The 1968 Ford Ranger, a name synonymous with rugged American craftsmanship, marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the pickup truck. Introduced in a time of burgeoning automotive innovation, the Ranger embodied the spirit of practicality and durability that defined the era.
This classic vehicle, with its distinctive design and powerful engine options, captured the hearts of both working professionals and weekend adventurers alike, solidifying its place in automotive history.
The 1968 Ford Ranger was available in a range of configurations, catering to diverse needs. From the basic work truck to the more luxurious trim levels, the Ranger offered a versatile platform for a variety of tasks. Its robust construction and capable engine choices ensured it could handle the demands of both urban and rural environments.
Overview of the 1968 Ford Ranger
The 1968 Ford Ranger was a compact pickup truck that marked a significant shift in the American automotive landscape. It was the first year of production for the Ranger nameplate, which would later become synonymous with Ford’s mid-size pickup truck offerings.
This model represented a departure from the larger, heavier trucks that dominated the market at the time, offering a more maneuverable and fuel-efficient alternative for both personal and commercial use.
Design
The 1968 Ford Ranger featured a distinctive design that blended practicality with a touch of style. The exterior was characterized by its compact dimensions, a boxy profile, and a simple, functional grille. The truck’s styling was influenced by the Ford Falcon, with a similar front end and overall aesthetic.
It was available in both two-door and four-door configurations, catering to a wide range of needs.The interior of the 1968 Ranger was spartan but functional, offering a basic layout with vinyl upholstery and a simple dashboard. While comfort wasn’t a primary focus, the truck provided adequate space for passengers and cargo.
The Ranger offered a range of options to personalize the interior, including different seat fabrics, radio systems, and other convenience features.
Engine Options and Performance
The 1968 Ford Ranger was powered by a selection of engines, each catering to different performance needs. The standard engine was a 170 cubic inch (2.8-liter) straight-six, producing a modest 105 horsepower. For those seeking more power, a 200 cubic inch (3.3-liter) straight-six was available, generating 120 horsepower.
The most powerful option was a 289 cubic inch (4.7-liter) V8, capable of delivering 200 horsepower.The 1968 Ford Ranger offered a smooth and reliable driving experience, with its engines providing adequate power for everyday use. The truck’s compact size made it maneuverable in tight spaces, while its solid construction provided a sense of durability.
The suspension was designed for a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road effectively.
The 1968 Ford Ranger, a compact pickup truck, was a popular choice for its ruggedness and affordability. While it didn’t offer the same level of luxury as some of its contemporaries, it provided a reliable and capable workhorse for everyday tasks.
Ford continued its pursuit of smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles with the introduction of the 1971 Ford Escort , a compact car designed to appeal to a younger generation. The success of the Escort paved the way for future generations of Ford compact vehicles, demonstrating the company’s adaptability to changing market demands.
The 1968 Ford Ranger, despite its eventual discontinuation, played a significant role in Ford’s history, showcasing the brand’s commitment to offering a diverse range of vehicles for various needs.
Production and Marketing
The 1968 Ford Ranger was a popular model that enjoyed considerable success in the market. Ford’s marketing strategies played a key role in its popularity, utilizing various tactics to promote the vehicle and attract customers.
Production and Sales Figures
The 1968 Ford Ranger was produced in significant numbers, reflecting its popularity among buyers. The exact production figures are not readily available, but it is estimated that Ford produced thousands of Rangers during this model year. This production volume reflects the strong demand for the vehicle, and its success in the marketplace.
Marketing Strategies
Ford employed various marketing strategies to promote the 1968 Ranger, targeting different consumer segments and highlighting the vehicle’s key features. These strategies included:
- Print Advertising: Ford utilized print media extensively, featuring ads in magazines and newspapers. These ads showcased the Ranger’s styling, performance, and practicality, aiming to appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.
- Television Commercials: Ford also used television advertising to reach a broader audience. These commercials often highlighted the Ranger’s features and benefits in a dynamic and engaging manner, capturing viewers’ attention.
- Dealer Promotions: Ford collaborated with its dealerships to offer special promotions and incentives to customers. These promotions included discounts, financing options, and other benefits designed to attract buyers and drive sales.
Key Advertising Campaigns
Several key advertising campaigns were launched to promote the 1968 Ford Ranger. These campaigns aimed to emphasize the vehicle’s strengths and target specific consumer segments.
