Recalls for 1968 Ford Falcon

R36 Coach posted a photo:

1965 would be the final year the Ranchero utility would be on the compact Falcon platform. Introduced for 1957 and based on the full size 2-door Ranch Wagon, the Ranchero was downsized to the new compact Falcon for 1960, with a restyling for 1964 after modest changes in 1961-1963, including a sedan delivery added for 1961 based on the 2-door Falcon wagon. A deluxe trim package appeared starting in 1963 with color keyed interiors in red or black, cigarette lighter, dual armrests, bright metal trim on windows and right side sun visor. In 1965 a new split grille appeared.

For 1965 the Falcon Ranchero offered the 170 six (105 HP), 200 six (120 HP) or the 289 V8 (200 or 225 HP). A sports package was new, including the deluxe package plus bucket seats, two-tone paint and wire wheel covers. The standard Ranchero had a factory delivered retail price at $1,938 (with the deluxe package a $157 option at $2,095), 3,700 lb GVWR and 2,395 lb curb weight as delivered (2,713 lb with deluxe package).

19,263 Falcon Rancheros were built in the 1965 model year (August 1964-July 1965), with 10,539 standard models and 8,724 with deluxe package, with the sports package with bucket seats making up only 990 units.

Starting in 1966 the Ranchero moved up to the intermediate Fairlane platform, later being based on the Torino and LTD II before being dropped at the end of the 1979 model year.

Falcon-based Rancheros are now in high demand with resale prices upwards, given their rarity. Being originally utilitarian and spartan commercial workhorses, they are rarer now than regular passenger car models and the large aftermarket industry of Mustang parts and service also can serve the Falcon and Ranchero with the same platform and interchangeable parts.

This Ranchero has a later aftermarket 302 and has been featured in a review by the Shooting Cars YouTube channel.

1965 Falcon Ranchero brochure: www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/65fal/65fal.html

More info: "Remarkable Ranchero - 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero", Jeff Koch, Hemmings, May 2019