Few vehicles from the 1970s capture the spirit of American experimentation quite like the Ford Ranchero GT 351. Sitting at the crossroads between muscle car and utility truck, the Ranchero GT blended performance, style, and function into a package that appealed to both enthusiasts and everyday drivers. Now, a particularly well-preserved 1971 example—complete with a 351 Cleveland V8 and factory GT equipment—has surfaced for sale in North Carolina, representing one of the model’s most desirable years.
The Ranchero’s story began in 1957, when Ford introduced the first car-based pickup to hit the American market—beating Chevrolet’s El Camino by two years. Built initially on a full-size sedan platform, it delivered comfort and drivability uncommon in work vehicles of the era. By the late 1960s, the Ranchero evolved alongside Ford’s Torino lineup, gaining sleeker styling and more powerful engine options. The 1970–1971 models are often regarded as the high point of the series, showcasing the distinctive “coke-bottle” body shape and available performance engines that defined early-1970s muscle design.
This particular 1971 Ford Ranchero GT was originally delivered to Holt Ford in Georgia and later restored with attention to detail. The exterior wears glossy black paint with a matching vinyl roof, rechromed bumpers, and hideaway headlights. Beneath the hood, the 351 Cleveland V8 remains in place, paired with a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission. The setup retains its four-barrel carburetor but benefits from modern touches like an MSD ignition system and Flowmaster exhaust, ensuring improved drivability without sacrificing originality.
Inside, the cabin features black vinyl upholstery, an upgraded stereo, and air conditioning—comforts that make this GT as usable as it is collectible. It rides on 15-inch Magnum 500-style wheels with BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, completing the classic muscle-era stance.
As emissions and safety regulations tightened later in the decade, cars like the Ranchero GT 351 marked the end of an era—when American automakers could still pair raw power with daring design. With its mix of restoration quality, performance heritage, and rarity, this 1971 GT 351 offers collectors a compelling glimpse into one of Ford’s boldest and most distinctive creations.
Via Bring a Trailer