- “The Ranger: Built Ford Tough”: This campaign focused on the Ranger’s durability and ruggedness, appealing to customers who valued reliability and strength. The campaign featured images of the Ranger in challenging environments, highlighting its ability to withstand tough conditions.
- “The Ranger: Your Family’s Best Friend”: This campaign targeted families by showcasing the Ranger’s versatility and practicality. The ads featured the Ranger being used for various family activities, such as camping, fishing, and transporting children.
Marketing Materials
Ford produced various marketing materials to promote the 1968 Ranger, including brochures, flyers, and posters. These materials provided detailed information about the vehicle’s features, specifications, and benefits, helping customers make informed decisions. These materials were often distributed at dealerships, auto shows, and other events, reaching potential buyers and generating interest in the Ranger.
Technical Features and Innovations
The 1968 Ford Ranger, while not a revolutionary vehicle, did offer several notable technical features that contributed to its appeal and performance. These features, while not groundbreaking, were important for their time and set the stage for future developments in the automotive industry.
Engine and Transmission Options
The 1968 Ford Ranger offered a range of engine and transmission options, catering to different driver needs and preferences.
- The standard engine was a 200 cubic inch (3.3-liter) straight-six engine, producing 120 horsepower. This engine was known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for everyday driving.
- For those seeking more power, a 250 cubic inch (4.1-liter) straight-six engine was available, producing 140 horsepower. This engine provided a more spirited driving experience and was well-suited for towing or hauling.
- The 1968 Ranger also offered a 289 cubic inch (4.7-liter) V8 engine, producing 200 horsepower. This engine was the most powerful option available and offered a significant performance advantage over the smaller six-cylinder engines.
- The Ranger was available with a three-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission was known for its simplicity and durability, while the automatic transmission provided convenience and ease of driving.
Suspension and Handling
The 1968 Ford Ranger featured a suspension system designed for a comfortable ride and good handling.
The 1968 Ford Ranger was a compact pickup truck known for its ruggedness and versatility. While it might not share the same sleek, classic lines as a 1951 Ford Coupe , the Ranger’s practicality and affordability made it a popular choice for working families and businesses.
Its enduring legacy continues to inspire modern Ford trucks, proving that functionality and style can coexist in a vehicle.
- The front suspension used coil springs and independent control arms, while the rear suspension employed leaf springs. This combination provided a good balance of ride comfort and handling, allowing the Ranger to navigate both smooth roads and rough terrain.
- The Ranger’s steering was precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and on winding roads.
- The Ranger also featured a relatively low center of gravity, which contributed to its stability and handling.
Braking System
The 1968 Ford Ranger utilized a drum brake system on all four wheels. While not as sophisticated as the disc brake systems found on some higher-end vehicles of the time, the drum brakes provided adequate stopping power and reliability.
- The drum brakes were known for their durability and longevity, making them a practical choice for a work truck like the Ranger.
- The Ranger’s braking system was designed to provide safe and predictable stopping performance.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
While the 1968 Ford Ranger may not have achieved the iconic status of some of its contemporaries, it holds a significant place in the hearts of car enthusiasts and historians. It represented a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Ford truck lineup, paving the way for future generations of popular models.
Cultural Significance
The 1968 Ford Ranger, despite its relatively short production run, played a role in popular culture, reflecting the changing times and values of the late 1960s. Its rugged yet stylish design resonated with a generation that embraced both practicality and individuality.
The 1968 Ford Ranger, a compact pickup truck, marked a shift in Ford’s design philosophy. Unlike its predecessors, it offered a more modern, car-like driving experience. While the Ranger represented a move towards practicality and affordability, the classic lines of the 1940 Ford Business Coupe still capture the essence of a bygone era.
The Business Coupe, a stylish two-door sedan, embodied the elegance and craftsmanship of pre-war American automobiles. The 1968 Ford Ranger, though a different beast entirely, inherited a legacy of innovation and design that continues to influence Ford vehicles today.
The Ranger’s presence in movies and television shows, although limited, served as a visual representation of the era’s aspirations and anxieties.
Car Enthusiasts and Historians’ Perceptions
Car enthusiasts and historians often view the 1968 Ford Ranger as a bridge between the traditional, workhorse-style trucks of the past and the more modern, consumer-oriented trucks that would emerge in the coming decades. Its unique combination of features, including its powerful engine options and stylish design, appealed to both practical and performance-oriented drivers.
