It’s a common misconception, but there’s no such thing as a “Ford Ranger Model TT.” This phrase actually combines two vastly different and historically distinct vehicles from Ford’s extensive truck lineage. It’s a great example of how iconic names can sometimes get intertwined in our collective memory.
Let’s clear up the confusion and appreciate the unique place each of these vehicles holds in Ford’s “Built Ford Tough” story.
The Original Workhorse: The Ford Model TT (1917-1927)
The Ford Model TT was a true pioneer. Introduced in 1917, it wasn’t a dedicated pickup truck as we know it today, but rather a robust, heavier-duty chassis built upon the revolutionary Model T car. Henry Ford saw the need for a reliable, affordable commercial vehicle, and the Model TT was his answer.
- What it was: A one-ton truck chassis, designed to carry more weight than a standard Model T car.
- Its purpose: Farmers, small businesses, and delivery services would purchase the chassis and then add their own custom truck bodies (like a flatbed, stake bed, or box).
- Its significance: The Model TT marked Ford’s official entry into the commercial vehicle market, laying the foundational groundwork for all Ford trucks that followed. It was simple, durable, and affordable, embodying the utilitarian spirit of early 20th-century America.
The Modern Mid-Size Champion: The Ford Ranger (1983-Present)
Fast forward several decades, and we arrive at the Ford Ranger. The “Ranger” name itself first appeared as a trim level on Ford’s F-Series trucks in the 1960s, but the dedicated Ford Ranger pickup truck launched in North America in 1983 as a compact pickup.
- What it is: A purpose-built, mid-size (originally compact) pickup truck with a body-on-frame construction.
- Its purpose: Designed to be more maneuverable and fuel-efficient than full-size trucks, while still offering respectable hauling and towing capabilities, making it popular for personal use, light commercial work, and off-roading.
- Its significance: The Ranger has evolved through multiple generations, becoming a global success story. It fills a crucial niche between smaller unibody trucks (like the Maverick) and larger full-size trucks (like the F-150), known for its durability and versatility on various terrains worldwide.
Why the Confusion?
The mix-up likely stems from:
- Iconic Ford Truck Names: Both “Model TT” and “Ranger” are well-known names within Ford’s history, but from vastly different eras.
- Shared Purpose (Trucks!): Both vehicles are, at their core, trucks designed for utility, even if their design philosophies and capabilities are worlds apart.
The Bottom Line
So, while you can’t find a “Ford Ranger Model TT,” you can appreciate the immense journey Ford trucks have taken. The Model TT paved the way for utilitarian vehicles, demonstrating Ford’s early commitment to the working man. The Ranger, a product of later eras, carries that legacy forward with modern engineering, proving that “Built Ford Tough” evolves with the times.
Understanding these two distinct vehicles helps us better appreciate the rich tapestry of Ford’s truck history, from its foundational beginnings to its innovative present.
