The Ferves Ranger was first unveiled at the 1966 Turin Motor Show as an unusual and distinctly Italian take on the compact off-roader. The car was designed by Carlo Ferrari, and its name is derived from the abbreviation of FERrari VEicoli Speciali (“Ferrari Special Vehicles”). The Ranger made use of a combination of elements from both the successful Fiat 500 and Fiat 600, with an 18 bhp rear-mounted engine sourced from the 500 and the all-independent suspension from the Fiat 600D. The open bodywork included a folding windscreen and doors, which are easy to remove, and the utilitarian little car could comfortably seat four passengers.
The Ranger was offered in both two- and four-wheel drive, enabling it to cover terrain which no other vehicle could hope to traverse, which was aided by a very low gear ratio. In fact, the Ranger can be driven easily at walking speeds. Ferves would go on to produce just 600 Rangers, ensuring that it would never be a common sight. In fact, it is believed that fewer than 50 such Rangers remain.
Story by RM Sotheby’s
