ROCKIN' RAMBLER

VAUGHN GITTIN JR. GAVE THE FORD RANGER THE RTR TREATMENT FOR THIS SEMA SHOW STUNNER.

- MATT RAUDONIKIS

RTR

THE HUGE popularity of the Ford PX Ranger both in Australia and abroad has ensured the aftermarket has jumped on board with plenty of hop-ups for the 4x4 ute. Whether it’s bolt-on accessories for off-roading, cargo carrying systems, or performance and styling upgrades, there’s sure to be the right products out there for your car.

Some forward-thinking companies even offer complete customized packages for the Ranger, and the better ones even have the support of the factory. Think about what HSV and FPV used to be to Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons, which HSV continues to do with its Colorado utes, and you have an idea of how far these partnerships between the vehicle manufacturer and the aftermarket company can go.

The Ranger hasn’t had the same impact in the USA since its launch there in 2019 as it had here, and it seems Ford Performance really wanted to push the midsize ute at the SEMA Show last year with half-a-dozen tricked-up versions on the main stage in Las Vegas. The show special that caught our eye was this stunning example by the guys at RTR – Ready To Rock.

RTR Vehicles is the brainchild of leading drift racer Vaughn Gittin Jr. who, after years of successfully campaigning Ford Mustangs as drift cars, saw the need for a complete style and performance package for the iconic muscle car, with the full backing of the Ford Motor Company. The first Mustang RTRs were built in 2009 and the following year RTR and Ford joined forces to make these specially prepared vehicles available through select Ford dealerships in the USA with full factory support.