The story behind the Ford Ranger name

Ford’s Ranger is Europe’s best-selling pick-up, but the nameplate actually has its origins in the U.S. In 1949, Ford teamed up with 4x4 specialist Marmon Harrington to help create this, the Ford F1 Ranger.

This precursor to the modern SUV was actually based on a standard Ford delivery truck. A company called Seibert Co added seats in the load area, while Marmon Harrington installed the all-important 4x4 drivetrain.

Approximately 50 Ford F1 Rangers are thought to have been produced from 1949 to 1952. Only 11 are thought to exist today; this is one of only two that are known to have been restored and retains its original 85 horsepower V8 engine and four-speed automatic transmission.