What was the Ford Ranchero based on?
The Ford Ranchero, a unique blend of car and truck, holds a special place in automotive history. Introduced in 1957, it was Ford's answer to the growing demand for a vehicle that combined the comfort of a passenger car with the utility of a pickup truck. But what exactly was the Ford Ranchero based on? Let’s dive into its origins and design foundation.
The Foundation: A Car-Based Pickup
Unlike traditional trucks, the Ford Ranchero was not built on a dedicated truck platform. Instead, it was based on the chassis and body of Ford's passenger cars. This innovative approach allowed the Ranchero to offer a smoother ride and better handling compared to conventional trucks of its time. The specific car model that served as the foundation for the Ranchero varied depending on the year and generation.
Early Generations: The Ford Fairlane
When the Ranchero debuted in 1957, it was built on the platform of the Ford Fairlane, a popular full-size car of the era. This gave the Ranchero a stylish and modern appearance, setting it apart from the utilitarian look of most trucks. The Fairlane-based Ranchero featured a spacious cargo bed while retaining the comfort and design elements of a passenger car.
Later Generations: Compact and Mid-Size Platforms
As the Ranchero evolved, Ford adapted its design to match changing consumer preferences. In the 1960s, the Ranchero transitioned to the compact Ford Falcon platform, making it smaller and more economical. By the 1970s, it shifted again, this time to the mid-size Ford Torino platform, reflecting the growing trend toward larger vehicles.
Why the Ranchero Stood Out
The Ford Ranchero's car-based design offered several advantages over traditional trucks:
- Comfort: The Ranchero provided a smoother ride and more refined interior compared to trucks built on rugged, body-on-frame platforms.
- Style: Its car-like aesthetics appealed to buyers who wanted a vehicle that looked good while still being practical.
- Versatility: The Ranchero's cargo bed made it ideal for light-duty hauling, catering to both personal and professional needs.
The Legacy of the Ford Ranchero
The Ford Ranchero remained in production until 1979, leaving behind a legacy as one of the pioneers of the car-based pickup segment. Its innovative design inspired other manufacturers, including Chevrolet, which introduced the El Camino as a direct competitor. Today, the Ranchero is celebrated by enthusiasts as a classic example of automotive ingenuity.
Whether you're a fan of vintage vehicles or simply curious about automotive history, the Ford Ranchero stands as a testament to Ford's ability to think outside the box and create a vehicle that was truly ahead of its time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ford version of El Camino?
The Ford Ranchero is a coupe utility that was produced by Ford between 1957 and 1979. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the Ranchero was adapted from a two-door station wagon platform that integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body. A total of 508,355 units were produced during the model's production run.
What was Dodge's version of the Ranchero?
Of course, the Rampage—a unibody coupe utility that was car-in-the-front and truck-in-the-back thanks to an open bed—wasn't the first of its kind. Before it, there were the Ford Ranchero in 1957 and the Chevy El Camino in 1959—and then the original Dodge Rampage in 1982.
What car was the Ranchero based on?
Introduced in December 1956, three months after the traditional September model year start-up, the Ranchero was based on the standard and new-for-1957 full-sized Ford platform, specifically the short-wheelbase Custom sedan, two-door Ranch Wagon station wagon, and utilitarian Courier sedan delivery.
What was Chevy's version of the Ford Ranchero?
Sure enough, when the 1959 models were introduced, Chevrolet had its own car-based pickup. Like the Ranchero, its all-new El Camino was a wildly repurposed station wagon.
Is the Ford Ranchero a ute?
The 1968 Ranchero GT marked the first muscle car version of Ford's ute, which was powered Ford's then-new 5.0-liter (302ci) V-8 making 210 hp as standard issue.
What are UTES called in America?
They call utes, pick-up trucks, pick-ups, or just 'me truck'. Ford invented the Ute so they can call it what they want. in fairness, the F series can get pretty big.
Was the Ranchero before the El Camino?
Not only did Ranchero precede Chevy's 1959 El Camino effort by two full years, Ford's idea was an immediate hit with those who loved cars and trucks but didn't have anything “in the middle” to choose from.
What is the Ford Falcon based on?
In late 1965, Ford launched the third generation Falcon, based on a shortened Fairlane platform with revised styling.
What car was like the El Camino?
GMC Sprint/Caballero (1973–77, 1978–87)
Special models mirrored the Chevy, with the Sprint/Caballero SP essentially the same as the El Camino SS, and the 1978-80 Caballero Laredo (renamed the Amarillo for 1981-87) essentially the same as the El Camino Conquista.
Is a Ford Ranchero a Falcon?
The Ford Ranchero was a separate model, but it used the Falcon chassis from 1957-1965. From 1966-1967, it was the Ford Fairlane, from 1968-1976, it was the Ford Torino, and from 1977-1979, it was the Ford LTD II.
