While the big news that everyone is reporting today is the demise of the US built Ford Ranger compact pickup truck (it will still be built and sold outside of the US in a new configuration), the bigger news for Modified Mustangs & Fords readers is the closing of the Ranger plant itself. The Twin Cities plant, opening in 1925 to build Model Ts, has been the assembly plant for many of our beloved classics, including the Fairlane, Galaxie, LTD, Country Squire wagons, Starliners, Turnpike Cruisers, Crown Vics, and even armored vehicles during WWII. In 1978 the Twin Cities plant became exclusively a truck plant, making F-series and later the Ranger compact.
Today the doors close as the last Ranger off the line leaves for its new home at Orkin pest control (one of the largest commercial buyers of the Ranger). With the closing of the doors another fine plant in Ford's history goes dark and another great vehicle falls to consumer demand. The Ranger was a great little truck and it's certainly a shame that Ford has decided to not invest/continue the production for US and Canada. Not all of us need or want an F-series. Be sure to click on the blog image for a large view of the assembly plant time line courtesy of Ford's media site.