Want to make one of the world’s newest utes look like it’s from the 1950s? This workshop in Thailand has the answer.
A workshop in Thailand is developing a bold body kit for the new Ford Ranger ute inspired by the Ford F-100 pick-up of the 1950s.
Built by Ford between 1953 and 1956 at a rate of over 100,000 units per year, the second-generation Ford F-100 – marketed in its day as an ‘triple economy’ truck, promising to save fuel, discomfort and money – featured a high, rounded bonnet, flared arches, low headlamps and a step-side tub.
Affectionately known as the ‘Effie’, it continues to be a favourite among classic-car enthusiasts – so much so that a tuner in Thailand is seeking to create a modern interpretation of the pick-up using the new Ford Ranger as a base.
Icon Cars in Chon Buri, Thailand has shared a series of images on its Facebook page that show the development of a 1950s F-100-inspired body kit for the new Ranger.
Wide fenders showcase a step-side tub at the rear, which is connected to a new front end using some deep running boards.
The Ranger keeps its four-door cab, doors, windows, tailgate and interior tub dimensions, but the photos show it will need wider or deeper-offset wheels to fill out its new shape.
While the model shown uses foam and core flute card to mock up the new panels, Icon has also shared a series of renders for how it envisions the 70-year Ford pick-up gap to be bridged.
This isn’t the first time that Icon has reimagined the Ranger, as the company offers kits to transform the previous generation of Australia’s second-best selling vehicle into a Ford F-250 ‘Super Duty’ look-alike.
Body kits intended to make Ford Ranger utes and Everest 4WDs look like larger Ford pick-ups – using parts from the front fascias of the larger vehicles – are relatively common in Thailand.
Would you do this to your new Ford Ranger? Let us know in the comments below.
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