Motormax 1:24 1960 Ford Ranchero




Motormax is not one of the most impressive diecast manufacturer's out there: they do make some big mistakes when it comes to tooling on some models, but then again they do fine on others.  I've been impressed with a few recent models in 1:24 scale, with one disappointment i'll share later on.  This one has been on my radar since last year:  wasn't a gotta-have, but it sure looks cool.  After seeing this one at a retail store I had to pick it up.  What a beaut, and a unique casting that not many replica's have been made of.





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The Ranchero started out life as making pickups stylish like the other Big 3 were doing in the mid-1950's.  The first Ranchero was based on the Ford Fairlane and it was one radically-style pickup even if its practicality was useless.  In 1960 the Ranchero migrated off from the Fairlane line to the smaller Falcon compact car.  Odd, but at least this time the Ranchero looked more like a work horse than a styling excuse.  The Falcon was the response to small-car movement started with the VW Beetle, and unlike Chevy's radical Corvair the Falcon was a typical two or four-door compact car.  The Ranchero shared styling with the Falcon that was more conservative while still recognizable Ford.  The powertrains continued with V8 power as an option, but the standard motor is the 144 CID I-6 that produced 90 horsepower through a 3-speed column-shifted manual transmission.  Also offered was panel truck versions.  The compact size was perfect for urban use and for those who needed a truck but did not need the size or ride of a truck.  Oh, and with a V8 it was a popular quasi-muscle car.





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Motormax did a great job for such a simple casting.  The turquoise color is simply gorgeous on this car and it really stands out.  The steel wheels color match with chrome center caps, white wall tires, and just right wide tires.  The front-end of the Ranchero is unique as a lot of these early '60's Ranchero's in small-scale go for the angled front-grille over the angled-and rounded grille of the early Falcon-based Ranchero's.  The chrome grille has round headlights with inner clear lenses, signal lights next to them, and a chrome bumper that raises up at the center to allow the front plate to rest.  The hood has FORD letters and a spear hood bulge.  The sides show a nice fender sweep that starts with the pointed front and ends by wrapping around the round jet-like taillights.  Also added are the Ranchero badges and detailed door handles.  Note the shape of the cab as its square and looks roomier inside than an El Camino.






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At the rear the tailgate is slanted at an angle with FORD letters, steer logo, and a chrome bumper with California plates.  The tailgate does not open, yet the bed is still useful with color-matching walls and chrome bed rail trim.  However, the slanted tailgate and the thick bedrails limit the amount of cargo that can be hauled.  The interior has a bench seat with nice pattern in the center, chrome steering wheel behind detailed gauges with  a horizontal speedometer, three pedals on the floor, dual pod dash layout with central radio controls, and detailed door panels with handles.  Open the hood to find the I-6 that is nicely detailed from the engine block to the air cleaner, the distributor and the spark plug wires, battery, coolant overflow jug, and even the structural supports.  I even added some blue to the engine block to help it stand out.  Underneath the base is simple, yet effective with all of the right details and I added to that with silver drivetrain and exhaust components and even continued the blue engine block to the oil pan.




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It's simple for detail and opening parts, but in this color it's sheer beauty.  And it's a workhorse!


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