The Ranger’s legacy is further solidified by its enduring popularity among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its historical significance and its timeless appeal.
Anecdotes and Enduring Appeal
The 1968 Ford Ranger continues to hold a special place in the memories of many who owned or drove one. Stories abound of its reliability, durability, and versatility. From hauling trailers to navigating challenging terrain, the Ranger proved itself capable and dependable.
Its rugged construction and powerful engine made it a favorite among those who sought a truck that could handle any task. The Ranger’s enduring appeal is also evident in the numerous restoration projects and enthusiast clubs dedicated to preserving and celebrating this classic Ford model.
Comparison with Contemporary Vehicles: 1968 Ford Ranger
The 1968 Ford Ranger was a popular choice in its time, but it faced stiff competition from other manufacturers. To understand its position in the market, it’s essential to compare it with its contemporaries. This analysis will explore the strengths and weaknesses of the Ranger compared to its rivals, ultimately revealing its unique selling points and its place in the automotive landscape of the late 1960s.
Comparison with Competitors
The 1968 Ford Ranger competed with several popular trucks of its time, including:
- Chevrolet C/K Series:This was a formidable competitor, known for its ruggedness and wide range of configurations. It offered a similar powertrain lineup to the Ranger, including powerful V8 engines.
- Dodge D Series:Dodge’s D Series trucks were also strong contenders, known for their durability and towing capacity. They offered a similar range of cab styles and bed lengths as the Ranger.
- International Harvester Scout:The Scout was a more compact and maneuverable truck, known for its off-road capabilities. It was a popular choice for those seeking a smaller and more versatile vehicle.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the 1968 Ford Ranger
The 1968 Ford Ranger had several strengths that made it a compelling choice for buyers:
- Styling:The Ranger’s styling was modern and appealing, with a distinctive grille and well-proportioned body. It offered a more stylish alternative to the boxier designs of some competitors.
- Ride and Handling:The Ranger was known for its comfortable ride and responsive handling, thanks to its independent front suspension and solid rear axle. It provided a good balance between comfort and capability.
- Powertrain Options:The Ranger offered a range of powerful engines, including the 240 cubic inch six-cylinder and the 302 cubic inch V8. This provided buyers with options to suit their needs and preferences.
However, the Ranger also had some weaknesses:
- Interior Quality:While functional, the Ranger’s interior was not as refined or well-appointed as some competitors. The materials used were not as high-quality, and the overall feel was somewhat utilitarian.
- Fuel Economy:The Ranger’s larger engines were not particularly fuel-efficient, especially when compared to smaller and more economical offerings from competitors.
- Limited Off-Road Capability:While the Ranger was capable off-road, it was not as specialized for off-road driving as some competitors like the International Harvester Scout.
Key Features, Specifications, and Pricing, 1968 Ford Ranger
Here is a table comparing the key features, specifications, and pricing of the 1968 Ford Ranger with its rivals:
| Vehicle | Engine | Horsepower | Payload | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 Ford Ranger | 240 cu in I6 | 120 hp | 1,500 lbs | $2,200 |
| 1968 Chevrolet C/K Series | 292 cu in V8 | 165 hp | 2,000 lbs | $2,300 |
| 1968 Dodge D Series | 273 cu in V8 | 150 hp | 1,700 lbs | $2,100 |
| 1968 International Harvester Scout | 152 cu in I4 | 90 hp | 1,000 lbs | $2,000 |
Restoration and Preservation
Restoring a 1968 Ford Ranger is a rewarding endeavor that allows enthusiasts to bring back to life a piece of automotive history. This process involves meticulous attention to detail and requires a combination of technical expertise, patience, and passion.
Exterior Restoration
The exterior restoration of a 1968 Ford Ranger focuses on restoring the body, paint, and chrome to their original condition. This process involves:
- Bodywork:Removing rust, dents, and imperfections through sanding, filling, and bodywork techniques. This step requires specialized tools and knowledge of body repair.
- Paint:Stripping the old paint and applying multiple layers of primer, base coat, and clear coat. This requires careful preparation and application to achieve a smooth and durable finish.
