The 1971 Ford Ranchero was available as a base Ranchero (trimmed like a Torino), Ranchero 500 (trimmed like a Torino 500), Ranchero GT (trimmed like a Torino GT) and Ranchero Squire (nicely trimmed, though not akin to a Torino Brougham). For the spring, Ford introduced a Special Value Package for the Ranchero to give sales a nice swift kick in the rear. One of these 1971 Ranchero Special promotional models for sale on ClassicCars.com is our Pick of the Day. It is for sale by a dealership in Sioux City, Iowa. (Click the link to view the listing)
Truth be told, the Ranchero Special was not a model but a package available for the base Ranchero, Ranchero 500 and Ranchero GT. Included in the Special Value Package were one of eight colors paired with one of four unique vinyl and cloth interiors, non-reflective black hood, black vinyl roof, black-painted box, special longitudinal stripe (with matching stripe on the decklid), twin racing mirrors and bright hubcaps with trim rings. From there, you could add most every Ranchero option.
This 1971 Ranchero with the Special Value Package is painted Bright Red, which means it came with a gold exterior stripe and red “Spectrum” cloth and vinyl interior per original literature. As it sits, this Ranchero features the silver stripe but otherwise it looks stock. Per the Marti Report, options include electric clock, power steering, power front disc brakes, AM radio, tinted glass all around, and 351 two-barrel with C-4 automatic transmission.
The seller says, “It’s just really hard to fault this truck cosmetically or mechanically,” with the latter 351 Cleveland V-8 claimed to be numbers-matching. The tires and radio have been updated from factory, with the latter being a more modern Kenwood system.
Several thousand 1971 Ranchero Specials were built among the three models, but they’re somewhat enigmatic. The downside of these is that you only can fit three in the passenger compartment, but maybe you’re the solitary time? For $35,900, you can get your mullet on.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Nice article. I love color in cars and yearn for the day when car makers get off their dull white, grey, black etc non color choices for cars. Yes, even plaids for interior seats and door panels. Bring em back.
Is that a 1970 grille?
The grille is the same for 1970-71, but keep in mind there were two grilles for this series, and the other one was different between the two years unless equipped with hidden headlights.
Thanks didn”t realize that. I had a 71 Torino GT with the grille pictured in the add, so many options back then!
So the Torino GT had different grilles for 1970-71, but if they were optioned with hidden headlights, the grilles would be the same.
The nosepiece in the center is different, so that would distinguish hidden headlights between 1970-71.
I just by accident came across this article. I bought the 71 special featured just last Monday. (02-19-24). Awaiting delivery. Seems to be a good driver. Bit of steering wheel vibration at 75mph. They are checking alignment out now.
Thanks for writing!