Weird Car Of The Day: 1968 Ferves Ranger

Unveiled at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, the Ferves Ranger emerged as an unusual Italian interpretation of the compact off-roader concept. Designed by Carlo Ferrari, its name originates from the acronym FERrari VEicoli Speciali (“Ferrari Special Vehicles”).

Combining features from the Fiat 500 and Fiat 600, the Ranger boasted an 18-brake horsepower rear-mounted engine from the former and the all-independent suspension of the latter. Its open-body design, featuring a foldable windscreen and removable doors, accommodated four passengers comfortably.

Available in both two- and four-wheel drive configurations, the Ranger conquered terrains inaccessible to other vehicles, aided by its exceptionally low gear ratio. Capable of operating at walking speeds, the Ranger’s versatility was unmatched. With only 600 units ever produced by Ferves, encountering one became a rarity, with fewer than 50 believed to exist today.

Source: RM Sotheby’s