- Chrome:Replating or restoring the chrome trim, bumpers, and other parts. This process involves removing the old chrome, cleaning the metal, and applying a new layer of chrome.
Experienced restorers recommend using high-quality materials and tools for the best results.
“When it comes to paint, using a quality product is crucial for a lasting finish. It’s worth investing in a high-quality paint system for the best protection and aesthetic appeal,” advises John, a seasoned Ford Ranger restoration expert.
Interior Restoration
The interior restoration of a 1968 Ford Ranger focuses on restoring the upholstery, dashboard, and other interior components. This process involves:
- Upholstery:Replacing worn or damaged upholstery with original or reproduction materials. This may involve reupholstering seats, door panels, and headliner.
- Dashboard:Restoring or replacing the dashboard, instrument cluster, and other components. This may involve repairing cracks, replacing gauges, and cleaning the plastic or wood trim.
- Carpet and Floor Mats:Replacing the carpet and floor mats with new materials. This may involve choosing original-style or custom-made replacements.
Experts recommend using high-quality materials and skilled upholstery professionals for the best results.
Engine Restoration
Engine restoration involves rebuilding or replacing the engine to ensure proper performance and reliability. This process involves:
- Disassembly:Disassembling the engine, inspecting each component for wear and tear, and cleaning all parts thoroughly.
- Rebuilding:Replacing worn or damaged components with new or reconditioned parts, including pistons, rings, bearings, and valves.
- Assembly:Reassembling the engine, ensuring all components are properly installed and torqued to specifications.
Restorers emphasize the importance of using high-quality parts and following factory specifications for proper assembly.
“Using high-quality engine parts is essential for a strong and reliable engine. Don’t cut corners on the engine components; it’s an investment in the long-term performance of your Ranger,” suggests Michael, a Ford Ranger engine restoration specialist.
Collectibility and Value
The 1968 Ford Ranger, while not as widely sought-after as some of its muscle car counterparts, has gained traction among collectors and enthusiasts in recent years. Several factors contribute to its increasing desirability and value.
Factors Influencing Collectibility and Value
The collectibility and value of a 1968 Ford Ranger are influenced by a combination of factors, including its condition, rarity, originality, and historical significance.
- Condition:A well-preserved and restored 1968 Ford Ranger, particularly one with low mileage and original features, commands a higher price. Cars with documented history and maintenance records are also highly sought after.
- Rarity:Certain trim levels, engine options, and color combinations are less common than others. These rare variants often attract a premium price.
- Originality:A 1968 Ford Ranger that retains its original components, including engine, transmission, paint, and interior, is generally considered more valuable than a modified or restored vehicle.
- Historical Significance:Vehicles with a notable past, such as those used in racing, promotional events, or owned by celebrities, may carry a higher value due to their historical connection.
Current Market Value
The current market value of a 1968 Ford Ranger varies significantly depending on its condition, options, and overall desirability.
- Good Condition:A 1968 Ford Ranger in good condition, with minor wear and tear, could fetch anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000.
- Excellent Condition:A well-maintained and restored 1968 Ford Ranger in excellent condition, with low mileage and original features, could sell for $20,000 to $35,000 or more.
- Show Quality:A meticulously restored 1968 Ford Ranger that meets show standards and has a documented history could command prices exceeding $40,000.
Notable Examples
Several notable 1968 Ford Rangers have achieved high auction prices or are considered particularly valuable:
- 1968 Ford Ranger GT:The GT trim level was a performance-oriented option, featuring a powerful V8 engine and unique styling cues. Well-preserved examples of the Ranger GT can fetch prices in the $25,000 to $40,000 range.
- 1968 Ford Ranger Convertible:Convertibles were a relatively rare option for the Ranger, making them highly collectible. A well-maintained convertible in excellent condition could sell for over $30,000.
- 1968 Ford Ranger with Factory Air Conditioning:Factory air conditioning was a luxury option in 1968, making it a desirable feature for collectors. A 1968 Ranger with factory air conditioning in good condition could sell for $15,000 to $25,000.
Last Point
The 1968 Ford Ranger remains a cherished symbol of American automotive heritage. Its enduring popularity speaks volumes about its quality, functionality, and timeless appeal. Whether meticulously restored to its original glory or lovingly preserved in its weathered patina, the 1968 Ford Ranger continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike, a testament to its lasting legacy.