Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1979 1/2 commemorative model ranchero, white paint, paint job

Question
what is the difference between the 1979 & 1979 1/2 commemorative models of ranchero? thanks

Answer
I lived through that period of history as an automotive writer for several major newspapers and auto tech magazines. As such was privy to a lot of the inside workings of the automotive companies. Now that said, lets get to the 79 1/2 Ranchero. As you know the 1979 model was the last year for the sedan/pickup Ranchero. About mid year the company had a glut of the rigs sitting on dealers  lots unsold or the assembly line geared up and parts on hand to produce more unsold vehicles, so the big wigs decided on a little slight or hand if you will and introduced the 79 1/2 series. Basically it was a red and white paint job and bucket seats if my old memory serves me right. Up until that time the 1/2 model year designation had always been a new car introduced half way through the model year like Mustang in 64 or some significant improvement in the vehicle. In this case is was more marketing than anything else to get rid of inventory.