Ferves Ranger
18 bhp, 499 cc air-cooled two-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,000 mm
The Ferves Ranger was unveiled at the 1966 Turin Motor Show as an unusual and distinctly Italian take on the compact off-roader. It was styled by Carlo Ferrari, and its name is derived from the abbreviation of FERrari VEicoli Speciali (Ferrari Special Vehicles). The Ranger utilised a combination of elements from both the successful Fiat 500 and Fiat 600, with an 18-brake horsepower rear-mounted engine sourced from the 500 and the all-independent suspension from the Fiat 600D. The open bodywork featured a folding windscreen and doors, which are easy to remove, and the utilitarian little car could comfortably seat four.
The Ranger offered 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.