What engines came in the Ford Rancheros?
The Ford Ranchero was offered with a broad mix of engines over its 1957–1979 run, ranging from inline-sixes to a wide spread of V8s. In short, early models rode on small sixes and Y‑block V8s, while later years moved toward Windsor and Cleveland V8s and even big-blocks on select trims. Availability varied by year, market, and option code.
This article surveys the engine options the Ranchero used across its production life, organized by era to reflect the major shifts in Ford’s powertrain strategy and the pickups’ evolving workload needs.
First generation (1957–1959): Early sixes and small V8s
The opening Rancheros borrowed powertrains from Ford’s passenger-car lineup, with a choice between inline-six efficiency and early V8 power from the Y‑block family.
- Inline-six engines, including the 223 cu in option
- V8 options from the era in the Y‑block family (commonly around 272–292 cu in in this period)
These early engines established the Ranchero as a compact, car-based pickup, offering modest power for light-duty hauling and daily driving.
Second generation (1960–1964): Modernized inline-sixes and V8s
As Ford refreshed its lineup, Rancheros gained a wider selection of six-cylinder and V8 choices, aligning with mid-century increases in payload and performance expectations.
- Inline-six engines, including 144, 170, and 200 cu in variants
- V8 options such as the 260 cu in and 289 cu in engines
That era marked a balance between fuel-conscious six-cylinders and the more capable V8s without moving into the largest displacement engines.
Third generation (1965–1967): Growing V8 power
During the mid‑1960s, Ranchero powertrains leaned more heavily on V8s to support higher payloads and more confident highway performance, while keeping inline-sixes as viable economy choices.
- V8 options centered on the 289 cu in family
- 302 cu in V8 began appearing as a more powerful small-block option toward the end of this period
This period foreshadowed Ford’s broader V8 emphasis that would dominate later Ranchero configurations.
Fourth generation (1968–1979): Windsor, Cleveland and bigger‑block possibilities
The late 1960s through the 1970s brought a wide spectrum of V8 powertrains, reflecting Ford’s shift toward more robust pickups and performance variants. Availability varied by year and market, with several engine families represented.
- 302 Windsor V8
- 351 Windsor V8
- 360 (5.0 L) V8 based on the Windsor family
- 351 Cleveland V8
- 400-series V8 (including 400M) used in some higher-trim or heavier Ranchero configurations
- Big-block options such as 429/460 in select, higher-performance or heavy-duty packages (relatively rare)
By the late 1970s, the Ranchero could top out with powerful V8s that matched its light-truck duty while delivering noticeable on-road performance, depending on the chosen option and accompanying transmission.
Summary
Across its 1957–1979 production life, the Ford Ranchero reflected Ford’s broader engine strategy: start with compact inline-sixes and small V8s, then gradually embrace larger V8 families—from Windsor and Cleveland to occasional big-block options—presenting a spectrum that ranged from economical daily transport to capable work and performance configurations. The exact engine mix varied by year, model year, and market, so checking year-by-year documentation or brochures is the best way to confirm which engines were offered on a specific Ranchero.
What was the last year of Ford Ranchero?
The last year for the Ford Ranchero was 1979. Ford discontinued the car-truck hybrid after its seventh generation, which was built on the LTD II platform from 1977 to 1979.
You can watch this video to learn about the history and models of the Ford Ranchero: 59sTony's Fords and MustangsYouTube · May 20, 2023
- The final generation of the Ranchero was produced from 1977 to 1979.
- The 1979 model year marked the end of production for the entire line.
What was the best year for the Ford Ranchero?
Per Ford's archives, a total of 508,355 units were built over the model's 22-year run. The best-selling model year for the Ranchero was 1973, with a total of 45,741 sold, and the lowest production total was in 1958, with just 9,950 models rolling off the assembly line.
How much is a 1967 Ford Ranchero worth today?
The value of a 1967 Ford Ranchero varies widely, ranging from approximately $11,550 for a low-retail condition model to over $32,800 for a high-retail condition one. For a good, average condition example, a reasonable estimate is around $16,829. Pricing depends heavily on the vehicle's overall condition, mileage, history, and desirable features.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Low Retail | $11,550 |
| Average Retail | $19,400 |
| High Retail | $32,800 |
| Good, Average Spec | ~$16,829 |
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- High-end models: Exceptionally well-maintained or rare examples with desirable options can command higher prices.
- Low-end models: Vehicles needing extensive maintenance, or those with accident histories, will be at the lower end of the price spectrum.
- Recent sales: Recent auction prices for the 1967 model have varied. For example, one sold for $9,129 in March 2023, while others are listed for sale in the $20,000 to $40,000 range.
What engine did the Ford Ranchero have?
Engine choices began with the 250 cubic inch I6 and ran to several V8 choices, including the standard 289 with two-barrel carburetor, and the FE-based 390. The powerful 428 cu in (7.0 L) Cobra Jet, another FE derivative and the largest engine offered in the Ranchero to date, was a mid-1968 option.
