A 16-Year Masterpiece: Custom 1960 Falcon Ranchero Wins Top Award

A custom 1960 Ford Falcon Ranchero, built over more than 16 years by professional vehicle builder Adam Porrino, received the Top Radical Custom Pick-Up award at the Sacramento Autorama. The vehicle combines components from multiple 1960s Ford models and incorporates various automotive styling influences.

Project Overview and Recognition

Adam Porrino, a professional vehicle builder and painter based in California, completed the custom vehicle for his personal use. The build process spanned over 16 years, according to Porrino. The vehicle made its public debut at the Sacramento Autorama, where it was awarded the Top Radical Custom Pick-Up prize. The project was first featured in the March 2026 issue of Street Machine magazine.

"In the beginning, I was heavily into mini-trucks... But then, as my skills and tastes evolved, I started putting more custom and hot rod styling into it."

Vehicle Specifications and Modifications

The vehicle is based on a 1960 Ford Falcon Ranchero and integrates parts from 1964-66 Ford Thunderbirds and a 1966 Ford Mustang.

• The body underwent a two-inch roof chop and a body drop, lowering the vehicle's stance.
• The front fenders were welded to the body to create a one-piece front end.
• The original grille was shortened to accommodate a Thunderbird quad-headlight assembly.
• Thunderbird bodyline flares were added, and all door corners were rounded.
• Exterior features were removed or smoothed over, including door handles, windshield wipers, and factory drip rails. The fuel filler was relocated to the fuel tank.
• Additional exterior parts include a hood ornament from a 1957 Ford Fairlane, wheel skirts from a Mercury Comet, and a dash clock from a Ford Galaxie.

• A new full frame was constructed after Porrino discovered the original frame was rotted.
• The vehicle retains a unibody construction, with a new steel floor and firewall welded to the frame rails.
• The suspension utilizes Universal Air airbags. The rear features a custom two-link setup built from 1.5-inch steel tubing, with a triangulated upper wishbone. Plastic air lines run inside the suspension tubing.
• The rear wheel wells were cut out and replaced with trailer mudguards to serve as mini-tubs.

• The engine is a rebuilt 200 cubic inch Ford "Thriftpower" inline-six sourced from a 1966 Mustang. The engine was rebuilt by Wayne's Engine Rebuilding.
• It is paired with a C4 three-speed automatic transmission from the same Mustang.
• The rear differential is the stock Ranchero 7¼-inch unit. Porrino stated plans to switch to a Ford 8-inch differential and larger wheels in the future.

Porrino stated the vehicle was not built for speed or high performance, describing it as focused on "style and looks."

• The cabin incorporates Thunderbird seats, steering wheel, gauges, and center console.
• Some original Ranchero dashboard elements were retained, including the glovebox area.
• The top of the dashboard is a custom piece fabricated from the Ranchero's original rear parcel shelf.
• The headliner is made of a faux fur material referred to as 'angel hair.'

• The paint is a custom aqua color. Porrino stated he drew inspiration from cars built by customizer Richard Zocchi, attempting to match a color scheme from a 1957 Ford built by Zocchi before adding his own touches.
• The finish includes fades created with tinted base coat and House of Kolor transparent teal candy, overlaid with gold pearl.
• Linear panel graphics and subtle gold pearl ghost designs with Art Deco elements were added.
• The vehicle features variegated gold- and silver-leaf and metalflake pinstriping on the hood, roof, tailgate, and sides.

Builder Statements and Background

Porrino stated he purchased the Ranchero for $900, initially intending it as a daily driver. The discovery of significant frame rot led to the decision to build a new frame and undertake a more extensive custom project. The majority of the fabrication, bodywork, and painting was performed by Porrino at his shop, Artistic Precision.

Porrino also noted incorporating lowrider-inspired artwork into the design. He acknowledged assistance from several individuals, including Dan Porrino, Mike Ennis, Daniel Gonzalez, Dave Monnig, Jose Pena, Bernie's Custom Glass, James Stremple, Brian Langford, Eddie Guerrero, and Joey 'DJ Greengo Uno' Strege.