🚗 1972 Ford Ranchero GT – Q-Code Cobra Jet Time Capsule

In the vibrant muscle car era of the early '70s, Ford offered something a little different—equal parts truck and muscle machine. The 1972 Ford Ranchero GT represented the peak of that concept, blending utility with unapologetic performance and head-turning style. And when ordered with the Q-Code 351C-4V Cobra Jet V8, it wasn’t just a car with a bed—it was a street-slaying sleeper with serious pedigree.

This particular Ranchero GT, finished in a bold Blue Metallic with bright Orange and Silver GT striping, stands out not just for its factory-correct muscle, but also for its exceptional backstory. Sold new in California through Towne Ford in Redwood City, this fleet-ordered vehicle was built on August 8, 1972, a day ahead of schedule, and has remained remarkably intact over its five-decade journey. It was sold to PC Classic Cars as a single-owner vehicle, a rare distinction that reinforces its authenticity and preservation.

🔧 Power & Performance: The Heart of the GT

Under the hood is the matching-numbers Q-Code 351 Cleveland Cobra Jet V8, topped with a 4-barrel carburetor. Ford rated this engine at a conservative 266 horsepower, but real-world performance put it among the best in its class. This Ranchero's mill is now fed by an Edelbrock 1906 carburetor, breathing through OE manifolds into a dual exhaust system with an X-pipe and Flowmaster mufflers, capped off with full tailpipes for a throaty, aggressive tone.

Power is delivered through the strong and smooth-shifting C6 3-speed automatic, paired with a factory Ford 9” rear end and 3.25:1 Traction-Lok gears, allowing both confident highway cruising and reliable take-off power. The competition suspension, along with factory sway bars front and rear, ensures this Ranchero corners with surprising stability. Power front disc brakes and power steering round out the mechanical features, making it a well-mannered performer by both vintage and modern standards.

🌬️ Comfort & Style: GT Luxury Meets Utility

Inside, you’ll find a Code “FA” Black vinyl bench seat interior, well preserved and featuring original Rally Gauges, a working dash clock, and a factory tachometer. Though much of the interior remains original, the bench upholstery has been replaced and presents very well, complementing the otherwise factory presentation. A Kenwood AM/FM cassette radio has been seamlessly integrated into the dash, thoughtfully replacing the original unit without disturbing the aesthetic.

Factory SelectAire air conditioning blows cold, and the heater functions properly, ensuring comfort in any climate. Despite the Ranchero's utilitarian roots, it’s surprisingly refined in feel—offering amenities like tinted glass, a driver’s side remote mirror, and an overall tight and confident ride, thanks to numerous updates to the suspension components.

🛠️ Mechanical & Structural Confidence

Odometer reads just 3,318 miles—a figure that cannot be verified as actual but reflects the car's well-preserved condition. A thorough pre-sale inspection reveals it to be very solid underneath, with key items such as bushings, shocks, and tie rod ends replaced over time. Its gas tank is newer, the engine bay is clean and highly original, and the vehicle starts, runs, and drives exceptionally well, ready for both show circuits and weekend road trips.

This Ranchero's paint was redone in its Blue Metallic tone, and while some minor aging and wear are noted, it presents strongly overall. The car retains its original structure, correct badging, and American Racing Torque Thrust D wheels wrapped in 235/60 (front) and 255/60 (rear) tires, dated from 2012.

📜 Factory Legacy, Documented Rarity

Per the Deluxe Marti Report, this Ranchero is 1 of just 2,550 built with this specific engine and transmission combination. Only 417 were ordered with special paint, and even fewer—240 units total—combined the special paint and trim codes. With its Instrumentation Group, California emissions equipment, and history of single ownership, this vehicle is a standout example from Ford's golden age of performance.

🏁 A Well-Preserved Slice of Muscle Car History

This 1972 Ford Ranchero GT is more than just a classic car—it’s a rolling testament to Ford’s innovative spirit and commitment to performance during a defining era. Rarely do you find a vehicle that checks so many boxes: matching numbers, Q-Code Cobra Jet power, one-owner history, and preserved originality, all wrapped in unmistakable early-‘70s flair.

PC Classic Cars in Sherman, Texas, proudly presents this exceptional Ranchero as part of our dedication to celebrating the vehicles that defined generations. With a reputation built on trust, knowledge, and a genuine love for classic cars, we offer enthusiasts a chance to revisit the golden age of driving—one meticulously chosen vehicle at a time.