What was the Ford Ranchero based on?
The Ford Ranchero was a unique vehicle that blended the utility of a truck with the comfort and style of a car. Produced by Ford from 1957 to 1979, the Ranchero was a pioneering model that paved the way for the modern sport utility vehicle (SUV) and crossover segments.
Origins of the Ford Ranchero
The Ford Ranchero was based on the Ford Fairlane, a popular mid-size car of the 1950s. 1 Ford saw an opportunity to create a vehicle that could serve both work and leisure needs, and the Ranchero was born. 2 The Ranchero combined the cargo-carrying capacity of a pickup truck with the driving dynamics and passenger comfort of a car, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of customers.
Design and Evolution
The first-generation Ford Ranchero, introduced in 1957, was based on the Ford Fairlane two-door sedan. 3 Over the years, the Ranchero evolved alongside Ford's car models, with each generation reflecting the design cues and features of the corresponding Fairlane or Torino platform. 4 The Ranchero's unique blend of form and function made it a popular choice for both work and play, appealing to a diverse customer base.
Popularity and Legacy
The Ford Ranchero enjoyed a loyal following throughout its 22-year production run, with over 500,000 units sold. 5 Its versatility and distinctive styling made it a standout in the automotive market, and the Ranchero's influence can be seen in the development of modern SUVs and crossovers. 6 While the Ranchero was discontinued in 1979, its legacy as a pioneering vehicle that blended the best of trucks and cars continues to be celebrated by automotive enthusiasts.
The Ford Ranchero was a unique and innovative vehicle that combined the utility of a truck with the comfort and style of a car. Its enduring popularity and influence on the automotive industry make it a significant chapter in the history of American automobiles.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
