Posted on 10/13/2026 11:23:17 AM PDT by Red Badger
Ford has a Mustang ute sitting in its Experimental Vehicle Building. I'd much rather see it in my driveway.
Despite being a die-hard DIY type with more ongoing projects than a film studio, I’m not what you’d call a “truck guy.” I appreciate them for their capabilities, but I’ve never really felt compelled to carve out driveway space for one. I’m a bit too high on horsepower and handling chops to get excited about big, practical pickups. But a ute, like this one-off Ford Mustang with a factory-engineered bed? In the immortal words of the sultan of Hatay, I even like the color.
In fact, this machine looks suspiciously similar to a Mustang GT350 R I drove several years ago. It could very well be; prototypes and press vehicles are often consigned to the crusher after their jobs are done. By comparison, giving one to some metal shop apprentices seems like a stay of execution.
The project gave apprentices the opportunity to hone their skills on their own concept vehicle. In place of the Mustang’s rear seat and ample trunk, there’s a surprisingly large pickup bed (parts of which were lifted from a production Ranger, Ford says). The students even fashioned the rear panel of the trunk into a makeshift tailgate, which you can see open here.
(Excerpt) Read more at thedrive.com ...
|
Click here: to donate by Credit Card Or here: to donate by PayPal Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794 Thank you very much and God bless you. |
A fully optioned early 70’s Ranchero was a cool vehicle.
A few years ago I sold a bike to a kid who was driving one of those Torino Rancheros (no camper). His had a 460 engine - the fuel economy special.
It’s a trannie
Sounds cool to me. The crew cabs I’ve seen seem to have shorter beds. That’s why I like the extended cabs. The one where the back door opens backwards so I can get my golf clubs and dogs in a little easier but still have enough room for lumber and plywood. Not that I would use it for hauling lumber and plywood.
Put a foam mattress in back, removable shell cover and Bill Clinton would have bought it in the 70s and paid full price for it. I might also but would argue price.
Yup, was thinking the same thing.
A powerful Mustang with rear wheel drive and a light-ass rear end - will be hard to use all the ponies.
I’ll stick with my 26 Santa Cruz AWD.
It’s real and seats 5.
The Ranchero started big (late 50’s Fairlane platform), then got small (early ‘60s Falcon platform), then got huge (mid ‘70’s Torino platform).
The little Falcon-based Ranchero is compact and cool. Ford actually continued to produce and sell it in Argentina until the early ‘90s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Ranchero
Yes, yes, yes those models are cooler than sh*t. Drove a friend’s ‘74 Ranchero with the 460 cc engine. Love them
Yes, yes, yes those models are cooler than sh*t. Drove a friend’s ‘74 Ranchero with the 460 cc engine. Love them
My dad’s late 70s Ranchero flew. I was a lead foot (genetic), but it was kinda fun scary to drive as a 16 yo, on occasion. All engine LTD w/v8, without the weight. Plus the super swimmy Ford power steering.
Sacrilege !
Lots of folks can only afford 1 vehicle and get a car and a small trailer for hauling. I have 2 vehicles and one is a truck but I got a trailer by chance and may get a sports car to replace the truck. I’ve recently realized I don’t want to haul anything more than 100 lbs.anyway.
“My friend had a 69 SS El Camino with 4 on the floor.” Best car ever. My brother had one. 396 engine. Cragar wheels. Sweet car.
Ranchero?
get on Youtube and find the Smokestang build by Weston Chaplin..... They got a video of it pulling a big rig and trailer....
not a crew cab, and a cummins vs a DD, but still worth a watch, the man is absolutely crazy.
The ultimate Grocery-Getter!
Oh dear Lord. Carrol Shelby called them secretary cars. He was right. I bought a 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus with the T/A hood and rally spoiler, came like that out of the factory. Less than 60 made that year with the options I have. It may not be a Cobra but it’s enough to get me arrested.
-SB
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.