DISGUISED Ford prototype cars were spotted earlier this week in Mount Gambier.
The Border Watch received reports that the cars were being tested in the Limestone Coast’s sand dunes and beaches.
It is understood that the Ranger Raptor and Everest travelled from Robe, through Little Dip Conservation Park, and then to Canunda National Park.
The Ranger was a left-hand-drive and going through its final stages of testing ready for the overseas market.
The team of four engineers spent Monday evening in Mount Gambier.
Earlier this year Ford released details and images of both vehicles.
While covered in camouflaged decals, the effort to disguise the car was rather subtle given the decals had ‘Ranger’ printed on them.
Motor vehicle companies often use vaguely disguised prototypes to attract public attention in the final stages of development to build excitement about a new model car.
The new Ford Ranger is expected to go on sale mid-year and, despite pricing not being released yet, dealers have reported that deposits are already being taken for the four-wheel-drive.
Barry Maney Ford dealer principal Barry Stafford said the Ranger was designed and engineered in Australia.
“It is the most exciting launch I have ever been involved in,” Mr Stafford said.
“The forward orders for the new Ranger have been unprecedented; we have never seen such strong interest in a model in the 28 years I have been involved with Ford.”
