1972 Ford Ranchero GT: Forgotten Muscle Car or Original Street Truck?
This ’72 Ranchero is all business. Also all party.
When most people think of the business-in-front-party-in-back-style Utes, the Chevy El Camino is the first thing that comes to mind. That’s a shame; Ford introduced the Ranchero back in 1957, a full two years before Chevy’s popular car-truck. And this model, a beautiful yellow-over-tan 1972 GT, makes us wonder why the Bowtie Brand gets all the credit.
Like its GM rival, the Ranchero kicked around from platform to platform throughout its 22-year lifespan. First, it was based on Ford’s full-size car platform. Then it was a Falcon, a Fairlane, a Torino, and finally, an LTD II. This sixth-generation ’72 however, is arguably the best-looking of the bunch. What’s more, Mecum is offering it at its Las Vegas auction from November 15 to 17.
The early ’70s Torino styling (think Clint Eastwood Gran Torino, not Starsky and Hutch), with its flared, Coke-bottle fenders, wild orange side stripes, and angry-looking front fascia give the truck a purposeful, muscular look. It really puts the muscle in muscle truck.
Under the hood, a 351 cubic inch Windsor V8 looks good as new and should make about 161 horsepower. It’s mated to an unspecified automatic transmission. Inside, the tan bench matches the rest of the interior; for anyone who grew up around early ’70s full-size Ford cars, this cabin will be a familiar sight. Save for some embroidered floormats, this GT truck looks like it rolled out of the Lorain, Ohio plant just yesterday.
Unfortunately, that’s just about all the information we have. Mileage, whether it’s original or restored, any modifications, or even a reserve price are omitted from the listing. Still, Mecum has the truck labeled as one of its “Star” lots. Classic F-Series trucks and Broncos are hitting stratospheric levels in collector circles. It’s about time some of Ford’s other trucks start getting some love, and we think the Ranchero is well past due. With its star billing at Mecum’s Vegas auction, it seems like they agree.
