The year is 1960, and a tough election campaign is in full swing between Senator Kennedy and Vice President Nixon. In November, one of them would become the 35th president. But at that very same time, a small Ranchero was being assembled and driven off the line at the Ford plant in San Jose. This is my 1961 Ford Falcon Ranchero, built November 1960. It has a 200 inline-six and a Weber 32/36 carb, and I restored it to driving condition.
I’ve had it for four years, and if it isn’t at a car show, it’ll probably be driving down the coast. These were basic, disposable economy cars back in 1961, so finding one is difficult — let alone one in this condition. It’s truly a relic of the past that stood the test of time. As a young owner, I feel responsible for maintaining it so the next generation can enjoy it as much as I have. So if you see me on the road, I’ll likely have my surfboard in the bed, heading straight to the beach.