This 1973 Ford Ranchero 500 is a distinctive combination of classic Ford muscle and the versatility of a pickup, presented in an eye-catching white finish with maroon and blue pinstriping that gives this Ranchero a bold, unmistakable presence. Underneath the styling is a strong 351 Cleveland V8 backed by a long list of mechanical upgrades and improvements, including a complete engine rebuild performed in 2005. With its aggressive stance, muscular Cleveland power, and beautifully coordinated maroon-and-blue presentation, this Ranchero is a classic that stands out from the crowd.
Drivetrain
Power comes from a 351 Cleveland V8 equipped with an Edelbrock 650 CFM four-barrel carburetor, aftermarket Hedman headers, and an upgraded performance exhaust system with new exhaust pipes and turbo mufflers. The engine was completely rebuilt in 2005, bored .040 over and professionally balanced, with new rod and main bearings, harmonic balancer, flywheel, high-volume oil pump, Speed-Pro camshaft, valve springs, resurfaced valve seats and heads, resized connecting rods, a reground crankshaft, new lifters, and a new timing chain and gears. Additional components include new engine mounts, a new water pump, Flame-Thrower coil, and PerTronix Ignitor 11 electronic ignition.
The Ranchero is equipped with power steering and power disc brakes up front and drums in the rear. In 2003, the owner completed substantial additional work, including installation of new front springs and rear shocks, a new master cylinder, rotors and calipers, helping give this Ranchero a solid foundation both on the road and under the hood
Exterior
The Ranchero wears a bright white exterior accented by eye-catching maroon and blue pinstriping, creating a color combination that is both classic and distinctive. The Ranchero emblem remains proudly displayed on the side while an aftermarket hood scoop adds a muscular performance look. The scoop is finished in black and incorporates signal light indicators, giving the hood a particularly unique appearance.
The aluminum trim is in good condition, and the back of the bed gate features the distinctive Ford emblem spanning across the rear. The pickup bed has been fitted with a durable spray-in-bedliner, making the Ranchero as practical as it is stylish.
The stance is completed with Eagle Mag wheels wrapped in P235/70R15 BF Goodrich tires up front and P255/70R15 Tires in the rear, giving the Ranchero a wider, more aggressive appearance from every angle. A new windshield was also installed in 2003.
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Interior
Inside, this Ranchero continues its striking maroon-on-maroon theme. The seats have been redone in deep, rich maroon seats with blue inserts, adding just the right splash of contrasting color while complementing the exterior pinstriping.
The interior is equipped with a new AM/FM 8-trac audio system installed in 2003, along with an aftermarket amplifier and oil-pressure gauges. The headliner is finished in vinyl and remains in excellent condition. The result is an interior that combines the nostalgic character of a 1970s Ford with several thoughtful upgrades for the enjoyment of today's owner.
Summary
The 1973 Ranchero 500 occupies a special place in the Ford lineup, blending the personality of a muscle car with the usefulness of a pickup. This example takes that formula a step further with its powerful rebuilt and .040-over 351 Cleveland, four-barrel Edelbrock carburetor, headers, upgraded exhaust, electronic ignition, power steering, power brakes, and a substantial list of mechanical improvements. Add in the bold white, maroon and, blue exterior, richly upholstered interior, aggressive Eagle Mag wheels, and functional pickup bed, and you have a Ranchero that is equal parts muscle, style, and utility.
