Ford has filed a new trademark application for the classic Ranchero, hinting at a possible return, potentially as a new electric midsize pickup based on its 2027 platform.
The Ford Ranchero is a classic name, used for the car/truck combination that began life under other model names in the 1950s. For years, the Ranchero name was a trim level on some vehicles before it became a model on its own. The production of this vehicle spanned from 1957 to 1979 and was used as a full-size truck, compact pickup, and midsized truck along the way before it was finally deleted.
The Return Of A Classic Name
There isn’t much to know about this new model year. So far, all Ford has done is file a trademark application for the name under “motor vehicles” of all types and their “structural parts.” Recent speculation suggests the Ranchero name could be used for a new electric pickup truck. That means it might not be a car/truck combination, which was the case for the original Ranchero models, but will be an electric truck. Maybe it will be the electric counterpart to the Ranger or Maverick. Either way, expect this new Ranchero to be something completely different from what was offered in the past.
Evolution Of A Car/Truck Combination
Before getting to the 429-powered model, it’s worth looking back to see the evolution of this unique vehicle. The Ranchero began life in December 1956 and was added as a full-size pickup model in 1957. This first generation lasted until 1959 when it was discontinued due to poor sales. You might think that was the end of the Ranchero, but that’s not the case.
From 1960 to 1965, a compact version of the Ranchero was part of the Falcon line. In 1966 and 1967, it was sold under the Fairlane line, which was a midsize platform. From 1968 until 1976 The Ranchero name found its way to the Tornio lineup, and the final versions of this car/truck vehicle was the 1977 to 1979 model which was based on the new LTD II intermediate platform.
The Most Impressive Ranchero
There were seven distinct generations with the Ranchero name somewhere in the mix. Across the timeline, you see Ranchero models of various sizes, but the most impressive and fascinating model was the GT-trimmed 429-equipped fifth generation that continues to be a darling of the muscle car era even today. This version of the Ranchero had the power and build to handle some heavy-duty work or put down some serious sprint times, which might embarrass other muscle cars of the era.
Can A Station Wagon Be Aggressive?
Although the Ranchero GT was not a station wagon, it was based on a station wagon chassis for the 1970 and 1971 model years. This fifth-generation model received the same coke bottle styling as the Torino, which was Ford’s primary midsize car of the time. The front end was shared with the Torino, but once you got to the windshield on back, the Ranchero was unique.
The GT trim came with some visual options that made the Ranchero extremely aggressive. Some of these features include the iconic shaker hood, hidden headlamps, and laser stripe graphics. This car was meant to attract performance enthusiasts, and it quickly became the most aggressive-looking Ranchero ever built.
Three Available 429 Engines From Ford
Part of the 1970 refresh for the Ranchero was giving enthusiasts three power levels for the 429-powered GT models. The 429 engine came straight from the Mustang Boss 429, which was a huge part of the draw to this truck/car combination.
The first 429 offered was only available for the 1970 model year. This setup was the Thunder Jet version, which produced 360 horsepower. The second model was the 429 Cobra Jet version, which produced 370 horsepower and could be had with or without the Ram Air induction system. The top engine choice was a 429 Super Cobra Jet, which was listed at 375 horsepower and could be had with the Drag Pack.
The Super Cobra Jet Was The Way To Go
Ford Ranchero GT models with the Super Cobra Jet powertrain came with several high-performance features to make it a monster at the drag strip. Some of these items were four-bolt mains, forged aluminum pistons, beefier connecting rods, a hotter cam, sold lifters, an oil cooler, higher-flow exhaust manifolds, and a 780-cfm Holley 4150 carburetor.
Will The Ranchero Be A Low-Cost EV?
Resurrecting the Ford Ranchero name might add a new low-cost EV platform to the mix. Ford realized the success of an affordable pickup truck by offering the Maverick, which hints at this new truck being offered with a similar size to the Maverick. While this might make sense, we don’t know what Ford’s plan is for the Ranchero name. Instead of being as small as the Maverick, its possible the Ranchero could be a truck that slots between the two smallest Ford trucks.
The new Ford Ranchero isn’t expected to be much more than a speculative exercise until 2027. That said, its entirely possible that Ford will provide more information along the way. Of course, it’s also entirely possible that the Ranchero name never makes it to a Ford vehicle and lives at the trademark office without being used.
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