Úvod »Automobily nákladní a tahače»Unimog » Ford Ranchero 1957-1979
Vazba: | Brožovaná | ||
Počet stran: | 140 | ||
Rozměry v mm: | 210 x 280 | ||
Počet obrázků: | 350 | ||
Rok vydání: | 2003 |
The Ranchero lasted a formidable 22 years in production, and in that period it captured the affections of thousands of buyers, some of them needing a straightforward utility but particularly towards the end, many also seeking a sporty truck. The idea of the coupe utility dated back to the pre-war era, and the Ranchero was introduced in 1957 to give Ford another weapon in the sales battle against Chevrolet. That year, it was a close run thing: Ford out-produced Chevy but Chevy sold a tiny number of extra cars. Nevertheless, this time Chevy had been out-pointed, and it would be two years before the GM division came up with its El Camino to counter the Ford truck. The Ranchero line switched sizes and platforms several times over the years. As introduced, it was based on the full-size Custom sedans with their 116-inch wheelbase (and more specifically on the Ranch Wagon derivative). However, disappointing sales over the 1957-1959 period persuaded Ford to switch to the compact Falcon for the Ranchero's platform, and for the next few years the truck was on a wheelbase of 109.5 inches. Sales immediately rose. The vogue for compacts waned, however, and by 1967 the Ranchero was wearing the front-end sheet metal of the big Fairlane to give it an intermediate image and to allow it to compete with Chevy's strong-selling El Camino. Over the next decade, the Ranchero became progressively more sporty to suit the tastes of the truck market, taking on elements of the Torino and, from 1977, the front-end sheet metal of the LTD II. However, the market was already changing. Sport-utilities were the big sellers, alongside small pick-ups, and the Ranchero was neither. So the line made its last appearance in 1979. Options were the name of the game for the Ranchero, and it was possible to create an exciting and glamorous piece of machinery from the Ford extras list. Many of the Rancheros from the 22-year period are as practical today as ever, and increasing numbers are finding enthusiastic owners from a different generation. Owners and would-be owners will find some fascinating material about their favourite trucks between the covers of this book.
This is a book of contemporary road & comparison tests, owner's views & history. Models covered: Custom Ranchero, 292, 352, Falcon Ranchero 289, 6 & V8, Fairlane Ranchero 390, 221, Torino Ranchero 302, 351, Hacienda, XA, 500A/T, 4100A/T, GT & LTD II Ranchero.