California Survivor:

First introduced in 1957 and spanning 7 generations, the Ford Ranchero had been a steady competitior to GM's Chevrolet El Camino for 22 years.

Engine choices were the 250 cubic inch inline-6, a couple of 302 V8s, a 351 Windsor, and an all new 400M.
Also available was the 429 Big Block, but it is a rare find these days.

The 1973 Ranchero GT presented here has been a California resident for almost half a century.

VIN *3A48S211829* was built 51 years ago, in February of 1973, at the Los Angeles, Calif. plant and sold new to the City of Warwick on April 5, 1973.
The city sold it to the second owner in 1976 who kept it for many years. The third owner, a resident of Bakersfield, acquired it in 2018 and subsequently spent a great deal of time and money to bring this GT up to snuff.

To this day, the "truck" still carries its original, 6-digit California blue-and-yellow license plates, front and back.

This Ranchero GT comes with extensive documentation, including the original owner's manual, the "Ownercard," all 6 shop manuals, and a binder with receipts, all neatly kept in clear sheet protectors.

Current odometer reading is 31,313. It has rolled over once.

Motorvation comes from a 400M or 351M (they look exactly the same), fed by a 2-barrel carburetor.

The engine starts on the button and runs superbly, with no ill behavior to note.

Due to having always lived in the dry California desert, the body is rust free and solid as a rock.

There is no indication that this truck has ever been in an accident.

The old paint has mellowed a lot. It is still shiny, but shows a myriad of small imperfections and signs of use.

Ranchero still carries its stock steelies and wheel covers. Tires are Hankook Optima 215/75-14 radials in good condition.

The orange striping has been replaced recently and looks great.

All of the brightwork is in good, original condition.

Black headliner and sunvisors are flawless.

California's desert sun is mercyless and loves to crack vinyl dash tops. This one was replaced a few years back.

The GT has a sporty dash with plenty of gauges and switch gear.

Currently there's a problem with the power feed to the gauge cluster the new owner will need to get sorted.
Radio is a modern unit in old disguise.

Black seat covers were replaced a few years back and are flawless.

Black carpeting is in superb condition as well.

Spare is stored in a separate area behind the seats.

This Ranchero has never been a "work truck" and the tailgate is in wonderful, original condition.

There are no notable dents anywhere in the bed.

The mid-section of the bed has been covered with bed liner.

Clean tailgate, even inside.