The Rarest Ford Pickup Truck on Earth
In the world of pickup trucks, where countless models fill streets and trails, some elusive gems remain largely unknown. Rare models like the GMC Railroad Crew Cab, the Dodge Little Red Express, and the Chevrolet Apache command prices exceeding $50,000. However, a truly mythical truck exists: the Ford Skyranger. This custom-built unicorn from the early 1990s, with fewer than 20 units ever produced, is now a jewel in the crown of any truck collector’s collection.
This article delves into the history, design, performance, and enduring legacy that make the Ford Skyranger the rarest Ford pickup truck on earth. The information presented is sourced from manufacturers’ websites and authoritative sources like RM Sotheby’s, Hot Cars, The Ranger Station, DADMOBILE Garage’s YouTube channel, and Car & Classic.
The Birth of a Unicorn: How the Ford Skyranger Came to Be
The Ford Skyranger, like many of the rarest pickups, is exceptionally hard to find. This is due to the limited production run, the cherished status of existing models among their owners, and the mystery surrounding their current locations. But the most noticeable feature of the Skyranger is its soft top, a rarity in the pickup truck world.
Based on the 1991 Ford Ranger XLT Extended Cab, the Skyranger was Ford’s venture into open-top trucking. Ford sold XLTs to Professional Autocrafters, who then created this rare beast. Despite the innovative concept, the Skyranger didn’t gain broad appeal, resulting in a very low production run.
A Limited Run of Fewer Than 20 Ever Produced
If you’ve never seen a Ford Skyranger in person, you are not alone. Professional Autocrafters produced fewer than 20 models, with estimates placing the exact number around 17. The Skyranger was never intended for mass-market production, it was built as a specialty vehicle.
A Design That Defies Expectations: What Makes the Ford Skyranger Special
The 1991 Ford Skyranger is instantly recognizable. The signature feature is a manually retractable convertible roof. Designed by Professional Autocrafters in collaboration with Bob Kaiser, this roof folds neatly behind the seats, thanks to the Extended Cab. It is then covered by a tonneau cover, presenting a streamlined appearance.
Beyond the soft top, the Skyranger boasts custom graphics, badging, and a sporty flair with unique features that set it apart from the standard Ranger models. Custom graphics run along the side, while “Skyranger” badging is prominently displayed on the rear and sides. The Skyranger also features a custom front air dam, fog lights, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and a small rear wing above the tailgate.
The Power and Performance Credentials of the Skyranger
While the Skyranger is known for its unique aesthetics, it is still a practical pickup. The interior largely remained the same, except for possible bucket seats, additional trim accents, and a leather steering wheel, and the engine remained the same as the top-of-the-line mill available as an upgrade for standard early 1990s Ranger models.
The Skyranger is equipped with a 4.0-liter OHV, chain-driven Cologne V-6 engine.
Engine: 4.0-Liter V-6
Transmission: Five-Speed Manual
Horsepower: 155 HP
Torque: 220 LB-FT
Driveline: Four-Wheel Drive
0-60 MPH: 10-15 Seconds
Top Speed: 100-110 MPH
Towing Capacity: 4,400 LBS (1991 Ford XLT)
Payload Capacity: 1,220 LBS (1991 Ford XLT)
Even though the 0-60 MPH times aren’t what you’d call electrifying, the Skyranger wasn’t built to be a performance truck.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Pickups of the 1990s
Comparing the Skyranger to other 1990s pickups is difficult due to its uniqueness. However, in terms of performance, it is less powerful than the Chevrolet S-10 Syclone, the Dodge Dakota, or the Toyota Tacoma. The Skyranger’s towing and payload capacities are similar to the Ranger XLT.
The Pickup Collector’s Holy Grail – The Skyranger’s Legacy Today
For Ford pickup truck enthusiasts, owning a Skyranger can be considered the ultimate goal. It’s a rare piece of American trucking history. Its rarity makes obtaining one difficult and expensive. The last listing with a price was in 2008 by RM Sotheby’s, which sold for $13,200.
