Harrop Ford Ranger wins inaugural Custom 4x4OTY

4X4 Australia’s readers have voted, and after tallying more than 2000 votes a readers’ choice Custom 4x4OTY of 2016 has been decided.

The inaugural award has been won by Harrop Engineering’s Ford Ranger in PXII XLT skin. Melbourne’s Harrop Engineering is known for setting trends rather than following them, and this example typifies the company’s innovation.

This Ranger mimics the pre-runner or chase-truck look commonly seen on American race trucks competing at events like the Baja 100. The attention-grabbing chase rack employed on the Ranger for carrying spare wheels, tyres and tools was made by Uneek 4x4.

The Ranger wears a set of 18-inch Method Race Wheels covered in Nitto Trail Grappler rubber. MCC side steps run the length of the Ford’s side, while a low-cut bar from Rhino 4x4 resides up front.

Tough Dog supplied the springs and shocks, and a Harrop ELocker has been fitted to the front axle.

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An engine tune and the addition of a Unichip Q4 module has seen an increase in performance from the stock 3.2-litre diesel – there’s now more than 500Nm on tap at 2000rpm, where that figure was closer to 350Nm on the standard tune.

Bill McKinnon’s Toyota FJ 45 Troop Carrier was the second most popular Custom 4x4, while Andrew Cassar’s wild Nissan Y62 Patrol rounded out the top three.

With such custom vehicles on and off our roads, 2017 promises to be filled with plenty of aftermarket-enhanced goodness!

MAXTRAX PRIZE-WINNERS

Simply by voting for their favourite custom 4x4 of 2016, readers went into the draw to win one of four sets of MaxTrax, each valued at $299.99.

The lucky winners, who’ll now get de-bogged in no time, are: Regina C from WA, Millicent C from Victoria, Fred C from NSW, and David S from SA. All winners have been contacted directly.

Thanks to everyone who voted!

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