The 1964 Ford Falcon Ranchero has long been a favorite for customizers, but few have ever reached the level of radical engineering found in this Kindig-It Design masterpiece. Featured on season 5 of Bitchin’ Rides, this truck was transformed over a ten-year period from a mere rolling chassis into a 1,200-horsepower street titan. Every inch of the vehicle has been re-imagined, from the custom-fabricated Mullins frame to the world-class “Tequila Sunrise” finish. It serves as a definitive showcase of modern hot-rodding, blending NHRA-levels of power with the fit and finish of a high-end luxury vehicle.
Tequila Sunrise and the Art of the Extended Silhouette
The visual character of this 1964 Ford Falcon Ranchero is defined by its highly modified body, which was smoothed and extended by approximately 8 inches to create a one-of-a-kind extended cab layout. The paint is a custom AkzoNobel Modern Classikk shade dubbed “Sweet and Sour,” creating a Tequila Sunrise effect that glows under any light. Unique modifications include a custom carbon-fiber hood, teardrop-shaped rear fender openings, and flush-mounted door handles. The bed serves as a mechanical gallery, housing twin turbochargers connected through body-colored piping, while the tailgate was shaved and molded into the bedside for a seamless, aerodynamic profile.
Saddle Leather Luxury and Integrated NASCAR Safety
Inside the cabin, the environment is a masterclass in bespoke comfort, featuring power-adjustable bucket seats sourced from a 2004 Mustang and wrapped in premium saddle leather. The interior panels, dashboard, and custom center console were all trimmed to match, creating a cohesive, high-end atmosphere. Safety is prioritized through a NASCAR-style Mullins Fabrication roll cage that has been cleverly integrated and painted to match the upholstery for a “hidden” look. Modern amenities like Vintage Air and Dakota Digital gauges ensure a contemporary driving experience, while Vibromat insulation under the carpet provides a refined ride that belies the monster lurking under the hood.
Jon Kaase Boss Nine Might and Twin-Turbocharged Fury
Under the carbon-fiber hood resides a 600ci “Boss Nine” V8 built by Jon Kaase Racing Engines, delivering a claimed output of 1,200 hp in a single, earth-shaking performance statement. This engine features a high-nodular cast-iron block, forged Diamond pistons, and Kaase’s legendary aluminum cylinder heads. The performance is further amplified by twin bed-mounted turbochargers and a custom-fabricated dual exhaust system recessed into the flat floor. Power is handled by an uprated two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission and a narrowed Ford 9-inch rear end. The truck rides on an adjustable AccuAir suspension with a Mustang II-style front end, ensuring it can handle the immense torque with precision.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | – Jon Kaase 600ci Boss Nine V8 – Twin Bed-Mounted Turbochargers |
| Transmission | – Two-Speed Powerglide Automatic – Custom Driveshaft / Narrowed Ford 9″ Rear |
| Chassis | – Mullins Fabrication Custom Frame – Integrated NASCAR-Style Roll Cage |
| Suspension & Brakes | – AccuAir Adjustable Air Suspension – Baer 6-Piston Calipers / Slotted Rotors |
| Wheels & Tires | – Billet Specialties Pinnacle 18″ & 20″ – Mickey Thompson Performance Tires |
A TV-Famous Landmark in the Custom Market
The market for high-end custom builds is often driven by shop pedigree, and few names carry as much weight as Kindig-It Design. This 1964 Ford Falcon Ranchero occupies a unique position as a documented “Bitchin’ Rides” feature build, giving it a level of celebrity and provenance that standard customs lack. While typical Falcon restorations compete with El Caminos, this vehicle exists in a tier alongside Ringbrothers and Roadster Shop creations. Its unique selling point is the combination of a legendary Jon Kaase powerplant and the extended-cab body modification, making it a “one-of-one” asset that is as much a piece of automotive art as it is a functional performance machine.
Engineering Integrity for a Show-Winning Life
Ownership of this Ranchero involves managing a vehicle designed for the highest level of competition and display. Because the build was completed by a premier shop, the mechanical systems, including the NASCAR-style coil packs and two-stage fuel pump, are engineered for extreme performance. The AccuAir suspension allows the driver to adjust the ride height for show fields or road travel at the touch of a button, while the rack-and-pinion steering provides modern feedback. With only 70 miles since completion, the truck is essentially in “as-built” condition, offering the next steward a turnkey entry into the elite world of Goodguys award-winners and high-end automotive collecting.
The Absolute Apex of Custom Truck Design
This 1964 Ford Falcon Ranchero is a definitive statement in what is possible when vision, budget, and talent converge. From the gleaming chrome tubular control arms to the 1,200-horsepower heart, it is a vehicle that refuses to compromise on any detail. Kindig-It Design has managed to preserve the classic Falcon spirit while pushing it into a futuristic realm of performance and luxury. It remains a crowning achievement in American custom car culture, ready to dominate show floors and drag strips alike. For the collector who demands the very best, this Ranchero is the ultimate prize.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
