The Wildest Ford Pickup Truck You Forgot Existed: The SkyRanger
The terms “convertible” and “pickup truck” aren’t often seen together. While convertibles typically conjure images of small, sporty cars, there have been instances where builders dared to create drop-top haulers. One of the most unique examples is the Ford SkyRanger, a blend of compact pickup, tuner car aesthetics, and convertible design, embodying 1990s style. Only a small number were ever produced, and occasionally, one becomes available for purchase.
The Ford SkyRanger, a rare convertible pickup from the 1990s.
The Rise of the Sport Truck
The sport truck niche has gained popularity over the years. The concept is appealing: take a pickup, lower its stance, add custom graphics, and equip it with stylish wheels for a head-turning aesthetic. Although it sacrifices some off-roading ability, the resulting vehicle is often a striking piece of automotive art.
Sport trucks have a long history. For example, in the mid-1960s, Dodge modified its D100 pickups with racing stripes and sporty interiors. The Dodge D100 Custom Sports Special, considered by some to be the first muscle truck, serves as an early example of the sport truck. Another notable example is the Dodge Li’l Red Express, known for its powerful engine and striking appearance. Due to a legal loophole in the 1970s, the Li’l Red Express was the fastest production vehicle at the time.
A Dodge D100 from the 1960s.
The mini-truck craze of the 1980s and 1990s saw owners of compact trucks like the Ford Ranger and Dodge Dakota customize their rides extensively. These modifications included elaborate paint jobs, body kits, sound systems, custom interiors, and hydraulic suspensions. Some even converted their trucks into convertibles.
A Dodge Dakota.
The SkyRanger: A Convertible Ranger
Of all these, the SkyRanger stands out as one of the most unique. Based on the first-generation Ford Ranger, it was a compact truck aimed at buyers seeking an American-made alternative. The original Ranger, along with the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15, demonstrated America’s ability to produce appealing smaller pickups. The Ranger, introduced in 1982, sold over 232,000 units by 1985.
For some enthusiasts, the diesel-powered Ranger is the holy grail; however, the SkyRanger is even rarer.
A SkyRanger.
The SkyRanger’s creation has been attributed to the American Sunroof Company (ASC), known for convertible modifications. However, brochures and listings reveal that Professional Auto Crafters (PAC) of Livonia, Michigan, was responsible.
PAC, led by Bob Kaiser, was known for custom car modifications. Kaiser met Ron Clark, whose customized Buick inspired him to learn metalwork. Later, Kaiser and Clark established the Clarkaiser Custom Shop. PAC’s SkyRanger was designed for people who regretted not buying their dream convertibles in the past. They saw potential buyers as those who missed out on owning classic Ford Mustangs and Thunderbirds.
An advertisement for the SkyRanger.
PAC started with Ford Ranger STX extended-cab trucks and removed the roof, replacing it with a soft top. The brochure stated that the soft top was made of Haartz Stayfast cloth and featured a single-hand operation and left space for luggage or groceries. Modifications included cab reinforcements, a rear wing, and a hoop at the bed’s front to cover the convertible roof, which housed a third brake light. The SkyRanger was available in two versions: the Elite, which appeared like a standard Ranger with a chopped roof, and the GTS, which added a body kit and sporty wheels.
A brochure showcasing the features of the SkyRanger.
Although PAC didn’t advertise engine changes, Eurosport mirrors were included. Surprisingly, some production examples came with the standard chrome towing mirrors. Around 14 to 17 SkyRangers were produced.
A Skyranger at a car show.
In 2016, a SkyRanger owner stated that PAC, not ASC, built the trucks. The trucks were a privately funded project pitched to Ford as a third-party conversion, but Ford declined. PAC filed for a SkyRanger trademark in June 1989 but abandoned it in December 1991.
Finding a SkyRanger Today
One SkyRanger is currently being restored by Nick L of OIC Projects. His truck, which had significant issues upon acquisition, has been refurbished. The SkyRanger is equipped with a 4.0-liter Cologne V6 engine producing 155 HP and an automatic transmission. Nick stated that he is considering selling the SkyRanger.
The SkyRanger remains a rare and unusual piece of Ford’s automotive history, a testament to the creativity of a time when the idea of a sport truck extended to chopping the roof off a pickup.
