While Ford has been busy breaking lap records with the new Mustang GTD at the Nürburgring, a classic Ford Ranchero made an unexpected appearance on the famous track.
Typically known for its sports cars and modern muscle, seeing a Ranchero at this legendary circuit is certainly out of the ordinary.
YouTuber Misha Charoudin, who lives near the Nürburgring, captured this unusual moment. He has seen plenty of interesting cars on the track, but the Ranchero truly surprised him and his viewers.
This particular model was inspired by the Roadkill project car from the popular TV show, serving as a tribute to that classic ride.
Under the hood, the Ranchero is equipped with a 5.8-liter V8 engine, generating 250 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
While these numbers are modest by today’s standards, they were impressive for the time. However, this classic vehicle is not designed for track racing—it features drum brakes on all four wheels and manual steering.
Despite these limitations, Misha had a great time the track in the clunky old car, showcasing its unique charm.
The Ford Ranchero holds a special place in automotive history. Introduced in the late 1960s, it was one of the first hybrid vehicles, blending the features of a car and a truck.
It remained popular for nearly two decades before being discontinued. Its closest rival was the Chevrolet El Camino, which is often considered more iconic, but the Ranchero had strong sales when it was first released.
- The Ranchero concept was inspired by the Ford Ute, a utility coupe developed in Australia.
- It was available in a luxurious GT trim, showcasing its versatility as a vehicle.
- A version of the Ranchero was sold in Argentina, based on the Ford Falcon platform, and continued to be available into the 1980s.
- The Ranchero has appeared in various movies and TV shows, including the classic film “Gone in 60 Seconds.”
In a dominated by modern cars, the sight of a Ford Ranchero racing around the Nürburgring is a delightful reminder of automotive history and the unique character of classic vehicles.
