This 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero is a Southern California native, with the seller being the second owner. The first owner removed the original black license plates for personalized ones, but the current owner was able to prove the Ranchero's heritage and acquired original California black and yellow plates from its year of origin (very important for both DMV and collectors seeking authenticity) and installed them as they should be. They are current.
The Ranchero has a stock 289 V8 with Cruise-O-Matic on the column. The only modifications are an aftermarket radiator custom-fitted to the Ranchero that helps maintain a cooler ride, as well as chrome Weiand valve covers and an Edelbrock chromed air cleaner cover. (For the purist, there is a stock new radiator still in the box, as well as new valve covers and an unmarked chromed air cleaner cover and air cleaner, along with additional parts such as a new battery tray, rubber molding and various grommets and pieces.)
The interior consists of two bucket seats with Falcon markings on the seatbacks. The previous owner installed a nice, usable console with cupholders that makes for one cohesive unit. The glovebox is brand new and the spare tire sits comfortably behind the driver seat. The radio is original and works intermittently. The dashboard is protected with a custom-molded mat and is unblemished underneath. Ranchero-branded floor mats protect your feet. All gauges work and the mileage of 71,944 is original.
The Ranchero runs solidly, with manual steering, drum brakes all around and period whitewall tires. The eye-catcher is the spinner wheel covers with the Falcon red, white and blue crest in the middle. These are clean and featured on all four covers. The gas cap is the original metal spin-on and -off and the truck comes with a spare cap as well. The tailgate fits perfectly, holds well and the bed is clean and without scratches or dents.
There is one crack in the black paint on the hood, in the middle and along one of the crests in the hood. There is a bit of overspray - the truck was repainted once in about 2010 by the previous owner - on the top of the lip of both quarter panels. There are several scratches, only one noticeable on the driver side door. All chrome is good. Molding around the doors could stand to be replaced and the seller has provided new molding for the next owner.
Otherwise, the Ranchero has been garaged during its entire life and reflects the care and respect it deserves.
There is a reserve, but it is reasonable, and the seller hopes this Ranchero will go on to the next caretaker to live another 60 years.