment in North America.
Origins and definitions
The Ranchero name first appeared in Ford’s lineup in the late 1950s, but the iconic Falcon-based Ranchero truly established Ford’s approach to a car-based pickup. The early 1957–1959 Ranchero was built on a Fairlane-based chassis, while the 1960 introduction of the Falcon platform marked a shift toward a more economical, compact-car-derived pickup that shared its underpinnings with Ford’s new Falcon family.
Timeline of Falcon-based Ranchero generations
Below is a concise timeline of the Ranchero variants that were built on Ford’s Falcon family and its successors. This offers a clear view of how the Falcon platform powered Ford’s car-based pickup through the 1960s and into the late 1960s before a transition to larger underpinnings.
- 1960–1965: Ranchero introduced on the Ford Falcon platform, pairing compact-car running gear with a pickup bed for practical hauling and sportier styling.
- 1966–1967: Continued Falcon-based design with updated styling and options, maintaining the car-based pickup concept but with refinements to interior and performance.
- 1968–1979: Transition to a larger Torino-derived platform, expanding wheelbase and payload while preserving the Ranchero’s car-based pickup identity.
These periods illustrate Ford’s evolving approach to the Ranchero, evolving from a compact Falcon-based model to a larger, more powerful setup grounded in Torino-derived engineering.
Notable models and collector notes
As the Ranchero evolved, collectors often focus on the distinctive phases: the early Falcon-era models for their simplicity and efficiency, and the later Torino-era variants for their increased size, power options, and unique styling cues. The following highlights summarize what enthusiasts tend to look for in each era.
- 1960–1965 Ranchero (Falcon-based): The original Falcon-era Ranchero, valued for its straightforward mechanicals and era-correct styling.
- 1966–1967 Ranchero (Falcon-derived): Facelifted version with refined interior and exterior updates, still grounded in Falcon underpinnings.
- 1968–1979 Ranchero (Torino-based): The longer-wheelbase, more powerful option set, reflecting Ford’s shift to larger car-based pickups.
For collectors, matching year, body style, and engine configuration is part of the appeal, with preserved examples spanning multiple decades and a range of restoration challenges and opportunities.
Falcon-era highlights
The Falcon-based Ranchero represents Ford’s effort to combine economy and utility, typically offering inline-six or small V8 power with a light, practical bed and adaptable interior layouts that appealed to buyers needing hauling capability without a full-size truck.
Torino-era highlights
The Torino-based Ranchero ushered in a larger footprint, broader engine options, and more interior comfort features, making it more competitive with mid-size pickups of the era while retaining the car-like ride and handling that defined the Ranchero family.
Summary
Ford did indeed build a Falcon-based Ranchero, beginning with the 1960 model year. The Falcon-era Ranchero evolved through several generations, starting on a compact Falcon undercarriage and later adopting a larger Torino-derived chassis, with production continuing until 1979. This lineage highlights Ford’s commitment to the car-based pickup concept and its influence on the broader market for practical, stylish utility vehicles.
How much is a 1965 Falcon Ranchero worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $13,350 for a 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero? The highest selling price of a 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero at auction over the last three years was $45,360.
What is the rarest Ford Falcon?
The 6- door 1970 Falcon is a one-off vehicle manufactured in 1970 it is the only 6 door XY Falcon ever created. The vehicle is even rarer than one of 3 surviving Ford GTHO phase IVs.
Is a Ford Ranchero a Falcon?
From 1973 until 1991, Ford Motor Argentina developed and sold a utility version of its own Ford Falcon called the Ford Ranchero. Unlike the American version, it was based on the four-door sedan model, keeping the front part "as is", and knocking down the rear half to make it a light pick-up.
Is Ford making a 2026 Ranchero?
The legendary nameplate returns, reimagined for a new era. The 2026 Ranchero combines classic heritage with modern performance and design. The standard SE model is powered by Ford's proven 2.3L EcoBoost® inline-four engine, delivering an optimal balance of efficiency and capability.
