Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- Ultra-rare, being one of an estimated fifty surviving examples
- Beautifully presented in very fine restored condition
- Drives really well and is in fine fettle mechanically
The Appeal
Unveiled at the 1966 Turin Motor Show by Carlo Ferrari, who in fact was no relation to Enzo et al, the Ranger was intended to be a small off-road passenger vehicle. It’s estimated that around 600 were made and here we have what is believed to be one of the 50 or so surviving examples.
With bodywork restored to a high standard and very healthy mechanicals, this is a fascinating and utterly charming little machine that won’t fail to turn heads wherever it goes.
The History and Paperwork
- Ferves is short for FERrari VEicoli Speciali
- Restored bodywork
- Registered in Italy
- We understand that it spent time in France as there is a set of French number plates along with some old French registration documents
The Interior
- Black vinyl upholstery
- Spartan and functional
- Gauges and switchgear seemingly in good order
It’s possibly more accurate to say you sit on a Ferves Ranger rather than in it. The interior is very spartan, as befits a utilitarian vehicle, with rubber matting on the floor and a singular lack of soft furnishings.
Basic vinyl seats provide space for two front passengers and a further two on the rear bench. The vinyl upholstery all appears in good order with very little wear, and the vendor informs us that it has been retrimmed.
The simple dashboard is composed of gauges set into the steel bulkhead. We understand that the instrumentation works as it should and the same can be said for the switchgear.
The Exterior
- Steel panels riveted and spot welded together
- Box section steel chassis
- Folding windscreen and canvas roof
Built upon a compact chassis fabricated from steel box section, the Ranger’s bijou bodywork is formed from sheet steel. It boasts a folding windscreen, convertible roof and suicide doors.
The vendor reports that this example’s bodywork has been restored and we can see it is in very good condition. We’re further informed that it has a new canvas roof and we note that it is in really nice shape.
All the glass elements, lights and trim pieces are in fine fettle with no damage we could discern. Shod with new tyres, the tiny four-stud wheels are in lovely order. Underneath, there isn’t so much as a hint of rust on display and we can see it has been freshly undersealed.
The Mechanics
- Fiat mechanicals
- Suspension and brake derived from the 600D
- Front axle from the Autobianchi Primula
- Steering box from the 500F
- Air-cooled 499.5cc inline two cylinder engine producing around 18bhp
- Four-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels
- Drum brakes with hand levers to lock the rears individually
- Independent rear suspension with a transverse leaf spring on the front
Based upon Fiat mechanicals, the Ranger proved a capable off-road vehicle, thanks to its low weight. It also has a very low first gear for steep ascents and the ability to brake the rear wheels individually using a pair of hand levers. This example is in fine fettle mechanically and drives immensely well as the vendor demonstrated to us.
With a twin cylinder engine producing around 18bhp, you’re not going to win any land speed records but that’s hardly the point. It proves a sprightly little vehicle that is perfect for navigating the meandering mediaeval streets of Europe.
Summary
It’s not often one of these rare machines comes up for sale. Don’t miss out on the chance to acquire an enthralling piece of Italian automotive history.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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