
Our
recent post
on a 1961 Ranchero is a nice contrast to this later model. Finished in a
pretty metallic chestnut color with what I think are the original type
stripes, this is a striking vehicle, even with it’s massive 5
mile-per-hour bumpers. It’s located in Black Mountain, North Carolina
and is listed for auction
here on eBay, where bidding has yet to meet reserve but the buy-it-now price is a steep $7,200.

I
think there’s a lot of details here that aren’t original; for example,
I’m pretty sure it didn’t originally come with a spray-in bed liner.
However, it is an attractive combination that could probably benefit
from some more time spent on some details. The seller tells us that his
wife and he do not see eye to eye on this vehicle, and he apparently
rates his wife higher than his daily driver Ranchero (good man!). Do
take note of the dent in the right rear of the bumper, though.

The
bed looks nice, if non-original in color (I think). I’m glad to see the
lack of rust, but I still think the price is high for this vehicle
given it’s flaws. Do you agree?

The
seller mentions the Brougham interior option, and states that it’s
leather. The only reference material I could find said it was vinyl–do
any of you know for sure one way or the other? It looks like vinyl to me
in the way it has split. Personally, I’d rather have one of the
sportier options more befitting the exterior appearance. They do look
like comfortable seats, though.

Under
the hood we find a 351 cubic inch V8, which the seller claims runs
great. The Ranchero has also benefits from some recent improvements: new
brakes, new master cylinder, new shocks, new radiator, new hoses, and a
rebuilt carburetor. The air conditioning has not been addressed, and
the seller states it needs a new compressor. I’d take the opportunity to
upgrade to R134 at the same time.
So what do you think? How much
would you pay for this Ranchero? And would you rather have this one or
the earlier one? Let us know in the comments!
Source: barnfinds.com