The Ford Ranger Raptor is a 4 x 4 pick-up truck, described by Ford as built to perform, designed to conquer, fusing off-road capability with Ford performance. The ladder frame chassis has been re-engineered to cope with the most extreme conditions. The Raptor comes with a choice of 2 engines – the new 3.0 litre V6 EcoBoost petrol engine with two turbo chargers for increased power or a Bi-turbo 2.L EcoBlue diesel.  Its ultimate FOX live dampers means the suspension can absorb just about anything it encounters.  The exterior boasts 1233 litres of load space with an easy lift tailgate. The pick-up sports a broad front grille with the Ford lettering, daytime running lights and a front mounted tow bar. Chunky bumpers and black side steps, 17” alloy, all terrain performance wheels and ‘intelligent’ headlights also add to the image. Inside there are sports style seats, an ergonomically designed heated steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster and 360 degree camera. The 10-speed gearbox is automatic.  

The spec was the obvious choice for our latest user – Crouch Recovery, whose vehicles have featured in the Oxford range before as both support vehicles and recovery trucks.  The company has its headquarters in Kibworth, Leicestershire where they specialise in large scale rescue operations.

Against a completely black body, the many Crouch graphics are printed in orange with white dropped shadow. The back of the truck has diagonal yellow hazard markings on the tailgate and bumper, which are repeated on the front of the truck as well. The registration plate BO55 REC – a piece of wry personalisation, perhaps.