1971 Ford Ranchero

GT 351C 4V M Code truck car el camino ranchero

351C 4V M code

C6 select shift

Clear

gas

Very cool 1971 Ranchero GT, 351 Cleveland M code, 4V, factory dual exhaust, factory Ram Air Shaker Hood scoop, C6 auto transmission. "White Sale" special paint and graphics option. I have known this car since I was 9, and I know it's entire history. Bought new in Santa Barbara, California by my ex stepfather in May 1971, he owned it until he died about 7 years ago. I have the original bill of sale. Also, Marti Report. It was the first new car he ever bought, and he always kept it garaged, and it was his pleasure vehicle and his pride and joy, hence the low miles after all these years (87100) and very good original paint and interior. One of the first things he did when he got it, was remove the RAN from the side rear graphics, so as you see, it just reads CHERO. He thought CHERO was cool, and the family always called it Chero. Now and then you can find some online if you want to return it to read RANCHERO. His son (my ex stepbrother) inherited it, and sold it to me early 2011. I have coveted this vehicle since I was a boy. Was great to finally own it. When I bought it, it had been sitting in the garage, covered, without being run for 10 years, in dry Arizona. I had it transported to Ray Stephens Racing in Lake Havasu City, AZ, who did $5500.00 in work getting it roadworthy again. I have all the invoices and receipts. Some of the things done, in addition to all the usual full tune-up items and hoses being replaces, were: Gas tank removed, inspected, cleaned, and new strainer, new fuel pump, fuel lines, hoses, etc.Bleed brakes (power, front disc) flush out system, install new master cylinderComplete rebuild of factory carburetorNew battery, and battery tray rebuilt and paintedRear diff serviced, new flange seal.Top End Engine Rebuild, with hardened seats (for today's lousy gas)New timing chain and gear setRadiator removed, rebuilt, new hoses, new transmission cooler line. New BF Goodrich radials, which is the recommended modern replacement of the factory Goodyear Wide Oval belted raised white letter tires. (only 1600 miles on them) Since I brought it home to Reno in the Fall of 2011, I've only added 1620 miles on it. I keep it garaged, and take it out and drive it every two weeks. Engine is strong and sweet, and trans shifts great. The original paint still looks great, albeit with some parking lot chips and a few scratches, and the interior is really good. No cracks in the dash or steering wheel, carpet still in good shape, seats and door panels look brand new. The photos were taken in morning light, and some of the shots make the exterior and interior over exposed, and the colors over-bright. The work left to be done on it are new steering box, new heater core, AC compressor (original) needs to be rebuilt. When the AC quit working 20 years ago, my ex step dad just removed the whole system, but I still have it in a box. I've seen this 1971 "special" Ranchero edition package, also described as a White Sale Special. I'll paste here one of the quotes I've seen about it below: "According to the book "Ford Ranchero 1957-1979" by Bill Siuru and Bill Holder, it says... "In 1971, Ford offered a special edition of the Ranchero called the White Sale Special and it was offered on the Custom 500 and GT. It's most distinguishing features were the black vinyl roof, a black-matte-finish hood and black cargo bed. Eight exterior colors and four interior color schemes were offered. There was a bright-colored stripe that ran above the body centerline; it started out wide at the front and narrowed down as it approached the rear. The word Ranchero was lettered on the rear quarter panel. There was a matching stripe on the tailgate and the striping was bordered by a narrow black stripe. Dual color-coordinated sports mirrors, special hubcaps with a black ring and the words "Ford Motor Company" lettered on them, and wide trim rings were part of the White Sale package. The bench seat was upholstered in a unique bold-plaid pattern." What's so wonderful about this vehicle is that so much of it is original. Very unusual color/paint/interior combination, that sweet sound of 351C 4V burbling out of the factory dual exhaust. Factory wheels and rims. I did no modifications, because I wanted to keep it as original as possible. I'll miss Chero when she's gone, but I have to move on soon, and very limited time and room for her in the future for me. She deserves another caretaker who will appreciate the cool, rare vehicle she is. Vehicle is also listed locally, so I reserve the right to end the auction early, only if the reserve has still not been met.