On a recent visit to Calgary I came across this rather interesting customized Colt. Not sure if it was a Dodge, Plymouth or perhaps even an Eagle Vista (Canada only) but definitely a fourth generation Colt. Even a stock one of these would be a rare sight these days here but this one had been converted into a mini pickup. Steel beam bumpers with tow bar attachments and a roll bar equipped with plenty of lights in the bed gave it a rather off-road dune-buggy vibe. The grille has been replaced with a grill, a steel grate more commonly seen on a BBQ. Best of all there was a functional vertical smoke stack exhaust in the rear just like a semi-truck. You can just see a bit of exhaust plume by the lights on the roll bar. My hat goes off to the builder for making something interesting of an old beater.
Not sure what one would name this, but GM car-truck creations are usually something-amino, Fords are something-chero after the Chevrolet El Camino and Ford Ranchero respectively. Perhaps this could be Colpage after the Dodge Rampage … not sure it quite as the same ring to it though. Can anyone think of a better name?
I think it should be the “Colt Ridgling”. A ridgling is a male horse that has had part of it’s “anatomy” removed, which seems fitting to this vehicle. It’s also spelled similarly to “Ridgeline”, another pickup truck that’s a little short on testosterone. 🙂
brillant, BOC !
Btw: i see just a slight dusting of snow… was this picture taken in July?
Taken Nov 6th. We can get snow in July but only every decade so.
Given how much was cut away, maybe Colt .45?
That’s a remarkably neat job! Sort of a Mad Max compact. What if Mitsu had offered a factory version?
Those trees in the background sure look like Douglas firs…I didn’t know they grew that far north.
Some of the JDM Mirages had 4wd which would suit this ute conversion. With the cyclone engine these werent a bad little bomb theres a few survivors roaming here.
I remember the Mitsubishi-built Ram 50. Maybe this could be the Ram 10? If we are voting, I will go with Mike’s Colt 45.
COLT 45 is already taken that was a model of this car sold in Australia by Misubishi.
Some how I think this started with a case of beer, some cutting torches and power tools, and “I’ll bet I CAN!”
…and ended with, “Well…now what!?”
Not as much beer as this guy must have had! http://imgur.com/a/f56Ve#0
I used to dislike this kind of sawzall customizing, but as time has gone on, I’ve grown to like it more. It’s a combination of recycling, independence and the same drive that makes people want to make art-cars.
I bet the bugger is a blast to drive!
same here. I like it!
El Caballo?
I really wish I had the tools and metal fab skills to build something like that. I think I’d start with something with more rear overhang though…
Anybody for a long bed two-door Outback Pickup? Basically a home-built Baja, but with more bed and less cabin.
I think they probably started with about what you have.
Skill comes with practice. Metal is easy to work with, a cheap MIG welder and a JCW hammer/dolly set are a good start.
I saw an older Honda Civic (3rd-gen if I recall) that was converted in a similar fashion in Bloomington, IN about 6 years ago. I have a photo of it, back when I still used film.
I want to build something like this badly. But the limited places to
destroyplay with it legally around here make it less than logical..I guess, since it’s a Colt Ute, it has to be a … Cute!