These days, most people think of the word “hybrid” as a reference to vehicles that combine gasoline power with electric power. But since that word is defined as a combination or mixture of any two different things, you could technically call a Ford Ranchero a hybrid of a car and a truck.
Now, if only it had the fuel economy of a Prius.
Featured on AutoHunter is this 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero. The coupe-utility is being sold by a dealer in Anderson, California, and the auction will end Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 12:15 p.m. PDT.
When compared to the first Ranchero (which came out in 1957), the 1960-through-1965 models were significantly downsized. Ford based the model on its two-door Falcon sedan delivery. In the interest of economy, the base engine at the time was a miserly 144ci inline-six (maybe it wasn’t so far away from Prius fuel-efficiency after all?). Ford advertising materials said, “Just one small thing keeps this pickup out of the luxury class: Low price!”
This Ranchero comes from the last year of its generation and, according to the AutoHunter listing, it went through a complete mechanical restoration under current ownership. The repainted turquoise exterior is eye-catching, and the 15-inch Cragar S/S chrome wheels are an era-correct upgrade for the mini-truck. Inspired by the space race at the time, the Ranchero’s taillight design was inspired by jet afterburners.
The interior is where the vehicle sets itself apart even more: Black vinyl bucket seats offer comfy seating for two, and upgrades include a custom center console, air conditioning, power steering, a tilt steering column, a Grant steering wheel and a Bluetooth-compatible retro-look sound system.
Power is generated by a 302ci V8 mated to a floor-shifted C4 three-speed automatic transmission. The listing says that the engine and transmission have both been rebuilt, and performance features include an Edelbrock 650cfm four-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock intake manifold, an aluminum radiator, a Pertronix ignition and a Borgeson steering box. Lastly, Wilwood disc brakes and a dual exhaust system were added.
The Ranchero’s six-foot bed was rated at a payload of 800 pounds, giving it a slight advantage (to the tune of 100 pounds) over its closest competitor, the Chevrolet El Camino. Ford also touted the Ranchero’s low loading height, “instant-lock” tailgate, 31 cubic feet of load space, bolted-on fenders and “Diamond Lustre” finish. At $1,938 for the base model, it was America’s lowest-priced pickup in 1965.
Just be careful about calling it a hybrid, especially if you’re trying to get access to the carpool lanes.
The auction for this 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero ends Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 12:15 p.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
