In the early days of the automobile, cars and trucks had very separate purposes. Passenger cars transported people—and trucks mostly got work done on the farm. But over time, the lines blurred.
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Suburban homeowners started using trucks for weekend chores while using the same vehicle for workday commuting. The Ford Ranchero was one of the few experiments in making trucks more car-like. This 1965 Ranchero for sale on eBay, a small pickup truck based on the compact Falcon, is a prime example.
Old Ranchero, New Maverick
These days, it’s common to see commuters in full-size pickups. But the spirit of the Ranchero is still very much alive in the form of the recently released new Ford Maverick. It’s a small pickup truck based on the compact Escape crossover. Take note: The price of the classic Ranchero on eBay is close to what a new Maverick costs.
2022 Ford Maverick Lariat
Meanwhile, the ‘65 Ranchero went through a frame-off restoration. The seller notes a few paint flaws here and there, but we’d drive it just as is and fix it down the road. The bed, especially, looks flawless. Heck, it’s probably nicer than when it rolled off the assembly line.
The rally-style wheels fitted with wide blackwall tires look just right. And we love the subtle pinstriping throughout.
The red-finished interior also looks splendid, with a bench seat that might fit three people (who like each other). The two-tone dashboard and wide sweeping instrument panel are framed nicely by the spindly steering wheel.
One thing we don’t see these days is the spare tire sitting right behind the driver inside the passenger compartment, but it’s probably the place that made the most sense in the 1960s.
What’s Old Is New
Things look very familiar under the Ranchero’s hood—especially if you’ve ever spun a wrench on an early Mustang. This Ranchero and the first-gen Mustang were based on the Falcon. The classic Windsor V-8, displacing 289 cubic inches, should produce plenty of horsepower for weekend fun.
The cornucopia of accessories and performance parts offered for the Mustang - opens in new window or tab. at eBay Motors usually works on the Ranchero. You could make this wee pickup roar off the line with a ton of power or handle like a sports car.
We’ve spent some time behind the new Maverick, and it’s a great little truck. It’s a solid package with good fuel economy and excellent utility. But then, the subtle rumble of a small-block Ford could entice us into daily driving of this Ranchero. Sometimes what’s old is new again, and sometimes what’s old is freaking awesome.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.