I had read that ford still uses the courier name in South America and Africa and just the other day I saw a new one sporting Mexico tags, not really a bad looking little thing.

 

Ever see a 1958 Ford Courier? o here http://www.network54.com/Forum/74182 and watch the pics on the top right. to speed things up hit "refresh" on your browser 'till the '58 comes up.

 

I think ford used the name for its sedan deliverys in the U.S. in the early to mid fiftys.

 

That's right. The history of the "modern' ranchero goes way back, especially Ford of Austrailia where they were called "Utes". Short for utility I assume.

 

Oh yeah, I have seen pictures of some way cool utes. The first one I ever saw a picture of was a 46 Ford. I think they also used the 351 Clevland for several years after it was abandoned by Ford USA. I'm guessing our emissions program killed it here.

 

Emissions controls killed them in Australia too. from what I gather their emissions standards are rapidly approaching Kalifornias in requirements. (I tried to spell it like Arnie pronounces it)

 

I personally like the emissions programs. I could always go to Anchorage and find a steal on cars that wouldn't pass I/M and take them to the valley where it wasn't required. And the federal standards are ok too because it just makes my 67-72 pickups that much cooler.

 

Ford Australia sell Couriers with are re badged Mazda Bravos, we also have Falcon Utes, but unfortunately we don't get F 150's, just the Super Duties that are very basic compared to yours, & with a price tag of $80,000. Check out www.ford.com.au

Pete