1968 Ranchero Factory mpg rating?

[fomocogogo]

Could anyone tell me what the factory mpg, or a close estimate for the 1968 ford ranchero with the 200ci six and an auto.

thanks.

[trikar]

I don't know what the factory mpg rating was for the 200 inline 6. I get about 20-22 MPG with a 1968 Mustang Convertible with a 200 inline 6. I was going to convert it to a 351C but now with gas running close to $5.00 a gallon where I am at I think I will stick with the six.

[1114vontagen]

I don't think there are any sort of official Ford or EPA numbers. EPA ratings of mileage weren't required back then. My '67 with a 200cid 6 and a 3 speed seldom fails to give me 20 mpg on the highway. On a good day even a little more. I don't drive it over 65 mph, but I don't baby it either.
Bill von Tagen
'67 Ranchero, 66A
'59 Ranchero, 66C

[72GTVA]

Don't hold me to this but IIRC MPG estimates came out after the 1974 oil embargo. I don't think there were any "offical" numbers prior to around 1975 or so. Best I could do would be to go to the records maintained by my brother for his '68 200 CI/3 Speed Manual. We have mileage figures for that going back to 1969... (he is a nuke if your wondering why he would have records back that far...)

[trikar]

I forgot to mention that mine is a manual 3 speed. I would guess that I would be getting even better mileage if I has a 4 speed.

[GregoryM]

Notice fomocogogo specifies an automatic trans. I think it would be difficult to achieve a consistant 20 mpg at best, especially with the crappy gasoline on sale these days. JMO BTW, the EPA was creation of the Nixon administration so, CAFE standards and mpg ratings didn't exist prior to c. 1974. I doubt that Ford ever voluntarily published any mpg figures. Anyone here remember the "Mobil Economy Run"?

[BlueOvals]

Yes, fomocogogo, I'm guessing the auto trans slipage will cost you a few miles/gal. Some mods could be made to overcome this, such as manual trans switch, but doubt the cost benefit analysis would be positive. Just drive it, gently. I heard, somewhere, radio, etc., that as much as 30% overall savings can be had just by watching how you drive, anything!! GregoryM, I don't remember the Mobil Economy Run, fuzzily at best, but I do recall "trusting my car to the man who wore the star"!!! Back then we said "economy, schm-economy", since gas was essentially free, like air, and we felt it was our "birth-right" as Americans!!