1968 Ford Ranchero 428 Cobra-Jet 'Ram-Air

[Paul Ceasrine]

Thought, not to be possible,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Base-Line,,,,,,,,Ranchero
Up-Scale,,,,,,,,,,Ranchero 500
Sport-Line,,,,,,,,Ranchero GT

When introduced to the public, the biggest engine available, was the 390/325 HP package.

In 1968, a Ford Ranchero or Ranchero 500 with a 428/335 HP 'R' Code (Ram-Air), was available after April 1, 1968

A 68' Ranchero 500 with a 428/335 HP 'R' Code Ram-Air engine had a weight of #3551 lbs.
With the NHRA horsepower re-factor (355 HP), the car had a perfect weight break of 10.00, which placed it in
E/S or E/SA for 1968.
And SS/F or SS/FA for Super/Stock.

Dick Smith drove a 428/335 HP 'Q' Code (non Ram-Air) Ranchero to 'Top Stock Eliminator' Runner-Up at the 1968 AHRA Winternationals.
It was a 'dealer prepared' car, not a factory delivered car. It was specifically built for the AHRA Winternationals
(and permitted to run).
Dick Smith knocked off Bill 'Grumpy' Jenkins in his famed 68' SS396 Super Stock Camaro, in the Semi-Finals
of 'Top Stock Eliminator'
The 428 Ranchero lost in the 'Top Stock Eliminator Championship' run.

Though that 428/335 HP 'Q' Code wasn't available yet, the AHRA permitted the engine
combination in Top Stock, because Ford Reps brought paperwork to the event, showing
that all 68' intermediate Fords could have the 428 Cobra-Jet as an option, as long as the engines
were in stock at the factory.