This somewhat unusual special called “The Pistol” started out life as a 1989 Ford Ranger pickup. Now it’s a whimsical one-off and is for sale here on craigslist in Tonganoxie, Kansas. The asking price for complete exclusivity is a mere $8,500. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for calling this find to our attention!
There’s a lot that’s unusual about this build, ranging from the center-hinged hood to what look like motorcycle sidebags as storage. The construction quality appears to be pretty good from what we can see in the pictures.
It looks like someone is a University of Kansas fan. Everything seems to be in nice shape, and as the seller states “one of a kind, very fun to tool around town or parade.”
At first I thought the trunk lid might be from a boat, but after looking closer I think it’s just designed that way.
Again, everything seems to be in nice shape. The little 2.3 liter four-cylinder ought to give it some pretty decent get up and go as well. Have any of you ever built a car (or rebodied one) from scratch?
Tow hitch is a nice feature!!!
Yes it is, but at shin height? I hate finding those things.
I have little confidence in the roll bar from what I can see here.
Some problem with 4″ conduit ?
I’m usually not into kit style cars but this one makes me wish I had some fun money available!
A lot of people might be surprised what they could do with some Luan and fiberglass mat. The ad has been removed so there’s no info on how this was built but check out some videos on building canoes and light weight boats, pretty straight forward and relatively simple stuff!
Yes, I’ve built and/or rebodied (fabricated) several cars from scratch (Not from kits and not by modifying an existing car – although I’ve done that too). I can tell you that if this were one of them, I sure wouldn’t want to advertise the fact. This thing is ugly with a giant capital U.
I’ve seen your work Dirk and you know your stuff when it come to proportions and build. Two things really stick out for me first he didn’t move the engine back so that the radiator shell would be more in line with the front spindles and that roll bar does nothing but look ugly and out of place. It needs a roadster windshield and a drop top. Build quality looks not to bad and it likely drives just fine but you are right Dirk it is ugly.
Yes, you are 100% right in what you say Mark, the only thing I would add is that a little more thought and effort could have gone into those flat, sheet metal fenders. Even cheap trailer fenders would have been better.
About the fenders I thought of that after I posted. In fact you could use a trailer fender as a starting point to fab a long sloping fender. I do have to give the guy credit for trying and he can learn from this one on his next one.
Some development of compound curves and proportions and this could turn out to be a lot less awkward and a lot more interesting. That grill is… words escape me.
Gotta agree with Dirk – could’ve been a lot better.
It looks like a Lotus Seven, gone wrong.
Who ever “crafted” this had the right idea with the name, insert Pistol in mouth, Pull trigger.
Simply hideous.
Someone worked long and hard to create something unique and interesting. He has my respect.
Agreed! Kudos to anyone who actually finishes a project, and shame on anyone who criticizes them for it!
I live in Tonganoxie and I have never seen it.
I live nearby (KCK) and I have never seen it. Interesting concept, and I have thought of rebodying something, but, now I have to wonder if I could do any better.
Donate that to the shriners
Flying over the dunes, driver, Steve McQueen fighting for every glorious inch of sand… stunning Faye Dunaway at his side… the legendary Meyers Manx with modified Corvair power literally defines the one-off special in fan’s imaginations.
There have been many specials both before and since. Each was more (or some, less) successful. There were the better-known Munster Coach, Batmobile and even Mannix’s convertible Toronado, and even Sonny Crockett’s Ferrari 365 GTB/Corvette, to name a tiny few.
There were the myriad lesser-known’s, too: The “Fireball 500” Barracuda, the “Chuck Porter Special”… a customized Mercedes 300SL used in “On the Beach”, and the cartoon-like creations of “Deathrace 2000” and “Mad Max”.
This creation feels more like some of the latter, than the former. Maybe it could be used in the next film starring Carrot Top, or Pauly Shore.
I think my neighbor would love it. The same guy that used a snowboard as a trunk spoiler.
As bad as it is, it is FAR better than one for sale on Craigslist here locally.
https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/cto/d/1968-olds-cutlass-rat-rod/6732564052.html
My wife thought this was a self propelled generator..
“Maw, the nephson been takin’ snorts out the product barrel ‘geen…”
The “chicken straps” won’t be much help based upon where they’re placed.